The Municipal Fisherfolk and Aquatic Resources Management Council of Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro has won the top regional award for outstanding fisheries council in MIMAROPA at the 2025 Gawad Saka ceremony, officials said on Tuesday.

The council was recognized for strong and inclusive leadership in fisheries planning, policy-making and program implementation, along with collaborative sustainable programs in marine and freshwater ecosystems, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) MIMAROPA.

The ceremony at Selah Pods Hotel drew officials from BFAR, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and other agencies to honor achievements in sustainable fisheries management and community empowerment.

The Calintaan council serves as the municipality’s consultative body on fisheries issues and development opportunities, comprising fisherfolk, women in fisheries, non-governmental organizations, academics, private sector representatives and local government officials.

BFAR MIMAROPA received a plaque for technical guidance throughout the Gawad Saka 2025 search.

The Calintaan local government was honored for its commitment to strengthening agricultural and fisheries programs.

Agricultural Extension Worker Christer Martos received a plaque for his dedication during the regional search, while Antonieto Montallana Sr., officer-in-charge of the Fisherfolk Coordination Section, was recognized for sharing his time, skills and resources in guiding the region’s fisherfolk champions whose nominees won at the regional level.

Gawad Saka, the Department of Agriculture’s annual honor since 1976, recognizes contributions to Philippine agriculture and fisheries.

Regional winners advance to national competition.