Bohol Island News Staff| Posted on Feb. 10, 2020
A Boholano and the former head of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 7 (BFAR-7) has been reassigned in Central Visayas, promising to continue his efforts on what he has started.
Outgoing BFAR-7 head Alfeo Piloton turned over to Dr. Allan Poquita, former BFAR-7 director, the responsibility to lead again the regional office at a ceremony at BFAR-7 office in Cebu City last February 6, Thursday.
“I do not see this occasion as turning over of responsibility. This event is rather a homecoming – going back to where I started. And I feel that it is just right for me to finish what I have started,” said Poquita.
Through a special order, Piloton was recalled to his mother unit at the National Marine Fisheries Development Center in Cavite City, Cavite while Poquita, who previously headed BFAR Region 10, is replaced by regional director Teodoro Bacolod, Jr.
Piloton expressed his confidence that Poquita will further enhance the operations at the regional office, especially on fishery production, amid the challenges of a meager budget and the threatening remark on the declining fish catch.
Poquita said the bureau, under his leadership, will not only produce more fish but will also increase the income among marginal fisherfolks.
“Together, we will devise strategies to effectively and efficiently attain our priority plans in support to the ‘New Thinking’ of Agriculture Secretary William Dar, the ‘Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita,’ that revolves around the eight paradigms aiming to improve fish production and boost fisheries enterprise,” said the returning director.
Among his plans is the implementation of several fisheries projects such as the operation of satellite hatcheries and additional construction of satellite hatcheries; production of more quality milkfish (bangus) eggs; and development of milkfish broodstock.
Poquita is also eyeing at establishing seaweed nurseries in every province; producing high-value commodities; providing fishing gears and other materials to marginal beneficiaries; and continuing the law enforcement operations, among others.
Moreover, he intends to strengthen the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils and fisherfolk associations; to develop new fishery products and improve marketing capabilities; and conduct relevant trainings and orientation.
“I would like to call on everybody, including the public, to give their unconditional support for us to achieve our goals. We have great challenges ahead of us, but opportunities also abound,” he said.
“With your help and cooperation, we will all work together to achieve our targets this year, taking into consideration the marching order of the DA Secretary for another year of ‘masaganang ani at mataas na kita’ for the fishery sector in Central Visayas,” Poquita added.
Poquita, who rose from the ranks, spent 41 years in serving the bureau. He started working at BFAR Region 7 on February 1, 1979 as emergency laborer or field enumerator. He was designated as assistant regional director (officer in charge) in January 2008 and as regional director (officer in charge) in November 2016. He was appointed as full-fledged regional director in May 2017.
In July 2018, he was transferred to the Central Office and was eventually moved to lead BFAR Region 10 before he was reassigned at BFAR-7 in January 2020. (PR/BFAR-7)
