Pangisda Pilipinas President Pablo Rosales urged University of the Philippines Visayas graduates to carry their knowledge into farming, fishing, and coastal communities during commencement rites on July 10, 2026. Rosales introduced himself not as a professor, a scientist, or a decorated figure, but as a fisherman, an organization leader, and a simple citizen. He delivered the address under this year’s graduation theme, “Just Harmony.” He said he was born by the sea in Catbalogan, Samar, the child of fisherfolk-farmers who divided their days between planting cassava, corn, and bananas and paddling out to sea. He learned the value of rowing at age 7.

Angelo, F. A. L. (2026, July 11-12). No harmony without justice, fisherfolk leader tells graduates. DailyGuardian, pp. 1, 11.