Two third-year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries program at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University—South La Union Campus (DMMMSU-SLUC) emerged as winners in two regional art competitions organized by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) as part of Month of the Ocean celebrations, held simultaneously in San Fernando City, La Union, and Baguio City on April 23, 2025.

Ms. Irish L. Alalag was awarded first place in the FishCoRe Exhibit Regional Judging, which took place in San Fernando City, La Union. Her mixed-media artwork, titled “It Takes a Village to Save a Life,” underscores the significance of community collaboration in the realm of marine conservation. As the regional champion, Ms. Alalag will represent Region 1 at the forthcoming National FishCoRe Exhibit scheduled for May 28-29, 2025.

Meanwhile, Ms. Rosinie B. Loy-ong placed second in the mixed-media category, held in Baguio City with her piece “The Ocean Gives Life; Takes Life,” which explores the dualistic nature of the ocean in sustaining and challenging life.The competitions are part of the FishCoRe project, which aims to promote sustainability within fisheries and coastal environments. The winning artworks will be prominently displayed at the National FishCoRe Exhibit. (By Aniway P. Millares)