The Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) concluded its three-day Olymfish 2026 on July 28-30 at the Project 6 Multipurpose Building in Quezon City, bringing employees together through sports, friendly competition, and team-building activities in celebration of the Civil Servants’ Health and Wellness Month.

Organized to promote physical fitness, employee wellness, and stronger workplace relationships, the annual sportsfest encouraged NFRDI personnel to step away from their workstations, engage with colleagues across offices, and cultivate teamwork in a fun and inclusive environment.

In her message, NFRDI Executive Director Maria Theresa Mutia underscored the importance of cooperation among the institute’s workforce, emphasizing that strong teamwork is built through shared experiences. She encouraged employees to participate in the activity to strengthen camaraderie and foster a collaborative organizational culture.

Guided by the theme, “Syensyang may saya, nagsasama-sama ay nagkakaisa,” this year’s Olymfish underscored that science thrives in an environment where learning is engaging, collaboration is encouraged, and people work together toward a common goal. Through sports and recreational activities inspired by fisheries and aquatic science, participants celebrated not only healthy competition but also unity, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to advancing the institute’s mission.

Four teams competed throughout the event: Black Mahi-mahi, Red Lapu-lapu, Green Hasa-hasa, and Blue Pla-pla.

The sportsfest featured a parade of colors, torch-lighting ceremony, Mr. and Ms. Olymfish competition, cheer dance competition, basketball (men’s and women’s), mixed volleyball, chess (men’s and women’s), mixed doubles badminton, mixed doubles pickleball, and a variety of Filipino-inspired games, including the Jak en Poy Relay, Inverted Sack Race, Agawan Base, Calamansi Relay, and Memory Tray Challenge.

The winners for each category were:

  • Mr. & Ms. Olymfish: Red Lapu-lapu
    • Cheer dance competition: Black Mahi-mahi
    • Men’s basketball: Green Hasa-hasa
    • Women’s basketball: Green Hasa-hasa
    • Volleyball mixed: Red Lapu-lapu
    • Men’s chess: Black Mahi-mahi
    • Women’s chess: Red Lapu-lapu
    • Men’s darts: Red Lapu-lapu
    • Women’s darts: Black Mahi-mahi
    • Table tennis (mixed doubles): Blue Pla-pla
    • Badminton (mixed doubles): Black Mahi-mahi
    • Pickleball (mixed doubles): Green Hasa-hasa
    • Quiz bee: Black Mahi-mahi
    • Mobile Legends: Red Lapu-lapu
    • Fun Game # 1 (Jak en Poy): Black Mahi-mahi
    • Fun Game # 2 (Memory Tray): Red Lapu-lapu
    • Fun Game # 3 (Calamansi Relay): Blue Pla-pla
    • Fun Game # 4 (Inverted Sack): Red Lapu-lapu
    • Fun Game # 5 (Agawan Base): Green Hasa-hasa

Black Mahi-mahi emerged as the overall champion of Olymfish 2026.

Coined from the words “olympics” and “fish,” Olymfish reflects NFRDI’s commitment to fostering a healthy work-life balance while strengthening collaboration among its workforce. ### (Rita dela Cruz)