The month of May marks another significant event for the fisheries sector as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) - Bicol installs Mr. Marco C. Visperas of Aroroy, Masbate as its 5th Fisherfolk Regional Director (FRD).
The formal installation and turn-over of the ceremonial key was held at BFAR Regional Office, San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur on May 11, 2009.
BFAR OIC-Regional Director Dennis V. Del Soccoro graciously turned-over the symbolic key to Mr. Visperas as witnessed by BFAR employees and fisherfolk leaders.
Prior to this, the National and Regional Fisherfolk Directors had an oath-taking ceremony with BFAR Assistant National Director Gil Adora on May 4, 2009 at Cagayan de Oro City.
The assumption of a fisherfolk to become BFAR's National and Regional Directors for the entire month of May of every year is mandated by Special Order No. 88, Series of 2005 signed by Secretary Arthur C. Yap of the Department of Agriculture.
This aims to further "dramatize and popularize the fisherfolk empowerment and participation as government partners," and was dubbed "Mangingisdang Direktor para sa mas Matatag na Balikatan."
Already on its 5th run, the program has seen fisherfolk leaders assuming the task of a BFAR Director in the implementation and dissemination of the key programs of the agency.
The Special Order also mentions that the fisherfolk director is limited to non-policy determining activities which should not in any way affect the government accounting rules and procedures as well as the civil service rules and regulations governing regular government employees.
The National and Regional Fisherfolk Directors were elected by their fellow fisherfolk leaders in a fisherfolk assembly facilitated by BFAR.
They shall serve for a term of one month from May 1 to 31 and in order to give other fisherfolk leaders the opportunity to experience the program, there shall be no repeat in the tenure until the rest of the other leaders have done so.
The 2009 FRD Marco "Coco" Visperas is concurrently the provincial fisherfolk representative of Masbate.
Previous Fisherfolk Directors from 2005 to 2009 respectively were Arnel Boholst of Bacacay, Albay; Moises Baral of San Fernando, Camarines Sur; Nestor Plofino of Pasacao, Camarines Sur; and Roy Ladea of Mercedes, Camarines Norte.
In his acceptance speech, "Coco" mentioned that the occasion was "a lifetime achievement" for him and that his simple goal at BFAR is to better understand the different sections in the Bureau and the workings of each.
The humble FRD also said that he plans to visit the different offices, sections and facilities of BFAR-Bicol.
He admitted that he needs assistance because he is not familiar in office works being a mere fisherman who is more familiar with a boat paddle.
He wanted to make this event a rich learning experience. As a lay minister, he also emphasized the need to care for humanity and the environment as God's steward. (r.v.bueza/rcanabe)