The first-ever Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Servicio Nacional de Pesca y Agricultura (SERNAPESCA) Virtual Dialogue was held on 23 April 2021, as part of the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of PHL-CHL Diplomatic Relations this year. The maiden meeting provided an opportunity for both offices to introduce mandates and organizational structures, as well as to brief each other on the PHL’s and CHL’s agriculture and fisheries industries. The meeting also served as a venue for BFAR and SERNAPESCA to discuss prospective areas of cooperation and the next steps to move forward with the proposed PHL-CHL MOU on Aquaculture and Fisheries. DA Undersecretary for Agri-Industrialization and for Fisheries Cheryl Marie Caballero led the Philippine delegation, while SERNAPESCA National Director Dr. Jessica Fuentes headed the Chilean delegation.
In her opening remarks Ambassador Ma. Teresita C. Daza highlighted the commonalities between the two countries. She noted that the Philippines and Chile are both archipelagic and maritime nations. Both countries rely heavily on fisheries and aquacultures for food security, for employment, and for foreign exchange, with the fisheries and aquaculture sectors undoubtedly vital to the economies of both countries. She also mentioned that the Philippines and Chile have had numerous successes as well as major challenges in these and with these sectors, and that both sides have persevered and have continued to aspire for a more productive, well managed and sustainable fishing and aquaculture sector, within a healthy marine environment.
Notwithstanding commonalities, the Ambassador also noted that it has taken some time for both sides to transcend the distance of the Pacific Ocean and to seize opportunities for cooperation. With challenges faced by the sector in terms of production and innovation, environmental degradation, climate change and even the pandemic, cooperation across borders, has become imperative. This 75th year Anniversary has also provided an impetus to pursue bilateral cooperative efforts more vigorously.
Completing the PHL delegation were: Dr. Josyline Javelosa – Agricultural Attaché, Dr. Lilian C. Garcia – Acting Executive Director of the National Fisheries Research and Development, Ms. Drusila Bayate – Acting Director for Research, Regulations and International Engagements, Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia – Chief, Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center, Ms. Elymi Ar-J Tuñaco - BFAR Aquaculture Division, Ms. Amor Diaz – Fisheries Industry Development and Support Services Division, Ms. Cherry Endriga-Romero – Fisheries Post Harvest Technology Division, Mr. Roy Ortega – National Brackishwater Aquaculture Technology Center, Mr. Francisco SB. Torres, Jr. – Capture Fisheries Research and Development Division, Ms. Dayanara Lausa – DA-IAD (Americas Desk), and Ms. Romana Capricho – DA-IAD (International Affairs Division).
Completing the CHL side were: Mr. Esteban Donoso – National Deputy Director, Ms. Monica Rojas – Head of International Relations, Ms. Marcela Lara – Deputy Director of Aquaculture, Mr. Fernando Naranjo – Deputy Director for Fisheries, and Mr. Pablo Ortiz – Head of Fisheries and Inspection.
Santiago PE was represented by the Ambassador Daza, Political Officer Dennis John Briones, Communications/Information Officer Mr. Jeffry Aranda, as well as Ms. Paula Rodriguez, Secretary to the Ambassador who served as interpreter.END
