Gawad Pangisdaan (Fisheries Award) from the Philippine Fisheries Association (PFA) during its Annual Meeting held on 11 October 2014 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila.
Ms. Ablaza was recognized as the Outstanding Fisheries Practitioner for 2014 for her “exceptional technical and organizational achievements in fisheries research and development, education, and consultancy services in the local and international scene.” She is also the first female recipient of this award.
The PFA is a non-stock and non-profit association of fisheries professionals and practitioners, which aims to promote Philippine fisheries development. Ms. Ablaza was cited for her contribution to the fisheries sector, which started even before she established PRIMEX in August 1989. She was a strong advocate of South-South cooperation in fisheries management (with focus on tuna research and fisheries education) between two groups of developing countries, namely, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Pacific Island Nations (PINs).
Dr. Melchor Tayamen, Director of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, Chairman of the PFA Awards Committee, presented the award to Ms. Ablaza.