Janna Ejurango Taboada secured sixth place in the October 2026 Fisheries Professionals Licensure Examination, a milestone celebrated with a heartfelt tribute to her late father.
At 23 years old, Taboada, hailing from Barangay Malhiao in Badian, Cebu, attributes her success to her father's influence and the support of her family.
Sayang pa, ikaw unta to ang magtudlo nako’g tahi og pokot pa (It’s sad, Pa. You were supposed to be the one to teach me how to mend fishing nets).
Janna Ejurango Taboada
Her father, Jose Manalili Taboada, passed away in 2022, just before he could see his children graduate. His legacy continues to inspire her dedication to her studies.
Taboada's academic journey was supported by a scholarship from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), which emphasizes the importance of family backgrounds in the fisheries sector.
She achieved an impressive score of 88.25 percent, becoming the first topnotcher from the Fisheries Department at Cebu Technological University-Moalboal Campus.
The BFAR's Fisheries Scholarship Program provides financial support to students from fishing families and Indigenous Peoples, highlighting the government's commitment to uplift these communities.
- Scholarship includes grants for honor graduates.
- Targets children of registered fisherfolk and Indigenous Cultural Communities.
With the support of her mother, a barangay nutrition scholar, and her eldest sister, a teacher, Taboada and her siblings have successfully navigated their education, showcasing resilience amidst challenges.