BFAR scholars to get ₱5,000 monthly stipend, up to ₱50,000 in academic incentives

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Aspiring fisheries professionals who qualify for the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) scholarship program can receive a ₱5,000 monthly stipend, financial assistance for academic requirements, and incentives of up to ₱50,000 for outstanding academic performance.

BFAR-Cordillera offers the financial benefits under its Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP), which aims to help qualified students complete their college education while developing professionals who can contribute to the fisheries sector.

According to BFAR-Kalinga Officer-in-Charge Provincial Fishery Officer Clifford L. Fernandez, scholarship benefits include a ₱5,000 monthly stipend, ₱3,000 for on-the-job training or practicum, ₱7,000 in thesis support, and ₱1,500 in graduation assistance.

Scholars who graduate with Latin honors may also receive cash incentives: ₱50,000 for summa cum laude, ₱30,000 for magna cum laude, and ₱20,000 for cum laude.

The program also rewards outstanding performance in the Fisheries Licensure Examination.

The topnotcher will receive ₱50,000, while those who place second to tenth will each receive ₱20,000.

The financial assistance comes as 218 applicants across the Cordillera took the Fisheries Scholarship Program–Nationwide Qualifying Examination (FSP-NQE) on October 10 for School Year 2027-2031.

Fernandez said only 26 scholarship slots are available in the region, with applicants ranked according to their examination scores.

The examination was conducted at five testing centers: the BFAR-CAR Regional Office in Baguio City, Tumog National Agricultural and Trade High School in Apayao, Ifugao State University, the Provincial Fisheries Office in Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga, and Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School.

Of the 218 examinees, 112 took the test in Ifugao, 48 in Kalinga, 28 in Apayao, 18 in Baguio City, and 12 in Mountain Province.

Fernandez said the selection is based on the applicants’ ranking rather than simply passing or failing the examination. Results are expected to be released about 40 days after the test.

Of the 26 available slots, 20 are reserved for children of fisherfolk under the Fisheries Scholarship Program for Children of Fisherfolk (FSP-FCEG), three for children of fisheries industry leaders under the Fisheries Scholarship Program for Fisheries Industry Leaders (FSP-FILG), and three for members of Indigenous Cultural Communities or Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).

The scholarship program seeks to make fisheries education more accessible while producing skilled graduates who can help improve fisheries management, support fishing communities, and strengthen the country's fisheries industry.