Manila, Feb. 6 -- A House leader on Thursday expressed optimism that the appointment of Elizer Salilig as director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will allow the agency to expand and enhance programs that support small-scale fishers and strengthen food security.

Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan, chair of the House Committee on Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources, said he believes Salilig's "passion and dedication" will help more than 2 million marginalized fisherfolk escape poverty.

"We certainly welcome the President's appointment of Mr. Elizer Salilig as the new national director of BFAR. Director Salilig's vast institutional memory and experience, especially when it comes to improving...