LINGAYEN, Philippines - – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has conferred to Pangasinan a precedent-setting recognition for the provincial government’s highly successful program meant to restore the “beauty and bounty†of river networks.
The citation, given last Friday, makes Pangasinan the only province in the country to be recognized by BFAR for its “Ilog Ko, Bilayen tan Aroen Ko†project, which has significantly contributed to the protection, conservation and sustainable development of the fisheries industry.
“As our partner, we recognized your essential role in rallying for the conservation and sustainability of fisheries and aquatic resources in the country,†BFAR director Asis Perez said in his letter to Gov. Amado Espino Jr. Provincial agriculturist Dalisay Moya said Espino launched the “Ilog Ko, Bilayen tan Aroen Ko†project in 2008 to revive rivers and other waterways in the province.