BASCO, Batanes (PIA) - - Almost a hundred Ivatan fisherfolk have received training from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on the construction and management of ‘Tataya’ boats. 

Provincial Fishery Officer Ritchie A. Rivera said they have already awarded 47 units of motorized and 50 units of non-motorized locally designed fishing boats. 

Tataya is a traditional fishing boat of the fisherfolk in Batanes province. Locals used to construct their boats out of wood, however, BFAR recently introduced the Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) type of fishing boat which is more strong and durable, making it more suitable in navigating the rough seas of the island province. 

“We targeted at least 100 units of fishing boats under the Pagbabago Livelihood and Development Program to be awarded to the fisherfolk here. We are about to accomplish this target as there are still some more units under construction by the selected beneficiaries,” Rivera said. 

He also said a non-motorized ‘Tataya’ costs P33,000 but a motorized one costs about P350, 000 because of the recommended engine type that could withstand the rough Batanes sea. 

Do it yourself

Rivera also said the selected beneficiaries underwent training on how to construct their own tataya. “It is part of our agreement that we will provide capability training and materials but the labor must come from them. And for them to have ownership to it, we encouraged them to construct their own ‘Tataya’. In this way, they will put more value to the project that they received from the government,” Rivera added. 

However, he clarified that a technical expert from BFAR supervises the fisherfolk beneficiaries as they construct their boats. 

Do it yourself

Rivera also said the selected beneficiaries underwent training on how to construct their own tataya. 

"It is part of our agreement that we will provide capability training and materials but the labor must come from them. And for them to have ownership to it, we encouraged them to construct their own ‘Tataya’. In this way, they will put more value to the project that they received from the government,” Rivera added. 

However, he clarified that a technical expert from BFAR supervises the fisherfolk beneficiaries as they construct their boats. 

Fruit of labor

Gilbert Ebina of Ivana town was very thankful to the assistance given to them by the bureau as he now has his own fishing boat. 

“I used to borrow a fishing boat when I needed to catch fish for my family’s consumption but now I already have my own boat. This is very precious to me because it is a fruit of my labor also,” Ebina said. 

He said he can now venture into the sea anytime to catch fish not only for his family’s consumption but to sell some whenever he catches more than enough.

Jong Cardona, a native of Basco, said the training alone is already of great help to them as beneficiaries as they acquired knowledge on how to construct and manage their boats. 

“We are very much thankful to the government because we are always considered in their programs. These fishing boats are very much helpful to people like us who are living on an island,” Cardona said. 

Multi-purpose

The boats are not only utilized for fishing, Rivera said, as they are also used for search and rescue operations during disasters. 

“They are also used for hauling materials for government projects, and for patrolling and assessment whenever necessary,” he said. 

In return, the beneficiaries are encouraged to help BFAR on fish data gathering by submitting the volume of their catch for analysis, possible interventions and policy making.  (OTB/GVB/PIA Batanes)