SULTAN NAGA DIMAPORO, Lanao del Norte (PIA) -- To improve the efficiency and productivity of marginalized fisherfolk in the region, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-10 turned over P6.5 million worth of motorized fishing vessels and gear to two fisherfolk groups in this town.
The Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND) Fiberglass Association received a 62-footer fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) handline fishing boat, six additional small boats (pakura), and 10 sets of handline fishing gear through the Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program. At the same time, the SND Maguindanao Farmers and Fisherfolk Association received a 38-footer FRP boat and four additional small boats under the F/B Pagbabago Livelihood and Development Program.
The motorized FRP boats are equipped with the latest navigational and fishing gear, ensuring not only a boost in productivity but also adherence to responsible fishing practices. With enhanced capacity and efficiency, local fisherfolk groups were expected to increase their catch, contributing to local food security and economic sustainability.
Resounding that purpose was SND mayor Motalib Dimaporo’s representative, Sangguniang Bayan member Casan Colo's challenge to the fisherfolk beneficiaries.
“Kaning gihatag sa BFAR-10 sa inyuha (fisherfolk), usa kini ka instrumento aron mas muangat ang inyung panginabuhian. Unta nga mulangtod g’yud kini sa inyung mga kamot aron mas mu-asenso pa ang inyong mga pamilya ug makatabang pod kamo sa food security sa mga katawhan dinhi sa SND [The projects given by BFAR-10 to you (fisherfolk) serve as instruments to uplift your livelihoods. Hopefully, this will be sustained in your care so that your families will progress and contribute to food security here in SND],” he said.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-10 turns over P6.5-M worth of motorized fishing vessels and gears to two fisherfolk groups in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte. (Photo Courtesy of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-10)
Moreover, BFAR-10 Regional Director Edward Yasay emphasized the boats’ contribution to economic independence, community resilience, and the bureau’s shared vision for a thriving fishing industry in the region.
“Kauban ang among pag-salig, kami nanghinaot nga unta kini nga mga proyekto maghatag ug maayong kaugmaon sa atung mga gagmayng mananagat dinhi, pamaagi sa responsableng pangisda. Kini, usa lang ni sa daghan pang mga proyekto nga muabot kaninyo pamaagi sa kusog nga koordinasyon sa inyuhang mga lokal nga pagagamhanan [With our utmost trust, we aspire that these projects will give a better future for our fisherfolk here (in SND) through responsible fishing practices. This is just one of the many projects to come, employing close coordination with your local government leaders]," he said.
Meanwhile, another 62-footer fishing boat will also be handed over to a qualified fisherfolk association in Misamis Oriental by the end of February 2024.
With the efforts of BFAR-10’s capture fisheries section of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division (FPSSD), this series of fishing vessel provisions for small-scale fisherfolk aims to improve the beneficiaries’ capacity to participate in utilizing fisheries resources in municipal waters from 10.1 to 15 kilometers and beyond. (BFAR-10/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
