Both the government and the private sector have launched programs to help fisherfolk.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) launched the first 62-footer fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) tuna handline fishing boat under its capacitating municipal fisherfolk program yesterday.
The agency said the vessel that was launched in Subic, Zambales is part of the 33-unit contract worth a total of P208.5 million with Pacificfortia Marine Technologies Inc., a Philippine-registered boat manufacturer.
Under the contract, BFAR will get 27 units of FRP 62-footer handline fishing boat for P6.3 million each and six units of FRP 62-footer bag-net fishing boat for P6.4 million each which will all be given to the municipal fisherfolk nationwide.
“This program is a product of an innovative mindset that is centered on modernization as a measure to promote opportunities for our fisherfolk in order for them to yield profit in municipal waters. Bigger boats would mean longer distances to be sailed and abundant fish catch,” Demosthenes Escoto, BFAR officer-in-charge director, said in a statement.
BFAR said the program will capacitate small-scale fisherfolk at the municipal fishing waters toward an improved fish catch as well as enable them to significantly contribute in the production of tuna and small pelagic fish like sardines to enhance fish supply and food security nationwide.
Meanwhile, Aboitiz Power Corp., through its subsidiary Therma Marine Inc. (TMI), and the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (AFI) donated 100 coastal livelihood packages to two fishing communities in Maco, Davao de Oro.
The firm provided fishing nets, diving goggles, nylon and other fishing supplies in barangays San Roque and San Juan.
Besides providing livelihood assistance, TMI and AFI also donated two buoys to the municipality of Maco. Thesewill ensure that no harmful human activity takes place within the municipality’s marine protected area which measures around 5 hectares.
Marine protected areas are spaces where human activities are constantly monitored and regulated for species conservation and natural resource management.
TMI operates two 100 megawatts oil-fired power barges in Maco and in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. – Jed Macapagal
