TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, (PIA) - - It is not only free fingerlings, trainings, fishing gears and boats, and free technical assistance that are extended to the region’s fisherfolk, but also the transport and marketing of their products.

With the continuing efforts of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to help and empower the fisherfolk as partners in attaining food security, the region has acquired two reefer vans which are now used to transport fisherfolk produce from the source to the market.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, where there was limited movement of vehicles, vans served as allies of fisherfolk in bringing their products to any part of the region in order to supply the many Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita outlets regionwide.

The BFAR brought to the city diverse aquatic bounties, be it fresh or processed products, only to help fisherfolk organizations sell their products during the time when there were heightened restrictions and bringing products outside localities was difficult.

Fortunately, the establishment of the Kadiwa centers has remarkably given an increase in fisherfolks' sales. The BFAR decided to keep the center while taking charge of the free hauling of their products. Aside from the physical stores, the said products are also being sold through online platforms.

Even local vegetable producers were also given the chance to sell in the Kadiwa store just located in front of the BFAR grounds.

The BFAR's Regional Director, Angel Encarnacion, has called for fisherfolk or fisherfolk organizations who want to avail the services of the bureau's reefer van to feel free to request from his office.

Commodities brought to the different markets are guaranteed fresh and properly handled.

Today, the BFAR has its own Seafood Village under the Kadiwa project.

All these are part of the agencies empowering mechanism to support the country's fisherfolk. (JKC/GVB/PIA Cagayan)