30/05/2026
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๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐๐จ๐๐ ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐๐
LOBO, BATANGAS โ The Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project successfully concluded the FISHCORExhibit of Artworks: Raising Awareness on Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Art Competition, recognizing the creativity and advocacy of Filipina artists from 11 project-covered regions during the national awarding ceremony on May 28, 2026.
In celebration of the Month of the Ocean, the competition gathered talented Filipinas from Fisheries Management Areas (FMA) 6 and 9 to showcase sculptures inspired by fisheries, coastal resilience, and food security. Through art, participants highlighted the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and strengthening community awareness on sustainable coastal management.
Emerging as this yearโs national champion was Rona May Forinas from Central Visayas, whose artwork best embodied the competitionโs theme and impressed the panel of judges with its creativity, craftsmanship, impact, and durability.
Her piece pays tribute to the strength and resilience of men and women in coastal communities as she believes that the everyday actions of individuals serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect the seas for future generations.
Caraga pride Aime Claudine Neri-Espina and National Capital Region pride Myth Aera Lambot won first and second runner-up respectively. The FishCoRe Project also encouraged public participation through the Social Media Choice Award, allowing online communities to support and celebrate their favorite artworks.
The national judging was conducted on May 27, 2026 at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Conference Room in Quezon City. Esteemed judges from the arts and museum sector evaluated the entries, including:
โ Assist. Prof. Paul AR Quiano, UP College of Fine Arts
โ Assoc. Prof. Jose Manuel Sicat, UP College of Fine Arts
โ Mr. Ryanorlie B. Abeledo, Chief Administrative Officer, Exhibition, Editorial, and Media Production Services Division of the National Museum of the Philippines
โ Assist. Prof. Mary Christie D. Que, LPT MS, Dean, UST College of Fine Arts and Design
โ Assist. Prof. Pedro Felix G. Garcia II, Chair of Painting Program, UST College of Fine Arts and Design
Each sculpture was evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Creativity & Originality โ Unique and inventive concepts and ex*****on
2. Form & Style โ Mastery and finesse in sculpting techniques
3. Artwork Impact โ Overall impression and effectiveness in conveying the theme
4. Durability โ Strength and resilience to withstand handling, shipping, and display
This yearโs competition exclusively featured Filipina participants, as the activity was originally part of the first-ever Women FiSHEr Congress. The Congress was later rescheduled to September following Memorandum Circular 114 from the Office of the President, which directed all government agencies and instrumentalities to implement stricter energy conservation measures, including a 10โ20% reduction in electricity and fuel consumption. # # #
