Outgoing Regional Director Usop D. Pendaliday Jr. formally handed over the responsibilities of office to the new Officer-in-Charge, Eugene M. Casas, today, March 31, 2026, in General Santos City.

BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig graced the event to witness the transition and address the attendees. The significant occasion celebrated past achievements and marked a renewed commitment to serve local fisherfolk and the broader fishing industry.

During his farewell address, outgoing Regional Director Pendaliday Jr. expressed deep gratitude to his dedicated BFAR 12 family, partner government agencies, and industry stakeholders. He highlighted as part of his legacy the successful establishment of the new BFAR 12 laboratory and satellite office. Furthermore, Pendaliday encouraged the region to expand its horizons beyond its identity as the Tuna Capital by developing other high-potential commodities such as catfish, tilapia, and other emerging species.

Embracing his new role, OIC Regional Director Eugene M. Casas expressed profound gratitude to Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. for his trust and confidence. Casas pledged to uphold BFAR’s mission by protecting aquatic resources and improving the livelihoods of local fisherfolk. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he emphasized that overcoming these will require the collaborative efforts of public servants, coastal communities, and industry partners.

Representatives from the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, including Marfenio “Marfin” Y. Tan and Kenrick Teng, welcomed the new leadership and reaffirmed their support for the agency. They emphasized the importance of sustained public-private collaboration to address key industry concerns, such as rising fuel costs and climate-related shifts in tuna migration.

National Director Elizer S. Salilig also acknowledged the broader challenges posed by the global fuel situation and expressed hope for timely resolutions to mitigate its impact on the fisheries sector.

The turnover ceremony reaffirmed BFAR 12’s commitment to leadership continuity, strengthened partnerships, and sustained efforts toward building a resilient and inclusive fisheries sector for the communities it serves.

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