DMMMSU-SLUC College of Fisheries (CF) revs up its extension programs as it caters this time to the youth sector, Sangguniang Kabataan members of Barangay Casantaan, Sto. Tomas, La Union for a lecture on Coastal Resource Management and amended Fisheries Code to equip them as partners for conservation—a community awareness campaign which took place at the CF Function Hall on April 27, 2022.

The extension activity dubbed as Community Awareness through Publication and Communication (PACO) with the theme “Kabataan para sa Karagatan” aimed at involving the youth in the protection and conservation of aquatic resources ecosystem for sustainable development. Ms. Shara Mae P. Puh-hay, the training coordinator, adds that “anchored in the high regard for the youth’s role, the College believes that by calibrating their minds and giving them basic knowledge on coastal resource management and Philippine Fisheries Code, they become active partners of the fisheries sector.”

Prof. Valentino V. Prado, marine fisheries expert and BSF program chair, served as the lecturer on Coastal Resource Management, and Dr. Reginor Lyzza A. Roque, aquatic resources and ecology expert, oriented the participants on R.A. 10654 or the Philippine Fisheries Code. In full support were CF Dean Dr. Jinnie R. Mamhot, CF Program Chairs, CF faculty and staff, and SLUC Extension Head, Mr. Ronald B. Bustos.

Sharing his key takeaway, SK Chair, Mr. John Nelson Buscas, emphasized how small acts matter such as picking of trash on the shoreline. “Hindi nasusukat sa edad o estado ng buhay kung paano ka makakatulong at bilang isang kabataan marami tayong magagawa kahit sa simpleng pagpupulot ng mga basura sa dalampasigan ay sobrang makakatulong na tayo sa ating karagatan.”

During the training, eight (8) SK members of Brgy. Casantaan were joined by 10 CF students who seized the opportunity for their board examinations review.  (Ronald B. Bustos)