Iloilo City | As part of the annual Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month celebration, Mr. Jehro S. Labrador took his oath as the new Regional Fisherfolk Director of Western Visayas today, May 5, 2025. Regional Director Remia Aparri opened the ceremony by addressing the fisherfolk representatives, urging them to ask difficult questions, offer grounded insights, and speak with the courage that only someone from the grassroots can bring. “This is a rare and meaningful opportunity—to see the inner workings of government, to walk in the shoes of a public servant, and to help shape how we listen, communicate, and serve. I challenge you to go beyond simply representing your peers,” she added. A familiar face in the local fisheries sector, Mr. Labrador has built his livelihood as a fish vendor and small-scale fishing boat operator in Bugasong, Antique. His years of experience have fueled his active participation in community-based fisheries management. He currently chairs the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) and serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Bugasong Fishermen Cooperative. “As a fisherfolk leader, I believe our active participation is essential for the future of fisheries development. The knowledge we carry—from the sea, from our coastal communities, and our experience—serves as a vital compass in crafting policies and programs that are sustainable,” Mr. Labrador expressed both pride and commitment as he stepped into his new role. Mr. Labrador’s election as RFD or Mangingisdang Direktor is in accordance with the Department of Agriculture Special Order No. 88 series of 2005. For the whole month of May, he will assume the role of Regional Director for the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources VI (DA-BFAR 6), overseeing the implementation and communication of the Bureau’s programs and projects while ensuring that the concerns of fisherfolk are effectively represented.###HJGabiota #BFAR6 #mangingisdangdirektor #farmersandfisherfolkmonth