“We are ready to work with the BFAR. Whatever help we can do to push for the development of the fisheries industry, we will do it. The seafood industry is one of the pillars of the region and we will do everything to support and develop it,” Pulido-Ocampo said.

Gemma Libunao, officer in charge of BFAR-Region 2 Fisheries Postharvest and Marketing Division, said their partnership with the DTI includes programs, projects and activities such as fisheries resource management, capture fisheries, aquaculture, post-harvest, market development and support services.

Cheyserr Garcis, officer in charge of BFAR-Region 2 Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, said they have been focusing on certain fishery commodities like tilapia and aramang.

The DTI Region 2 and the BFAR Region 2 said it is all systems go for both agencies in their partnership to also promote investment opportunities and other relevant interventions for the aquaculture prospects of the region.

“The team also agreed to schedule a follow-through to lay down the appropriate plans of the region in line with the fishery and aquaculture roadmaps, investment promotion, MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) development and consumer protection in the region,” both agencies said.