
Fishers in Pag-asa Island get P4.95M aid
To boost catch in WPS
AT least P4.95-million worth of equipment and capacity-building programs will be provided to fisherfolk groups in Pag-asa Island to empower and help them maximize their catch in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) National Director Atty. Demosthenes R. Escoto said that the BRP Francisco Dagohoy (MMOV 5002) started on Monday the shipment of the fishing gear and post-harvest equipment for beneficiaries from Puerto Princesa City to Pag-asa Island.
DA-BFAR held a send-off ceremony for the two-day journey of the multi-mission offshore civilian patrol vessel operated by the DA-BFAR and BRP Francisco Dagohoy.
“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,” Escoto said.
Escoto expressed optimism that through the initiative, Filipino fisherfolk would be further equipped with tools and skills to increase their catch in the resource-rich waters.
He also commended the members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other partner agencies who have been supporting the fisheries bureau’s livelihood initiatives for the fisherfolk in WPS.
“Binibigyang-pugay natin ang magiting na pakikipag-balikatan sa DA-BFAR ng ating mga kapwa-lingkod bayan sa iba’t-ibang ahensiya 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,” Escoto added.
Aboard BRP Francisco Dagohoy are various fishing gears that include fish stalls, fish containers, plastic floaters, twines, lead sinkers, and deep sea payao, which will be given to Palawan fisherfolk.
Also included are post-harvest equipment such as a blast freezer, ice coolers, industrial weighing scales, crate storage, a seawater flake ice machine, and a generator set.
The 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 preserves 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.
The program was led by Assistant Director Zaldy P. Perez; Regional Director Emmanuel H. Asis, DFT, CESE; and Provincial Fisheries Office Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Mario C. Basaya in coordination with the local government unit (LGU) of Kalayaan led by Municipal Mayor Hon. Roberto M. Del Mundo, the Philippine Navy led by Naval Forces West Acting Chief of Staff Captain Ronaldo M. Pascua, PN (GSC), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Meanwhile, Escoto said the BFAR is eyeing to provide additional livelihood inputs to Filipino fisherfolk in the WPS and in adjacent areas to boost their production.
Over the years, the BFAR 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.