Notable College of Fisheries - Central Luzon State University (CF-CLSU) alumni were invited to share and celebrate their inspiring triumphs during the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Fisheries Scholarship Program (BFAR -FSP) Recognition Night as part of the 60th Fish Conservation Week celebration on September 18, 2023, at the Aberdeen Court, Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon City. In the event, the well-distinguished CF-CLSU alumni recognized by BFAR-FSP were: Dr. Lorenz J. Fajardo, Region I (Batch 2002), Associate Professor and Acting Dean of CF-CLSU; Atty. Nilo B. Consuelo, Region V (Batch 2000), Chief Aquaculturist and Division Chief of Fisheries Production and Support Services Division, BFAR Region V; Mr. Daniel V. Cabrera, Region V (Batch 2003), National Sales Manager, Santeh Feeds Corporation; Ms. Mariel C. Benigno, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) (Batch 2016), Instructor, Cavite State University (CvSU) and Fulbright Scholar, Ph.D. in Nutrition and Food Science, Louisiana State University (on-going); and Ms. Herle Mae Balderama-Reclamado, CAR (Batch 2004), former Deputy Section Manager (CPF, India) and Commercial Lab Consultant (Microl Remedies Pvt. Ltd). Moreover, Interim Scholars Association Officers, Atty. Consuelo (President) and Mr. Cabrera (Luzon Representative), took their oath of office.
These inspiring individuals are not new to being exceptional. Before becoming BFAR scholars, they were consistent honor students from their respective secondary schools and successfully topped the competitive qualifying examination given by BFAR. The BFAR-FSP is an initiative aimed at providing educational opportunities to underprivileged students across the nation to pursue a degree in Bachelor of Science in Fisheries, especially for those who are children of fisherfolks. Through the scholarship, the support from the program has become a beacon of hope for countless young minds striving to break free from the cycle of poverty.
These success stories are a source of inspiration and a testament to the importance of investing in education and empowering our youth to shape a brighter future for all. As with the BFAR motto, "Tagapagtaguyod ng Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan", the need to educate and provide opportunities for the next generation of nature keepers and fisheries resources managers is paramount in ensuring the sustainability of our oceans and the preservation of our precious marine ecosystems.
