In an effort to enhance the livelihoods of fishermen in Cagayan Valley, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has distributed bigger and more modern fishing boats to fishers’ associations and cooperatives in the region.
For Mang Eugene, whose livelihood solely depends on fishing, BFAR’s assistance came just on time as he was reeling from the destruction of his eight fishing boats during last year’s destructive Typhoon Egay.
But thanks to BFAR Regional Office 2 for providing livelihood assistance to fisherfolk who were severely affected by the disaster through the awarding of motorized and non-motorized fishing vessels.
But more than the regular fishing boats, BFAR 2 Director Angel Encarnacion said the bureau distributed 62-foot fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) handline fishing boats to support fisherfolk with modern fishing technology.
This time, not just one fisherman benefited from the program, but fisherfolk associations.
Encarnacion said the project targets sustainable and profitable operations with an annual fish production of 40 metric tons to boost individual fishers’ income while strengthening the cooperative and enhancing the local communities’ livelihoods.
Last year, recipient groups included San Vicente Buhay Dagat Livelihood in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Claveria Cagayan Fishermen Cooperative in Claveria, Cagayan; and the Federation of Maconacon Fisherfolk Association in Maconacon, Isabela.
This year, Batanes Island’s Sabtang town got its share, which will be awarded to the Nakanmuan Kayvayvanan Farmers Fishermen’s Association and the Divilican Fisherfolk Cooperative in Isabela, according to Atty. Ronaldo R. Libunao, chief of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division.
Sabtang Mayor Priscila Babalo thanked BFAR for the support extended to her townmates, as bigger and better fishing boats are necessary for the fishermen.
A Memorandum of Agreement was entered into by and among the BFAR, the local government units (LGUs), and the cooperative or organization, wherein the association or organization has the full responsibility to operate and manage the boat for one year and will be renewable annually based upon demonstration of satisfactory performance by the beneficiary until such time as the project is fully awarded through a deed of donation.
BFAR will conduct periodic monitoring and evaluation of the project’s progress, implementation, and overall performance, while the LGU will provide guidance and advisory services to the partner beneficiary cooperative for operation and management.
The beneficiaries take sole responsibility for the use and cost of operations, maintenance, safety, facilities, equipment, fishing gear, and accessories, securing insurance after the execution of the deed of donation, and operating (solely for fishing purposes) the vessel. (OTB/GVB/PIA Region 2)
