CAVITE, PHILIPPINES - In a magnificent showcase of environmental stewardship and exceptional local governance, the City of Bacoor has once again stamped its authority on the national stage, taking home two prestigious national accolades from the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR). The honors were officially conferred at the Gawad Parangal sa mga Kabalikat ng Pangisdaan at Yamang-Tubig held at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City, coinciding with the 63rd Fish Conservation Week.
Honoring Innovative Aquatic Leadership
This year's national movement centered around a powerful theme: "Lusay, Korales, at Bakawan: Yaman ng Karagatan, Masaganang Buhay ng Pamayanan!" (Seagrass, Corals, and Mangroves: Wealth of the Ocean, Abundant Life for the Community!). The Gawad Pasasalamat category stands as a pillar of BFAR's annual recognition system, intentionally designed to applaud standout stakeholders who have demonstrated relentless devotion to the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of the country's marine ecosystems. This year, BFAR Philippines lauded two cornerstone institutions from Cavite: the Office of the Agricultural Services (OAS) - Bacoor, under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge Mr. Allan G. Chua, and the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC) - Bacoor, guided by Chairperson Mr. Rogelio Dominguez. Both bodies were highly praised for introducing modern, high-impact programs and services that directly enhanced the livelihood of fisherfolk along the coastlines of Bacoor and the expansive Manila Bay.
A Legacy of Excellence on the Coastline
This twin victory is far from a flash in the pan for the city. Bacoor has consistently maintained an aggressive, award-winning approach to marine preservation over the last decade. In 2019, the city secured the Gawad Pagkilala for its trailblazing Longline Mussel Culture Modernization Initiative. In 2024, Bacoor brought home a dual Gawad Pasasalamat sweepโone for the Task Force Bantay Dagat for achieving zero dynamite fishing and mitigating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF), and another individual award for Joshua Francoise Clark Ener R. Villaluz, RFP, for steering the city to a 100% perfect score in the DILG-Fisheries Compliance Audit. This latest recognition follows the city's successful completion of the National Validation for the DILG-Fisheries Compliance Audit in September 2026, which highlighted Bacoor's high level of governance and strict adherence to laws concerning fisheries and coastal resource management.
Empowering the Bacooreรฑo Community
By fostering tight integration between local authorities, modern marine technologists, and grassroots fisherfolk, Bacoor has created a sustainable blueprint for coastal management that other local government units across the country look to emulate. This latest triumph belongs entirely to the local fishermen and conservation teams whose daily dedication ensures that Bacoor's rich aquatic heritage continues to feed, sustain, and give life to future generations of Bacooreรฑos.
