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The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Caraga Region (BFAR-13) announced the opening of its scholarship programs for 2026, offering opportunities for aspiring fisheries professionals.

According to Philippines News Agency, BFAR-13 has outlined three distinct scholarship programs: the Fisheries Scholarship Program - Fisheries Industry Leader Grant, meant for senior high school honor students; the Fisherfolk Children Educational Grant, available to high school graduates whose parents are municipal fisherfolk; and a program for Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples, targeting senior high school graduates documented as members of recognized tribes by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

BFAR-13 emphasized that the scholarship program aims to support high school graduates who wish to pursue a degree in fisheries, thereby contributing to fishery resource management and stewardship of the country's seas. The agency highlighted the program's role in backing students eager to advance the fisheries sector and enhance national food security.

The scholarship package offers comprehensive support including tuition and other school fees, a monthly stipend and living allowance of PHP5,000, a semestral book allowance of PHP2,000, on-the-job training support of PHP3,000, thesis support of PHP7,000, and a graduation allowance of PHP1,500. For 2026, BFAR-13 has announced three slots each for the Fisheries Industry Leader Grant and the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples program, alongside 20 slots for the Fisherfolk Children Educational Grant.

Last year, 143 scholars from the Caraga region successfully completed their fishery studies at various colleges and universities in Mindanao.