Mr. Rolando Rabang, a nominee from the municipality of Bacnotan, La Union was evaluated and interviewed by the Department of Agriculture’s National Technical Committee for the Gawad Saka Award under the Outstanding Fisherfolk – Fish Capture category. The evaluation took place from April 14 to 16, 2025, in Quirino, Bacnotan, La Union.

A fisherman by birth and by heart, Mr. Rabang grew up learning the ways of the sea from his parents. Through the ups and downs of life, even when he had other jobs, he always made time to return to the sea. When he lost his job, it was the sea that welcomed him back — and it never let him down. “Ang Trabaho nawawala, ang dagat Hindi” (I can lose my job, but never the sea—it’s always there for me) – Rolando Rabang.

Mr. Rabang recalled that before the interventions of the government and the establishment of the Lambaklad Project in Bacnotan, fishing was barely enough to sustain their needs, averaging only up to 3 to 4 kilos every two-hour fishing effort per day. With the Lambaklad project and other government-supported initiatives, the increase in fish catch plummets, with each fishing effort yielding between 1 to 3 tons over time.

With the increase of catch, sustainability has become a challenge. Determined to protect the livelihood of his community, Mr. Rabang devised a sustainable fishing plan in collaboration with fellow fisherfolks. They agreed to limit fishing to 2–3 tons every 22 days. This strategy not only safeguarded the marine ecosystem but also ensured a long-term benefit in their local fishing community.

As part of the Gawad Saka selection process, the NTC team conducted interviews with Mr. Rabang’s peers, partners, and local community members. Many of his peers cited how he’s able to help them in many ways, when it comes to increasing their incomes, him becoming their mentor and most importantly, the values and knowledge he selflessly shared.

Mr. Rolando Rabang’s nomination for the prestigious Gawad-Saka Award under the Outstanding Fisherfolk – Fish Capture category is a testament to his perseverance, dedication and deep love for the sea. His kindness, leadership, and commitment to uplift his fellow fisherfolk continue to inspire, creating an impact in their locality and for generations to come.

The NTC is composed of Ms. Rhoda Bacordo from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (NTC-BFAR), Mr. Ronnie Romero from National Fisheries Research Development Institute (NTC- NFRDI), together with other NTC-BFAR representatives Mr. Isidro Tanangonan, Mr. Jay-ar Pol Mahinay, Mr. Mark Louie Benavidez, and Mr. Jan Bernales.

They were assisted by BFAR-Regional Field office 1 officials and staff headed by Dir. Rosario Segundina P. Gaerlan, Remely Lachica, Francis Greg Buccat, Henry Canlas Jr. , Khasper Cuarteron, and Rodel Villena together with Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 1 staff, Jerold Cabang, and Leony Gagni from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist – La Union and the support and warm welcome from the Local Government of Bacnotan Headed by Hon. Mayor Divina Fontanilla and their Municipal Agriculturist Dr. Divina Gracia Apigo.