The Department of Agriculture–National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) enhanced the technical capacity of the second batch of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) frontliners by serving as resource speakers in the “National Training Workshop on Taxonomic Identification of Commonly Traded Fish and Fishery Products,” held on November 25–28, 2025, in Los Baños, Laguna.

Technical staff from the Capture Fisheries Research and Development Division (CFRDD), namely: Noimie Rose Dicdiquin, Marianne Ruado, and Caramae Loyola, led the lectures on taxonomy fundamentals and the identification of pelagic, demersal, tuna, and tuna-like species, as well as invertebrates. The sessions also featured hands-on activities using selected fish and invertebrate samples for taxonomic identification.

The four-day training aimed to strengthen the skills of BFAR frontline personnel from central and regional offices in the taxonomic identification of commonly traded fish and aquatic products, which is an essential function for ensuring accurate labeling, upholding market integrity, and safeguarding consumers from potential health and safety risks.

Organized by the BFAR Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Division – Fisheries Certification Section (FIQD–FCS), the workshop gathered 30 participants, including regional quarantine inspectors from regions 1 to 12, certifying officers, and fishing regulation officers. ### (Rita dela Cruz)