ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) — Three fisherfolk associations in the municipalities of Magdiwang and Cajidiocan have benefitted from the “BangKa Ko, Gawa Ko” program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) initiative.
In an interview by PIA Romblon, BFAR Romblon chief Luisito Manes said that a total of 15 fiberglass boats were turned over to local fishermen as part of the program.
The boats were made by the beneficiaries. The training on fiberglass boat-making began in 2023, and last year, the beneficiaries received the necessary tools and equipment to start building their own boats.
Apart from the boats, the fishermen were also provided with 18 hp engines to enhance their fishing capabilities.
As of now, eight out of the 15 boats are already in use by members of the Agsao Fisherfolk Association, Tampayan Fisherfolk Association, and Samahan ng Mambubukid at Mandaragat ng Sibuyan.
Victor R. Rosas Jr. of the Agsao Fisherfolk Association and Tampayan Fisherfolk Association thanked the bureau for its timely intervention, as fisherfolk like him have begun returning to the sea after months of rough waters due to inclement weather.
The “BangKa Ko, Gawa Ko” program is part of BFAR-SAAD’s Pagbabago Livelihood and Development Program, aimed at improving the lives of marginalized fisherfolk by equipping them with sustainable means of livelihood. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon)
