Young artists have used their talents to raise awareness about marine conservation at a regional art competition in Oriental Mindoro.
The FishCoREXhibit Regional Art Competition, held on May 16, 2025 in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, brought together students to express environmental issues through various artistic media.
Students from Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC) created works using paint, recycled materials and natural elements to convey messages about protecting marine environments.
“This is not just a simple art contest,” said Rene B. Parreño, Regional Alternate of the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project. “It’s a step towards a broader advocacy we call Art for Nature.”
Samuel Ali H. Rosales from OMSC-Murtha Campus claimed the first prize, with Xynna Joyce M. Orquita and Lenny Jane O. Dioso taking second and third places respectively. Winners received cash prizes up to P15,000.
The competition is a campaign organized by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) MIMAROPA region to promote awareness of climate resilience, particularly among young people in coastal areas.
Roberto Rodriguez Abrera, OIC-Regional Director of BFAR MIMAROPA, described the participants as “spokespersons for nature”, adding: “We deeply appreciate the support of the youth towards BFAR’s mission.”
The competition was judged by visual arts experts Wilfredo L. Rufon, Griziella Lasquite, and Sunshine G. Vitto.
BFAR MIMAROPA plans to organize more similar events in coming months as part of its continuing campaign to protect marine ecosystems.
Photos: courtesy of BFAR Mimaropa
Art Competition in Calapan Promotes Marine Conservation in MIMAROPA
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Romel “Direk” Ferriol Bernardo
Bernardo Creative Ventures, Inc., the company behind Direk Fuels, Oriental Mindoro’s homegrown gas station chain, and Direk Builders, which rents out heavy equipment, is expanding its portfolio by venturing into online media and content production.
The company’s entry into news media is not surprising, as its founder and CEO, Romel “Direk” Bernardo, was a television writer, producer, and director for over 15 years. From 2002 to 2007, he served as a researcher, writer, and producer for GMA-7’s top-rating show Imbestigador before becoming the executive producer for ABS-CBN’s award-winning documentary program, The Correspondents.
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