A total of 343 students from the Bicol region took part in the Fisheries Scholarship Program-Nationwide Qualifying Examination on October 19, 2024, held across six testing centers. This turnout made Bicol the region with the highest number of applicants nationwide, reflecting the growing interest of Bicolano youth in the program.
The examination was conducted simultaneously in the six provinces with the presence of a National Examiner from BFAR Central Office represented by Jed San Buenaventura. The testing centers and corresponding number of examinees from each province were as follows:
* Sorsogon State University: 121 examinees from Sorsogon
* Central Bicol State University of Agriculture: 82 examinees from Camarines Sur
* Masbate School of Fisheries, Milagros: 52 examinees from Masbate
* Bicol University, Tabaco City: 45 examinees from Albay
* Provincial Fisheries Office, Catanduanes: 22 examinees from Catanduanes
* Camarines Norte State College-IFMS, Mercedes: 21 examinees from Camarines Norte
The results are expected to be announced later this year or in January 2025. A total of 26 scholarship slots will be awarded to the top examinees, including 20 for fisherfolk children, 3 for honor students, and 3 for Indigenous Peoples.
The Fisheries Scholarship Program (FSP) provides full scholarships for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BS Fisheries). It consists of three components: the Fisherfolk Children Educational Grant (FCEG) for fisherfolk children; the Fisheries Industry Leaders Grant for honor students; and the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples Grant for students from Indigenous groups.
(Source: BFAR Bicol)