TWO BFAR-Kalinga scholars pass Licensure Examination for Fisheries Professionals

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Through the scholarship program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)–Kalinga, two iKalinga youth have successfully completed their studies and are now licensed fisheries professionals.

Ria Ongat Labbutan and Sunshine Ongat Iwad, who are cousins, were among the 1,507 out of 2,165 examinees who passed the Licensure Examination for Fisheries Professionals held in October 2025.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on Friday, November 7, BFAR-Kalinga Provincial Fishery Officer Joyce M. Ducyogen proudly shared that Ria and Sunshine were both beneficiaries of the agency’s Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP).

According to Ducyogen, the FSP is one of BFAR’s flagship programs, offering full tuition coverage, monthly stipends, and other allowances to qualified students in Kalinga. The program aims to produce future leaders and experts in the province’s fisheries sector.

Beneficiaries of the program include children of fisherfolk, fisheries industry leaders’ grantees, and members of Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities.

Speaking about the scholars’ achievement, Ducyogen said their success reflects the agency’s commitment not only to fisheries development but also to promoting education among fisherfolk families.

“We at BFAR-Kalinga will always be here to support the youth who wish to pursue fisheries-related courses. They can apply for the program once applications reopen,” Ducyogen added.

As part of their scholarship commitment, the two scholars will render two years of service to the agency. Ducyogen added that they may be absorbed by BFAR should they wish to continue working with the organization.