Estancia Times | June 11, 2026

ESTANCIA, Iloilo — Four scholars under the Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP) of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office VI (DA-BFAR 6) formally completed their Bachelor of Science in Fisheries degrees at Northern Iloilo State University (NISU)–Estancia Campus, with three earning academic honors during the university’s Recognition Program on June 11, 2026.

Academic Achievers Recognized

Leading the roster of honorees were Mr. Gerson C. Berano and Ms. Aleanna Marie G. Pancho, who both graduated Cum Laude. Ms. Joann L. Pancho received Academic Distinction. 

DA-BFAR 6 awarded each Cum Laude graduate a plaque, a Certificate of Recognition, and a Php 20,000 cash incentive. Ms. Joann L. Pancho and Mr. Regie Pancho, another FSP graduate, were also given Certificates of Recognition for their commitment and dedication as scholars.

Scholars Share Testimonies

The graduates highlighted how the FSP shaped their academic paths and lifted financial barriers.

“I am truly grateful to the Fisheries Scholarship Program for giving me the opportunity to finish my BS Fisheries degree. Beyond the financial support that eased the burden on my family, the scholarship allowed me to pursue my chosen field and focus on my studies,” Berano said.

For Ms. Aleanna Marie G. Pancho, the scholarship marked a family milestone. “Through their financial support to fisherfolk children, I was able to enroll in college and become the first degree holder in my family,” she shared.

Mr. Regie Pancho looked back on his journey with gratitude: “What I once thought was nearly impossible to achieve has finally become a reality. Thank you, BFAR FSP, for paving the way so I could reach my dream of earning a college degree.”

Blue Carbon Academy Award

Also recognized during the program was third-year FSP scholar Ms. Angel Ann Benavides, who received the Blue Carbon Academy Award for her active participation in the Blue Carbon Project and Financial Profiling Academy 2025 held in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Officials in Attendance

Representing DA-BFAR 6 Regional Director Remia A. Aparri were Dr. Erwin E. Ilaya, Chief of the Fisheries Management, Regulatory and Enforcement Division (FMRED), and Mr. Steven Harvey Apresto, Alternate FSP Coordinator of PFO Iloilo.

From NISU, Dr. Cheryl Jela, Program Chair of the College of Fisheries and Allied Sciences (CFAS), and Ms. Jeaneva Descutido, SUC Coordinator of CFAS NISU–Estancia Campus, joined the awarding ceremony.

The Fisheries Scholarship Program provides educational support to children of fisherfolk and qualified students pursuing fisheries-related courses, with the goal of developing future leaders in the country’s fisheries sector.

Source: BFAR Region 6 Official Facebook Page, posted June 11, 2026