PASAY CITY – The FISHCORExhibit of Artworks: Raising Awareness on Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Art Competition officially opened at the Museo ng Sining, GSIS, Pasay City, on May 28, 2025.
The exhibit, which was spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, showcases the creativity and advocacy of 11 regional participants from various Fisheries Management Areas (FMAs), particularly FMAs 6 and 9. It includes representatives from the Cordillera Administrative Region, National Capital Region, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and CARAGA Region.
As part of the Month of the Ocean celebration, the FISHCORExhibit emphasizes the role of art in raising awareness about coastal resiliency, sustainable fisheries, and the importance of community action against domestic waste which is a growing threat to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
In a statement, DA-BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig highlighted how the FishCoRe Project collaborates with local communities to address the threat of waste pollution.
“While often hidden in plain sight, improperly managed household waste continues to silently and severely harm our coastal waters. These materials make their way from our homes to our rivers and seas, damaging habitats, threatening biodiversity, and affecting the livelihoods of our fishing communities. But rather than turning away from this harsh reality, the FishCoRe Project sought to confront it creatively through the power of art,” he said.
In a video message, Ms. Mariglo Rosaida Laririt, Assistant Director of the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau, emphasized the urgent call to action for the protection of our oceans.
“Through this FISHCORExhibit, we are not only raising awareness but also aiming to foster a deeper connection, inspire empathy, and ignite a collective sense of responsibility that will hopefully lead to tangible action,” she said.
The artworks were evaluated based on four key criteria: creativity and originality, form and style, impact, and durability. The panel of judges included distinguished faculty from the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Fine Arts, namely Assistant Professor Marco Ruben Malto II and Associate Professor Jamel Joseph Obnamia, along with Jenzon Lopez, a creative arts specialist, and Charlen Alvarez, a project evaluation officer from the DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau. Their combined expertise ensured a comprehensive assessment of each piece, emphasizing both artistic innovation and lasting impact.
This year’s grand champion, Charles BJ Maaño from the CARAGA Region, won with his masterpiece titled “Hapag-kainan”. He shared how he drew inspiration from the dedication and hard work of the fisherfolk of Butuan City.
“While I was gathering nets, I saw their hard work and dedication. At the same time, they were with their families, and they used fishing not only to feed their own families but also to provide for the coastal communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Julian Gabriel Trinidad’s “Sa Daloy ng Perlas” from the Cordillera Administrative Region, and Antonio Pacuan Jr.’s “Waves of Change: A Journey to Marine Restoration” from the National Capital Region won second and first runner-up, respectively.
The winners received cash prizes, plaques, and certificates: Php 40,000 for the grand champion, Php 30,000 for second place, and Php 20,000 for third place.
This initiative is part of the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, which aims to contribute to improved food security and strengthen the resilience of ecosystems and communities. By merging science, environmental advocacy, and creative expression, the exhibit calls on the public to protect marine resources and take action for a cleaner and healthier ocean.
The exhibit will run until May 29, 2025, and is open to the public.
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