By Kenneth Marcos 
In the shallow waters near coral reefs, a school of colorful fish glides gently through the waves — small, fast, and often unnoticed. But this year, the humble Dalagang-Bukid takes center stage as a symbol of rich marine life and sustainable fishing.
As part of the FishCon 2025 celebration, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) launched an online educational campaign featuring the Dalagang-Bukid (Pterocaesio chrysozona), a common but important reef fish found in Philippine waters.
The campaign, under the banner #MANAMo2025 (Mamamalakaya Natin ang Masaganang Ani), highlights lesser-known but valuable marine species to raise awareness about sustainable fishing and marine biodiversity.
What Makes Dalagang-Bukid Special?
The Dalagang-Bukid, also known as yellowstripe fusilier, is a reef-associated fish that can often be seen in large schools swimming in shallow coastal waters, particularly near coral reefs and rocky areas.
Though small in size, this species plays a big role in the ocean’s food chain and is a popular catch among small-scale fishers. It is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying many small eggs — a characteristic that helps sustain its population when managed properly.
“Hindi man ito kasing sikat ng bangus o tilapia, mahalaga pa rin ito sa ating pangisdaan at ekosistema,” BFAR said in a public post.
Sustainable Fishing in the Spotlight
The FishCon 2025 campaign encourages Filipinos to learn more about local fish species, especially those that are abundant but often overlooked. Promoting knowledge about marine biodiversity is part of the country’s push for sustainable fishing practices under the Marcos administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” framework.
According to BFAR, understanding how different species grow, live, and reproduce helps in designing better conservation and management strategies. For instance, knowing that Dalagang-Bukid lays eggs in large numbers means communities can set closed fishing seasons during spawning times, allowing populations to recover and grow.
Protecting Marine Life for Future Generations
FishCon 2025 isn’t just about trivia or competitions. It’s part of a bigger goal to strengthen the connection between coastal communities, fishers, and marine conservation. By shining a spotlight on species like Dalagang-Bukid, BFAR hopes to build a more informed and responsible fishing sector.
As the climate crisis and overfishing continue to threaten marine resources, experts stress the need for education, community involvement, and government support to ensure the long-term health of Philippine waters.
“Ang bawat isdang ating kinikilala at pinangangalagaan ngayon, ay pagkain at kabuhayan para sa mga susunod na henerasyon,” BFAR emphasized.
A Fish Worth Knowing
Whether you’re a fisherfolk, student, or seafood lover, the Dalagang-Bukid is a reminder that even the smallest species have big value in our marine ecosystems. As FishCon 2025 continues, the public is invited to learn more, join discussions, and support local efforts to protect the seas.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News