16/05/2026
🌊 MGA KWENTONG BFAR 2026: A Journey of Fun, Friendships, and Lifelong Learning! 🐟✨
"You don’t know what you don’t know, but once you start learning, you begin to understand how much more there is to discover." 💡
Our hearts are full as we look back on the unforgettable BFAR Region 1 Training Workshop held in Dagupan last May 11-13, 2026! From stepping out of our comfort zones to diving deep into the world of fisheries, research, and innovation, this year's experience was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride—chaotic, unexpected, but absolutely the BEST!
Here are the voices and stories shared by our very own students about their incredible journey:
🧠 Wider Perspectives & Deep Learnings...
We expanded our minds beyond the classroom! As Precious Merlin Orines beautifully put it, BFAR doesn’t just protect our yamang-tubig, they educate and inspire learners to understand our crucial role in environmental conservation. We deep-dived into proper fish handling and marine care, with Teejay Flores highlighting the impact of the research lectures and learning about protecting the environment.
We also gained valuable insights into modern scientific landscapes. Ayesha Darang shared critical takeaways on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool to assist rather than replace our own thinking. She was also deeply inspired by Dr. Brianne Jovelle Blanco’s presentation, realizing how curiosity, patience, and research form a strong foundation for the medical field and can uplift entire communities.
🏆 Resilience in the Face of Challenges...
It wasn't a perfect journey, but that’s where the growth happened. Kassandra Ayayen reflected on the beauty of the experience despite the setbacks, reminding us: "There were moments of uncertainty and even times when I didn’t achieve or win what I was aiming for, but beyond those outcomes, what matters more is the growth, the lessons learned, and the courage to keep going."
Even when things got disappointing—like facing an immediate rejection on a research proposal—our students didn't back down. As Kassandra Nito proudly shared, she took it as a lesson to come back stronger and wiser, while successfully bringing home 2nd place in the Best SIP Poster/Lay-out (Life Science Category)!
⛺ Comfort in the 'Chaos' & Boundless Friendships...
The accommodations brought their own set of adventures! Maryan Sell shared the funny reality of being cramped in rooms and catching the end of the long bathroom lines, but noted it was all worth it because of the positive people and friends who kept everyone laughing. Neslie Palmos recalled how everyone powered through extreme heat and lack of sleep on the first night, turning a less-than-comfortable room assignment into a massive bonding moment: "On the last night, students from different schools gathered outside to play random games, laugh, and bond... it became one of the most memorable parts of the experience because everyone was enjoying each other’s company."
From overcoming initial hesitation about being the lone participant from her section like Kassandra Nito, to finding a supportive mentor in facilitator Sir Kenneth Garcia, the event was a masterclass in socializing and adapting.
🎨 Fun, Unleashed!...
BFAR reminded us that life is a balance of working hard and playing hard. From the high-energy fish rodeo and bay walks to the collaborative teamwork during the fish-catching contest, the students proved that you can be stressed and happy all at the same time.
Whether it was their first year or, as Neslie and Kassandra Nito shared, their third time returning to see their own personal growth, this trip left a permanent mark. To close with the words of Kassandra Ayayen: "It may have been my last, it may have been my worst, yet it is still the best BFAR experience. And for everything it gave me... I will always be grateful."
Thank you so much, BFAR! We are incredibly proud of our students, and we can't wait to see them return even stronger next year! 💙⚓
