ILOILO – The Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) of Ajuy town has secured a spot among the top three national finalists in the 2025 Gawad Saka Awards under the Institutions II Category, a prestigious recognition by the Department of Agriculture (DA) that honors exemplary efforts in fisheries and aquatic resource governance.
Ajuy’s recognition was formally conferred during the awarding ceremony of the 50th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda held on May 26 at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City. Receiving the award were Ajuy’s elected officials, joined by DA Region 6 regional executive director Dennis Arpia and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 6 director Remia Aparri. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. led the recognition of national finalists.
Ajuy’s MFARMC stood out for its strong community-based governance in fisheries, innovative policies promoting marine conservation, and sustained efforts in managing coastal ecosystems. The council has taken a leading role in protecting Ajuy’s extensive marine resources, which include coral reefs, seagrass beds, and centuries-old mangrove forests—among the most diverse and abundant in the country.
One of its key contributions lies in its effective oversight of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with active involvement in planning, implementation, and monitoring. These efforts have helped balance ecological preservation with the socio-economic welfare of local fisherfolk.
The council’s continuous advocacy and policy work have enhanced grassroots participation and improved compliance with sustainable fishing practices. Its integrated approach has made Ajuy a model for other local government units seeking to empower coastal communities through participatory resource management.
Ajuy, a first-class coastal municipality with a population of over 47,000 across 34 barangays — 18 of which are coastal — boasts 33,474 hectares of municipal waters and a 74.83-kilometer coastline, ranking as the third-largest fishing ground in northern Iloilo.
The Gawad Saka Awards, now on its 50th year, is the DA’s highest annual tribute to individuals and organizations that exhibit excellence and innovation in agriculture and fisheries. This year’s theme is aligned with the vision of a “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas”, highlighting the role of local champions like Ajuy in advancing food security and rural development./PN
