TUGUEGARAO CITY - The fisheries bureau in Region 2 recently commended 11 deputy fish wardens (DFW) and 43 uniformed men for their outstanding contributions to the implementation of fishery laws within their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Most outstanding deputy fish warden award went to Julcardo Bangalisan, a regional Gawad Saka awardee from Palanan town in Isabela, for his exemplary leadership in the protection and management of fish sanctuaries in their area.

Sharing the top award was Juanito Celeste of Maconacon, Isabela, for his contributions in the apprehension and filing of a case against one Taiwanese fishing vessel caught for poaching off Sta. Ana town in Cagayan earlier this year.

Other outstanding DFWs were Vivencio Agcaoili, Dante Tabieros, Joel Iranga and Benedicto dela Cruz, all Marine Protected Area beneficiaries and managers from Gonzaga, Cagayan; Elizar Gonzales, Jeffrey Avila and Magno Bata of Itbayat, Batanes, for their participation in the apprehension of foreign fishing vessels in their area; Magdaleno Astero of San Mateo, Isabela and Job Lapitan of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya for successful anti-illegal fishing operations in their areas.

Outstanding Fishery Law Enforcement award, meanwhile, went to PO1 Engracio Aqui, PO1 Aurelio Agustin, PO2 Salvador Joves, PO3 Manuel Boado and PO2 Marco Oribello, all from the Philippine Coast Guard, for their participation in the recent apprehension of one Taiwanese fishing vessel off Calayan Island in Northern Cagayan.

Certificate of Commendation went to officers from police stations in the towns of Gonzaga, Abulug, Claveria in Cagayan, and Itbayat and Sabtang in the province of Batanes. Also commended were officers from the PNP 2nd Regional Maritime Office and Maritime Police Precinct in Aparri, Cagayan; 201st Maritime Police Station in Sta Ana; and officers from the Batanes provincial police office.

Also given cerfificate of recognition were elements of the 2nd Regional Maritime Office and barangay officials of Victoria and Gaddanan in San Mateo, Isabela.

BFAR Region 2 Director Jovita Ayson said that the awardees were instrumental in the protection of fishery resources, contributing to the increase in fishery production in Region 2.