BAGUIO CITY | Two young women in Baguio City and Sagada, Mt Province joined this year’s FISHCOREXHIBIT OF ARTWORKS: Raising Awareness on Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Art Competition (Sculpture category), an initiative aimed at using art to engage audiences and promote awareness about fisheries and coastal resilience.
Similar to last year, the competition has emerged as a powerful platform showcasing the creativity, skill, and cultural expression of women artists, drawing national attention to their vital role in the arts and fisheries sector. Held as part of the broader FishCoRe initiative, the event celebrates not only artistic excellence but also the stories and identities carved into each piece reflecting the goal of the FishCoRe project, emphasizing food security, ecosystem resilience, and community sustainability.
“This activity is a powerful reminder that the Cordillera, though landlocked, plays a vital role in the fisheries sector. Through art, we are able to raise awareness that our waters, culture, and communities are deeply connected to the broader ecosystem. Initiatives like this help correct misconceptions and highlight that the Cordillera has meaningful contributions to fisheries sustainability, “ Regional Director Lois June B. Fermin said.
Through the competition, the women artists presented an array of sculptures inspired by the goal of the FishCoRe project. Each artwork reflected the unique perspective of these women artists namely Regina-Roxanne R. Caoili of Baguio City for her “Alon at Ugat : Lakas Ng Kababaihan, Kinabukasan Ng Baybayin” and Kiara B. Ticgongan of Sagada, Mt. Province for her “Baket ‘Ti Baybay”.
The panel of Judges, composed of Dr. Regina G. Gano of Ifugao State University, and Baguio-based artist Christopher Atiwon, commended the entries for their creativity and emotional depth. They encouraged the young artists to continue nurturing their passion and to further expand their imagination as emerging talents in the field.
As the competition continues to gain momentum, it reinforces the importance of supporting women artists and recognizing their contributions to national cultural development.
Moreover, the FishCoRe art competition (sculpture category) is part of the information, education, and communication effort of the project under its component 1 or the Fisheries and Coastal Resilient Resource Planning and Management (FishCRRM). As an IEC activity, the regional judging and awarding ceremony likewise served as an avenue to orient participants, newly-hired personnel and the invited judges to learn about the establishment of fisheries management areas per Fisheries Administrative Order No. 263, s.2029, and about the implementation updates of the FishCoRe project in the Cordillera, particularly in Abra province.
Earning the distinction to represent the Cordillera region at the national level, Regina-Roxanne R. Caoili clinched first place, receiving a cash prize of Php 15,000.00 and a certificate of recognition. Kiara B. Ticgongan placed 2nd receiving the same certificate and a cash prize of PhP10,000.00.
“My masterpiece embodies the strength of women as nurturers and protectors of coastal life, symbolized through a goddess-like figure emerging from the sea and rooted in the mangroves. Crafted from recycled materials, it reflects the cycle of renewal where care for nature sustains both livelihood and ecosystem. Through her, the work speaks of empowered communities shaping a resilient and abundant future for our oceans,” Caoili shared.
In closing, Mr. Marx Perfecto C. Garcia, MARLIN Lead Component, shared his reflections and appreciation on the activity. He emphasized that despite the Cordillera’s limited coastal and marine resources, the region remains rich in talent, not only in the arts but also in creativity and intellect.//
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