BALANGA CITY (PIA) — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) announced the election of two respected fisherfolk leaders from the province of Bataan to key leadership positions under its Fisherfolk Director Program.
BFAR elected Avelino “Ka Ave” Capuli as the 2025 National Fisherfolk Director, while Ricardo “Ka Ric” Cruz Jr. will serve as the 2025 Regional Fisherfolk Director.
Their elections mark a significant milestone not only for Bataan, their shared home province, but also for the wider Central Luzon.
BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz expressed pride in their achievements and emphasized that their voices will continue to drive their shared advocacy forward.
“Ka Ave and Ka Ric, they are both living testaments to the strength and leadership potential of our fisherfolk. We are proud that they come from Bataan—a province deeply rooted in fisheries and marine traditions,” he said.
Ka Ave, a veteran fisherfolk leader, brings decades of experience and grassroots service to the national office.
His leadership journey reflects his deep commitment to uplifting coastal communities and ensuring their voices are heard at the highest level of fisheries governance.
Joining him is fellow Bataeño Ka Ric Cruz Jr., a fish farmer and the president of the Samahan ng Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Pilar.
Ka Ric has long championed the rights and welfare of small-scale fisherfolk, advocating for improved livelihoods that allow families to send their children to school and build more secure futures.
His leadership has played a key role in uniting fisherfolk in Pilar, fostering collective action and cooperation.
Each May, the bureau launches this initiative in celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolk Month, giving deserving fisherfolk leaders the opportunity to serve temporarily as directors at the national and regional levels.
It promotes participatory governance, ensuring that policies and programs affecting the fisheries sector are shaped by the input of those who rely on the sea for their livelihood.
The elections of Ka Ave and Ka Ric not only recognize their personal journeys but also symbolize hope and progress for the thousands of fisherfolk families they represent.
While their terms are temporary, the impact of their leadership is expected to extend far beyond the duration of their service. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)
