By Kenneth Marcos 
Before sunrise in river communities along the Cagayan River, many fishers were already preparing their nets, hopeful after more than a month of waiting. For them, the return to open waters brings relief—but also a reminder of how fragile the river’s resources have become.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has officially lifted the 45-day closed fishing season for Ludong, a rare and highly valued freshwater fish known locally as the “President’s Fish.” The ban, which runs yearly from October 1 to November 15, is enforced under BFAR Administrative Circular No. 247 to protect the species during its spawning period.
Ludong, found only in the Cagayan River and its tributaries, is one of the most expensive fish in the Philippines, commonly priced between Php 5,000 and Php 7,000 per kilo. Its limited supply, seasonal availability, and prized taste make it both a cultural symbol and an economic asset for local fishers.
DA-BFAR Region 2 Director Angel B. Encarnacion urged communities to continue practicing responsible and sustainable fishing now that the ban has ended. He emphasized that protecting Ludong is essential not only for biodiversity but also for the long-term livelihood of fishing families who depend on the Cagayan River system.
He added that the closed season is part of a science-based effort to rebuild the Ludong population, which has declined due to habitat loss, illegal fishing, and other human activities affecting the river’s ecosystems. Encarnacion said that maintaining ecological balance is critical for sustaining the freshwater environment where Ludong thrives.
Atty. Arsenio S. Bañares, head of BFAR’s Fisheries Management Regulatory and Enforcement Division, noted that updates to the current policy may be needed as climate patterns continue to shift. He said that any future changes to the circular should be paired with alternative livelihood support, especially for fishers whose income is affected by the seasonal restrictions.
Local officials and fishing groups have also been encouraged to help monitor the river, report illegal activities, and take part in conservation programs. BFAR said community participation remains vital in ensuring that the species recovers and remains available for future generations.
As fishers return to work, authorities remind the public that sustaining river life is a shared responsibility. Protecting Ludong today, they said, will help secure food resources and preserve a key part of Cagayan Valley’s natural heritage.
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