Iloilo City, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office VI (DA-BFAR 6) recently conducted a comprehensive orientation on fishery laws and regulations for the 26 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel of the Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) 3009 Patrol Vessel on May 2, 2025. The initiative enhanced the knowledge and operational readiness of the personnel in enforcing fisheries-related policies within the Western Visayas region and established a strong collaboration in the campaign against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF). “Through this activity, we aim not only to update you on existing laws and regulations in the region, but also to build stronger collaboration between agencies in addressing the challenge of IUUF,” emphasized Dr. Erwin Ilaya, Chief of the Fisheries Regulatory, Monitoring, and Enforcement Division (FMRED), in his message. Comprehensive topics on Introduction to Fisheries Management Areas, IUUF Fishing Threats in Western Visayas, and Introduction to Fishery Law Enforcement were delivered by DA-BFAR 6-FMRED Personnel, including Glenn D. Nonifara, Planning and Report Officer; Byron C. Batay, Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Operations Center (ERMCSOC) Operation Report Officer; and Armel C. Cipriano, ERMCSOC Executive Officer, respectively. On behalf of the Commanding Officer of MCS 3009, Captain Jomark U. Angue, PCG, the participants conveyed their gratitude to the Bureau, emphasizing that the activity helped them prepare and understand their new area. They also look forward to more inter-agency cooperation for the success of future joint operations. The orientation is part of DA-BFAR 6’s ongoing efforts to build capacity among enforcement teams and members of the Regional Inter-Agency Task Force against IUU Fishing (RIATF-IUUF), ensuring sustainable fishing practices and the protection of the country’s rich marine resources. ###MKDordas