President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has appointed Elizer S. Salilig as the new National Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) – a veteran civil servant with over 34 years of experience.
“It is an honor to be appointed by President Marcos as the National Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources,” said Mr. Salilig, whose appointment was signed on Jan. 15, 2024.
“My priority is to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of BFAR programs, with a strong commitment to improving food security and supporting our fishermen,” he added.
At the same time, Mr. Salilig expressed his gratitude to Secretary of Agriculture Francisco Tiu Laurel, who was sworn in on January 24, 2025, for his appointment to this position and vowed to work hard to help the goal of the Department of Agriculture. to ensure the availability of food.
Born on December 4, 1966, in Magpet, North Cotabato, Mr. Salilig rose through the ranks, starting as a Fisheries Specialist for the Department of Agriculture in Region XII.
He later held administrative roles, including Aquaculturist I and Concurrent Planning and Budget Officer, where he oversaw the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of programs aimed at improving the fisheries sector.
The leadership of Mr. Salilig also reached out to the Fisheries Education Program, where he initiated programs to cultivate the next generation of fisheries professionals.
In 2016, Mr. Salilig was appointed Regional Director of BFAR MIMAROPA.
During his tenure, he led programs such as the Tilapia Intensive Hatchery Production program, which produced millions of fingerlings every week, and the establishment of the first shrimp hatchery in Oriental Mindoro. These projects have significantly increased aquaculture production and supported national programs to improve food security.
He also helped build a modern BFAR regional office, underscoring his commitment to improving infrastructure and operations.
Realizing the importance of facing emerging challenges, Mr. Salilig is committed to prioritizing sustainability in his leadership.
“Among the growing challenges brought about by climate change, I am determined to focus on strengthening the aquaculture industry and transitioning to sustainable fishing practices,” he said. “To achieve this, we will fully cooperate with other government agencies and educational institutions to enhance research and development efforts.”
The appointment of Mr. Salilig is widely seen as a step to restore confidence and stability in the agency tasked with overseeing the country’s fisheries sector.
“Ultimately, my aim is to lead the agency in fulfilling its mission to ensure that the fish are sufficient, to improve the quality of life of our fishermen, and in line with the President’s vision to improve productivity and yield, thereby increasing their standard of living,” he emphasized. .
With his extensive knowledge and proven track record, Mr. Salilig is expected to lead BFAR to sustainable growth and provide strong support to the fisheries sector, which plays an important role in food security and the economy.
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