The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) will provide close to PHP5 million worth of equipment and capacity-building programs to fisherfolk groups in Pag-asa Island this week. BFAR director Demosthenes Escoto said on Monday the aid worth PHP4.95 million aims to empower fisherfolk and help them maximize their catch in the West Philippine Sea. ‘Itong paglalayag ng DA-BFAR upang maghatid ng suportang pangkabuhayan para sa mga residente at mangingisda ng Pag-asa Island ay isang inisyatiba ayon sa tagubilin ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na paigtingin ang pagbibigay ng suporta sa sektor ng mga mangingisda, maging sa mga malalayong baybaying komunidad (This voyage, which aims to provide livelihood support to the residents and fisherfolk of Pag-asa Island, is one of our initiatives in accordance with the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen our support to the fisheries sector, as well as in far-flung communities),’ he said in a statement. The BRP Francisco Dagohoy, a multi-mission offshore civilian patrol vessel operated by the DA-BFAR, has started to embark on a two-day journey to Pag-asa Island on June 12, coinciding with the 125th Philippine Independence Day. Before it sailed off, the agency held a send-off ceremony at Oyster Bay Naval Base in Brgy. Macarascas, Puerto Princesa City. Aboard the BRP Francisco Dagohoy are various fishing equipment like fish stalls, fish containers, plastic floaters, twines, lead sinker, and deep sea payao which will be given to Palawan fisherfolk. Also included are post-harvest equipment such as blast freezer, ice coolers, industrial weighing scales, crate storages, seawater flake ice machine, and a generator set. DA-BFAR personnel will also conduct training on proper fish handling, good manufacturing practices, and sanitation standards to help the Pag-asa Island fishing community preserve the economic value of their catch. Beneficiaries will come from the Kalayaan Palawan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, as well as the Spratlys Strong and Brave Women Association. Escoto recognized the members of the Philippine Coast Guard and other partner agencies who have been supporting the bureau’s livelihood initiatives for the fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea. ‘Binibigyang-pugay natin ang magiting na pakikipag-balikatan sa DA-BFAR ng ating mga kapwa-lingkod bayan sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno. Sa pamamagitan ng ating pagtutulungan ay naipararating natin ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa ating mga mangingisda maging sa malalayong dako ng ating karagatan (We salute courageous public servants who have been working with the DA-BFAR. Through this collaboration, we are able to provide government aid to our fisherfolk in far-flung areas),’ he added. The program was led by Assistant Director Zaldy Perez, Regional Director Emmanuel Asis, and Provincial Fisheries Office Officer-in-Charge Mario Basaya in coordination with the local government unit of Kalayaan led by Municipal Mayor Roberto Del Mundo, the Philippine Navy led by Naval Forces West Acting Chief of Staff Captain Ronaldo Pascua, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Meanwhile, Escoto said the bureau is eyeing to provide additional livelihood inputs to Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea and in adjacent areas to boost their production. Over the years, the bureau has been augmenting the fisheries activities operating and situated in the area, especially those in Pag-asa Island, through the provision of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats and hand lines, payao and lambaklad fishing technologies, marine engines, and post-harvest equipment to local fisherfolk. The DA-BFAR has also been supporting the operations of the Community Fish Landing Center (CFLC) in the Municipality of Kalayaan, as well as the use of a ring netter for Taytay, Palawan. (With a report from Raymond dela Cruz

Source: Philippines News Agency