CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro โ In a decisive push toward science-driven fisheries governance, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Fisheries Office – MIMAROPA on February 17, 2026 broke ground for its Regional Fisheries Integrated Laboratory in Sapul, signaling a major investment in biosecurity and sustainable aquaculture.
Held behind the BFAR MIMAROPA regional office, the ceremony gathered national and regional officials, employees, and partners for what leaders described as a landmark infrastructure project for the region.
Mr. Roberto R. Abrera, OIC – Regional Director of BFAR MIMAROPA, opened the program by expressing his gratitude to the BFAR MIMAROPA employees behind the successful facilitation of the said event.
The project overview was delivered by Master of Ceremony, Mr. Stephen C. Advincula of the Fisheries Management, Regulatory and Enforcement Division (FMRED), outlining the scope of the four-storey, 600-square-meter facility that will soon rise within the regional compound.
Bongabong Mayor Mr. Elegio Malaluan, the lot donor, affirmed local government support for the initiative, calling it a shared commitment to protect fisheries resources and the communities that depend on them.
In his inspirational message, Mr. Elizer S. Salilig, MFT, National Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, described the laboratory as a long-envisioned project now becoming reality. He said the milestone was made possible through perseverance, collective effort, and guidance from God โ a testament, he said, to BFARโs sustained drive to modernize fisheries infrastructure nationwide.
The ceremonial rites began with a capsule time deposit, symbolizing institutional commitment to the projectโs long-term impact. This was followed by the groundbreaking and shoveling of soil by key officials: Mr. Abrera; Ms. Hope J. Relayson, Chief of the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division; Ms. Lea A. Dagot, FishCoRe Project Focal and OIC of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division; Ms. Annie Grace N. Alforque, OIC of the Finance and Administrative Section; Ms. Wilyn G. Maningo, OIC Budget Officer; Mr. Patrick Jun U. Lorque, OIC, PLanning Unit and Mr. Alfonso Dela Torre, OIC for Fisheries Resource Management under FMRED. They were joined by National Director Salilig and Mayor Malaluan.
A photo opportunity and the signing of a Pledge of Commitment followed, reinforcing collective accountability in delivering the project.
Ms. Dagot closed the program, as BFAR MIMAROPA employees and staff witnessed the milestone moment.
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The laboratory is a flagship infrastructure project under Sub-Component 2.3: Aquaculture and Fisheries Infrastructure of the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MARLIN) component of the DA-BFAR Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) program.
The project is funded by the World Bank in partnership with the national government.
Once operational, the facility will provide molecular diagnostics, histopathology, environmental monitoring, and water quality assessment โ critical services aimed at preventing fish diseases and strengthening aquaculture production in MIMAROPA.
Mr. Abrera said the laboratory will give stronger support to fish farmers in Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan, ensuring that emerging fish health issues are addressed promptly.
He added that the laboratory will help guarantee the quality and safe supply of fish for both export and local markets.
The project is expected to directly benefit 583 fisheries households and establishments, while indirectly supporting approximately 1,000 households across 48 municipalities and one city in the region.
Construction is set to be completed within 270 days, or roughly nine months.
Following the capsule time deposit, ceremonial groundbreaking, and shoveling of soil by key officials, the event concluded with a photo opportunity and signing of a Pledge of Commitment โ reinforcing accountability in delivering the project.
More than just an infrastructure milestone, the groundbreaking signaled a broader commitment: to prevent fish diseases, strengthen aquaculture, and build a more resilient fisheries sector for MIMAROPAโs coastal communities.
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