ALABEL, SARANGANI PROVINCE β The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 12 officially installed Mr. Rodrigo G. Panes as the 2025 Mangingisdang Direktor during an oath-taking and installation ceremony held on May 5, 2025, in Alabel, Sarangani Province. The event was spearheaded by the Regional Fisheries Training and Coordination Division (RFTFCD) of BFAR 12.
Ms. Giselle C. Gestupa, MPA, Municipal Agriculturist of Alabel, delivered the opening remarks. βWe are overjoyed to have a Mangingisdang Direktor from our own,β she shared, expressing gratitude to BFAR for its continued support. βThrough BFAR, we apply the technologies they teach us to help address production gaps.β Representing the Local Government Unit of Alabel, she extended a warm welcome to all guests and participants.
BFAR 12 Regional Director Usop D. Pendaliday, Jr. administered the oath of office to Director Panes, formally marking the start of his term.
A key highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic turnover of the Key of Responsibilities. Outgoing 2024 Mangingisdang Direktor Rainer M. Cachero personally handed over the role to his successor and later he was honored with a plaque of appreciation for his outstanding efforts in promoting BFARβs programs and serving the fisheries sector with dedication last year.
In his inaugural address, Director Panes vowed to pursue unaccomplished initiatives and build on the gains of his predecessor. βWe will strive to accomplish what hasn’t been done within 2025,β he declared. He also credited his prior experience as Chairperson of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC) Alavel for paving the way to his designation. βBecoming part of FARMC was truly the bridge that led me hereβ, he said.
In closing, Pendaliday mentioned that the installation ceremony is part of the ongoing celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolk Month, emphasizing the indispensable role of fisherfolk in ensuring national food security. He underscored that the Mangingisdang Direktor program is designed to empower grassroots leaders, foster stronger government-community partnership, combat poverty, and protect food sources.
Pendaliday also warmly welcomed Director Panes into his new role, reaffirmed BFARβs full support, and expressed optimism for the planned month-long activities.
The ceremony was graced by key players in the fisheries sector, including Fisheries Coordinators from Sarangani Province, members of the Alabel Deputized Fish Wardens Association, Mr. Panesβs family, representatives from LGU Alabel and BFAR 12, former Mangingisdang Direktors of Region 12, and Chairpersons of various FARMCs in Region12.
