SAN FERNANDO CITY (PIA) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Ilocos assured that Region 1 has more than sufficient fish supply based on the volume of production reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority. 
 
According to Regional Director Rosario Segundina Gaerlan, Region 1 accumulated a total of 189,000 metric tons of fish production in 2021, which is also 10,000 metric tons higher compared to the production in 2019. 
 
Gaerlan said that by the end of 2022, the BFAR targets to surpass the said volume and further increase the number of fish production in the region. 
 
“Ngayong taon, hindi lang natin target na maabot ‘yong dami ng supply noong 2021 pero sana  ay mas mahigitan pa natin ang volume of production,” Gaerlan said. 
 
 Various programs and projects are being implemented by the BFAR Ilocos not only to expand the production in the local fishing industry but as well as to aid fisherfolks in their livelihood or day-to-day operations. 
 
To date, there is an ongoing disbursement of fuel subsidies in the region which aims to assist some 6,097 fisherfolks on their operations of engine equipment amid the oil crisis. 
 
Also, BFAR is also continuously catering requests for fingerlings from cooperatives and fish pond owners. 
 
“We have our collaboration among local government units and other partner national government agencies to fill water reservoirs and water impounding systems in the region with freshwater fingerlings,” Gaerlan said. 
 
Further, small fishing boats, as well as tuna fishing vessels were being provided among fisherfolks’ groups in the Ilocos.
 
Technical assistance on post-harvest production as well are being provided to stakeholders such as in food processing like fish deboning and value-adding process. 
 
Gaerlan highlighted the steadfast establishment of Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils to ensure that the sector is well-represented and can signify which interventions or programs are needed to be postulated. (JCR/AMB/CGRC, PIA Region 1)