The Philippines' Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Filipino: Kawanihan ng Pangisdaan at Yamang-tubig,[2] abbreviated as BFAR), is an agency of the Philippine government under the Department of Agriculture responsible for the development, improvement, law enforcement, management and conservation of the Philippines' fisheries and aquatic resources.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) started as a small agency in 1901 under the name Bureau of Government Laboratories, Department of Interior of the Philippine Commission. When the Civil Government was established on July 4, 1901, the Philippine Commission proposed the creation of an office under the Department of Interior to take charge of the conservation, promotion and development of the country's fishery resources. This was not carried out, due to limited funds. The Secretary of the Interior, Dean Conant Worcester, continued to stir interest in the development of fisheries and, finally, in 1907, studies in fisheries began following the arrangement made by the Secretary of Interior for the services of the United States Fish Commission fisheries research vessel USSAlbatross to work in Philippine waters for 18 months, and the employment of an American fisheries specialist in the Bureau of Science, to take charge of all work pertaining to fisheries.[3] Considerable advances in the taxonomy of fish in the Philippines and documentation of fishing methods were made by Albert William Herre who served as the chief fishery officer in the Bureau of Science from 1919 to 1928.
On January 1, 1933, by virtue of General Memorandum Order No. 4 dated December 5, 1932, of the Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce, the Division of Fisheries and Division of Zoology of the Bureau of Science together with the Division of Forest Fauna and Grazing of the Bureau of Forestry were fused into one special division known as the Fish and Game Administration, which was placed under the direct administrative jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture and Commerce. Under this arrangement, the Fish and Game Administration operated under the provisions of the Fisheries Act (Act No. 4003) and Act No. 2590, entitled "An Act for the Protection of Game and Fish." By subsequent reorganization effected on September 27, 1934, the Fish and Game Administration was returned to the Bureau of Science. The reason for its return was to strengthen the office through the use of equipment, personnel and appropriation of the Bureau.
On July 1, 1941, under the provisions of General Administrative Order No. 15, the Fish and Game Administration was reorganized as an independent unit under the Department of Agriculture and Commerce and renamed the Division of Fisheries. The functions pertaining to forest fauna and grazing was returned to the Bureau of Forestry and those of the Division of Zoology to the Bureau of Science.
The Divisions of Fisheries as a special division under the Department of Agriculture and Commerce functioned up to the outbreak of the war in 1941. During the early days of World War II, the Division of Fisheries was fused with the Bureau of Forestry and then known as the Bureau of Forestry and Fishery. In the latter part of Japanese occupation, however, the Division of Fisheries was converted into an independent office known as the Bureau of Fisheries.
Taking cognizance of the increasing importance of effectively administering and conserving fisheries and other aquatic resources and in efforts to rehabilitate the devastated economy brought upon by World War II, the Congress of the Philippines enacted Republic Act No. 177 creating the present Bureau of Fisheries, which took effect on July 1, 1947. The Division of Fisheries and all sections, field districts, experimental stations and all activities and agencies of the National Government connected with fishery work have been incorporated in the Bureau of Fisheries.
As organized on July 1, 1947, the Bureau of Fisheries had seven functional divisions, namely, (1) Administrative Division, (2) Division of Fish Culture and Fisheries Biology,(3) Division of Commercial Fisheries, (4) Division of Fisheries Technology, (5) Division of Licenses and Regulations, (6) Division of Investigation and Inspection, and (7) Philippine Institute of Fisheries Technology offering a 2½ year course in fisheries on collegiate level. Subsequently, branches of this Institute offering a 4-year secondary course in fisheries were established in the following seven provinces: Samar, Cebu, Albay, Iloilo, Zamboanga City, Antique and Batangas.
The entire Philippines was divided into 10 fishery districts with a District Fishery Officer as head of each District. The headquarters of the fishery districts were located in strategic places in the different fishing regions as follows; Fishery District No. 1-Aparri, Cagayan; 2-Dagupan, 3-Manila; 4-Naga City; 5-Catbalogan; 6-Iloilo City; 7-Coron, Palawan; 8-Cebu City; 9-Davao City and 10-Zamboanga City.
Under the reorganization Plan No. 30-A reorganizing the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources as implemented by Executive Order No. 216, dated November 17, 1956, the Bureau of Fisheries was reorganized again effective January 16, 1957 such that functional divisions of the Bureau had been reduced from seven to five, namely, (1) Licenses and Regulations Divisions; (2) Marine Fisheries Division; (3) Fisheries Research Division; (4) Inland Fisheries Division; and (5) Administrative Services Division.
BFAR Asian Fisheries Academy at the National Fisheries Development Center, Bonuan Binloc, Dagupan – June 5, 2013Multi-Species Fish and Invertebrate Breeding and Hatchery, (Oceanographic Marine Laboratory in Alaminos) Lucap, Alaminos, Pangasinan, Philippines, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Regional Mariculture Technodemo Center (RMaTDeC) – April 20, 2011.Alaminos Regional Mariculture Technodemo Center (RMaTDeC) – April 20, 2011
The Philippine Institute of Fisheries Technology had been transferred to the University of the Philippines. The seven secondary schools of fisheries in the provinces previously mentioned had been transferred to the Department of Education under the administration of the Bureau of Public Schools. On March 20, 1963, R. A. 3512 reorganized the Bureau into the Philippine Fisheries Commission. And on September 30, 1972, under the Integrated Reorganization Plan, the Philippine Fisheries Commission was reverted to the Bureau of Fisheries. By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 461 signed on May 17, 1974, which reorganized the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Natural Resources, the Philippine Fisheries Commission was renamed Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and placed under the Ministry of Natural Resources.
On June 30, 1984, BFAR was transferred from the Ministry of Natural Resources to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, in compliance with Executive Order 967 mandating the conversion of BFAR as a staff Bureau and integrating its Regional Offices with the Regional Offices of the Department of Agriculture. The staff functions of the Central Office and the integration of BFAR's Regional Offices into Regional Offices of the Department of Agriculture was fully implemented with the issuance of Executive Order 116 signed by President on January 30, 1987.
On February 25, 1998 President Fidel V. Ramos signed into law Republic Act No. 8550, entitled, "An Act Providing For the Development, Management and Conservation of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Integrating all laws pertinent thereto and for other purposes", otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998. This law took effect on March 23, 1998.
On April 18, 2024, the Ombudsman of the PhilippinesSamuel Martires, in a 23-page decision dated February 5, dismissed BFAR National Director Demosthenes R. Escoto for grave misconduct, based on the complaint filed by Atty. James Victoriano, in the award of the P2.1-billion contract to SRT-United Kingdom for the purchase of 5,000 units of transmitters and transceivers for catcher’s vessels. Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. designated Isidro M. Velayo, Jr. MDM as Officer in Charge. However, the concerned employees of the DA-BFAR express support for Escoto, who can still appeal the dismissal with the Court of Appeals.[4][5]
Current organization
Cessna 208B Caravan Patrol Aircraft of the Philippine BFAR
After undergoing series of reorganizations, the BFAR today has nine (9) functional divisions: the Fisheries Policy Research and Economics Division, Fishery Resources Administration Division, Fisheries Development and Support Services Division, Aquaculture Division, Fisheries Resources Research Division, EEZ Fisheries and Allied Services Division, Fishing Technology Division, Fisheries Regulation and Quarantine Division, and Post Harvest Technology Division. It also has eight (8) fisheries technology center under its wing: The National Marine Fisheries Development Center, National Brackishwater Aquaculture Technology Research Center, National Freshwater Fisheries Technology Research Center, Tanay Freshwater Experimental Station, Fisheries Biological Station Complex, National Fisheries Research and Development Center, National Seaweeds Technology and Development Center and the Mindanao Freshwater Fisheries Technology Center.
12 ships are set to be built by Josefa Slipway using a 30-meter long design from Incat Crowther. 7 ships were completed, while 4 more ships were launched in July 2024 and 1 ship is currently under construction.
Rodman 101
Patrol boat
DA BFAR MCS-3001 DA BFAR MCS-3002 DA BFAR MCS-3003 DA BFAR MCS-3004 DA BFAR MCS-3005 DA BFAR MCS-3006 DA BFAR MCS-3007 DA BFAR MCS-3008 DA BFAR MCS-3009 DA BFAR MCS-3011
11-meter long patrol boats built by Rodman Polyboats of Spain. 4 delivered between 2003–2004.
BFAR MMOV 5002 BRP FRANCISCO DAGOHOY BFAR BRP DATU CABAYLO CLASSRodman 101 DA BFAR MCS-3001
Related Research Articles
Cagayan Valley, designated as Region II, is an administrative region in the Philippines. Located in the northeastern section of Luzon, it is composed of five Philippine provinces: Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. The region hosts four chartered cities: Cauayan, Ilagan, Santiago, and Tuguegarao.
Executive departments are the largest component of the executive branch of the government of the Philippines. These departments comprise the largest part of the country's bureaucracy.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration is the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) agency of the Philippines mandated to provide protection against natural calamities and to ensure the safety, well-being and economic security of all the people, and for the promotion of national progress by undertaking scientific and technological services in meteorology, hydrology, climatology, astronomy and other geophysical sciences. Created on December 8, 1972, by reorganizing the Weather Bureau, PAGASA now serves as one of the Scientific and Technological Services Institutes of the Department of Science and Technology.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, abbreviated as DENR, is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the conservation, management, development, and proper use of the country’s environment in natural resources, specifically forest and grazing lands, mineral resources, including those in reservation and watershed areas, and lands of the public domain, as well as the licensing and regulation of all natural resources as may be provided for by law in order to ensure equitable sharing of the benefits derived therefrom for the welfare of the present and future generations of Filipinos.
Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is a government corporate entity attached to the Department of Agriculture created through Executive Order 1061 on November 5, 1985 to help develop high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies for farmers.
The Department of Agriculture is the executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the promotion of agricultural and fisheries development and growth. It has its headquarters at Elliptical Road corner Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
The Philippines' Agricultural Training Institute, is an agency of the Philippine government under the Department of Agriculture responsible for training agricultural extension workers and their clientele; conducting multi-level training programs to promote and accelerate rural development; and ensuring that research results are communicated to the farmers through appropriate training and extension activities.
The Philippines' Bureau of Soils and Water Management, is an agency of the Philippine government under the Department of Agriculture responsible for advising and rendering assistance on matters relative to the utilization of soils and water as vital agricultural resources.
Science and technology in the Philippines describes scientific and technological progress made by the Philippines and analyses related policy issues. The main agency responsible for managing science and technology (S&T) is the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). There are also sectoral councils for Forestry, Agriculture and Aquaculture, the Metal Industry, Nuclear Research, Food and Nutrition, Health, Meteorology, Volcanology and Seismology.
The University of the Philippines Visayas is a public research university in Iloilo, Philippines. A constituent university of the University of the Philippines system, it teaches management, accountancy, marketing, economics, chemistry, applied mathematics and physics, marine science education and research, fisheries, and aquaculture. It offers regional studies programs on the preservation and enrichment of the Visayan cultural heritage.
Visayas State University is a university located in the city of Baybay, Leyte, Philippines. The five-campus VSU has eight colleges, three institutes and one school. Located on the main campus are the College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Engineering and Technology, College of Education, College of Forestry and Environmental Science, College of Arts and Science, College of Nursing, College of Management and Economics, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Institute of Strategic Research and Development Studies, Institute of Tropical Ecology and Environmental Management, Institute of Human Kinetics, and the Graduate School and Special Programs.
Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) is a state college in Zamboanga City, Philippines. It is the only school in Western Mindanao that offers courses in marine studies and fisheries. It is located at the heart of Zamboanga City, alongside the Fort Pilar shrine.
The UPLB Limnological Research Station traces its root from the Department of Entomology, of the then UP College of Agriculture. Since its conception, the station contributed immensely to the understanding of the bounties of Laguna de Bay and helped establish the duck farming industry on Los Baňos foreshores and pioneered in aquarium fish production in the country. It serves as the base for studies on limnology and biology of aquatic organisms aimed at developing strategies for the optimum utilization and sustained production of aquatic resources; developing, adapting or improving conventional technologies used to increase fish production; and promoting environment friendly approaches for effective water management.
Davao del Norte State College is a public college in New Visayas, Panabo, Philippines, that provides instruction and progressive leadership in education, engineering, arts, sciences, fisheries, and other fields.
Mudjekeewis Dalisay Santos is a Filipino fisheries scientist and marine biologist at the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI). He was the first Career Scientist to have been conferred the Scientist V rank by the Scientific Career System. In July 2018, he was elected and conferred as an academician member of the National Academy of Science and Technology of the Philippines (NAST-PHL). He is also the president of the Philippine Society in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology since 2022. His fields of interest in fisheries science are genetics, resource assessment, aquatic biodiversity, biotechnology, climate change adaptation, and policy.
Fisheries in the Philippines consist of both capture fisheries and aquaculture. The Philippines is an archipelagic country with a large coastal population. In many areas, communities rely heavily on fisheries for subsistence and livelihoods. Both capture fisheries and aquaculture occur inland and at sea, producing various fish, shellfish, other invertebrates, and seaweed.
The municipal fisheries in the Philippines are the Philippine fisheries that fall under the jurisdiction of local governments, namely cities and municipalities. This includes all fisheries on inland waters, and in waters within 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) of the coast. While the term may technically include aquaculture activities, it is usually used to discuss capture fisheries. Municipal fisheries are restricted to boats of 3 gross tonnes or smaller, and commercial fishing vessels are generally prohibited from fishing in these waters.
Commercial fisheries in the Philippines are the fisheries located more than 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the coast, which are generally fished with boats larger than 3 gross tons. Commercial fishing occurs throughout the country, targeting both large and small pelagic species, especially tuna and sardines, as well as demersal species.
Fisheries in the Philippines have played an important role in the livelihoods of people in the archipelago throughout recorded history. Fishing is present within traditional folklore and continues to play an important role in modern livelihoods in the Philippines, both for sustenance and for commercial activities. Early coastal communities likely fished both for sustenance and for trade. Fisheries resources would have fallen under the control of local leaders. In addition to capture fishing, some communities also practiced aquaculture, farming milkfish in brackish coastal fish ponds. Spanish rule saw control over resources shift to central authorities, however, there was little actual management.
Westly R. Rosario (1985). "Transfer of Fish Culture Technology in Central Luzon, Philippines". In Ian R. Smith; Enriqueta B. Torres; Elvira O. Tan (eds.). Philippine Tilapia Economics(PDF). Philippine Council for Agriculture and Resources Research and Development. pp.174–179. ISBN971-1022-18-4. ISSN0115-4435.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
