By Kenneth Marcos 
Colorful costumes, lively music, and proud smiles filled the streets as Bulacan marked another year of its much-loved Uhay Festival. Among the floats that drew cheers from the crowd was one that told a deeper story of tradition, science, and the future of Filipino fisheries.
The Department of Agriculture–Fisheries Biotechnology Center (DA-FBC) joined the 13th Uhay Festival Grand Parade on January 20, 2026, bringing a message of progress rooted in heritage. The parade, held in Bulacan, is part of the province’s annual celebration honoring farmers, fishers, and the importance of food security.
DA-FBC’s float carried the theme “From Roots to Tomorrow,” symbolizing the link between traditional knowledge and modern science. The exhibit showed how long-practiced methods in fisheries and aquaculture can work hand in hand with biotechnology to improve productivity, quality, and sustainability.
Festival-goers saw visuals highlighting improved fish breeding, disease prevention, and better resource management. These innovations aim to help local fishers produce healthier stocks, reduce losses, and meet growing demand without harming the environment. At the same time, the display respected indigenous practices and community-based approaches that have supported Filipino livelihoods for generations.
The Uhay Festival, whose name comes from the local word for harvest or abundance, is known for showcasing Bulacan’s strong agricultural and fisheries heritage. Each year, government agencies, schools, and local groups join the parade to present creative floats that reflect their role in food production and rural development.
DA-FBC officials said their participation was meant to bring science closer to the people. Fisheries biotechnology may sound complex, but its goal is simple: to help fishers earn more while protecting aquatic resources for future generations. This includes developing better-quality fingerlings, improving feeds, and using science-based methods to manage ponds, rivers, and coastal areas.
The fisheries sector supports millions of Filipinos, especially in coastal and rural communities. However, it faces serious challenges such as climate change, water pollution, fish diseases, and overfishing. By combining time-tested practices with research and innovation, the government hopes to make the sector more resilient and competitive.
The DA-FBC said biotechnology plays a key role in ensuring food security. Healthier and more productive fisheries mean a steady supply of affordable fish, which is a major source of protein for Filipino families. Improved quality also helps local products compete in both domestic and export markets, creating more income opportunities.
Crowds along the parade route welcomed the DA-FBC float, with many stopping to read and take photos. For students and young viewers, the exhibit offered a glimpse of how science can support agriculture and fisheries, fields often seen as traditional but now evolving with new technology.
Local officials welcomed the participation of national agencies, saying it strengthens public awareness of government programs. They added that festivals like Uhay are not only celebrations but also platforms to educate people about where their food comes from and how it can be produced responsibly.
As the parade ended, the message of “From Roots to Tomorrow” remained clear. Protecting heritage while embracing innovation is key to building a stronger, more sustainable fisheries sector for the country.
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