Press Release
Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Regional Office No. 5
San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur
Email: region5@bfar.da.gov.ph
Website: www.bfar.da.gov.ph
Telefax: (054) 361-2326

Secretary Alcala leads mangrove planting, awards agri- fisheries projects in Catanduanes

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala visited the province of Catanduanes and led the planting of mangroves in Bato, Catanduanes and the awarding and distribution of agri-fisheries projects, equipment and gears to farmers and fisherfolk during the Agri-Pinoy Stakeholders’ Forum in Virac, Catanduanes last April 9-10, 2012. He was assisted by Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua, Congressman Cesar Sarmiento, DA RFU-5 Regional Executive Director Jose Dayao, BFAR-5 Regional Director Dennis V. del Socorro, AKO-Bicol representatives, officials of the attached agencies of the Department of Agriculture and local government officials of Catanduanes.

Alcala spearheaded the ceremonial planting of mangroves at the mangrove reforestation project in Brgy. Batalay, Bato on April 9. Afterwards, he had a short forum with the fisherfolk of Batalay where he suggested for a community-based hatchery as a source of livelihood by the end of May this year to be facilitated by BFAR-5. He stressed the importance of mangroves in environmental protection and climate change and thus promotes more reforestation initiatives in the province. Impressed by the tourism potential of the area for kayaking, boat ride, and possible dive sites, he inspired the local government headed by Eulogio Rodriguez to promote the mangrove area to be among the major attractions in Bato. Meanwhile, two 10HP engines were given away to the fisherfolk of Batalay through a raffle. Alcala also visited other DA projects in the province. A press conference followed at the provincial capitol.

On April 10, 2012, the Agri-Pinoy Stakeholders’ Forum and Turn-Over/Awarding and Distribution of Projects/Farm Equipment was held at the Virac Sports Complex. Disaster kits, farm equipment, fishing gears and livelihood projects were awarded.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office No. 5 awarded seventeen (17) livelihood projects to registered people’s organization. In addition, certificate of award of two units motorized banca and two 16 HP engines; nine bottom-set gill nets, three units fishcage net(5m x 5m x 3m)  for grouper and ten units multiple hand line were also given away during a raffle draw to 26 lucky fisherfolk recipients. (wheng/cara)

MANGROVE PLANTING AND AGRI-FISHERIES ASSISTANCE IN CATANDUANES. Top photos: Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala leads the ceremonial mangrove planting in the Batalay, Bato with BFAR-5 Director Dennis del Socorro, Governor Joseph Cua, Bato Mayor Eulogio Rodriguez, and Congressman Cesar Sarmiento. Left bottom photo: Secretary Alcala holds a short forum with the fisherfolk of Batalay, Bato, Catanduanes. Right bottom photo: BFAR-5 officials award a bottom-set gill net to a fisherfolk recipient. (BFAR-5)