Fisherfolk cooperatives and associations in MIMAROPA, Eastern Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula have participated in a three-day training conducted by the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) aimed at helping them
boost their fish catch.
The DA-BFAR held the training on March 21 to 24 at Sual Fish Port in Sual, Pangasinan to equip the fisherfolk groups with technical skills and knowledge on using the steel-hulled purse seine (PS) fishing vessels which will soon be turned over to them by the Bureau.
Three fishing vessels will be given to the said groups by the DA-BFAR as part of its “Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program,” which seeks to upgrade the fishing capacity and efficiency of municipal fisherfolk by providing them with units of 62-footer steel-hulled and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) fishing boats and hands-on training.
Beneficiaries will be given full responsibility to operate and manage the fishing vessels, as well as its gears and hauling machinery.
These vessels will sail in major fishing grounds for tuna, galunggong, sardines, and other small pelagics.
DA-BFAR national director Atty. Demosthenes R. Escoto expressed optimism that the Bureau’s program and initiative will contribute to the attainment of sufficient food supply and ensure sustainable management of fishery and aquatic resources.
“Sa tulong ng makabagong makinarya at kagamitan sa ilalim ng Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program, inaasahan nating dadami ang huli ng ating mga mangingisda at tataas ang produksyon ng isda sa ating municipal waters (Through modern machinery and equipment under our Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program, we are hoping that fish production will increase in our municipal waters),” Atty. Escoto said.
Last December, an organized fisherfolk cooperative in La Union also received a newly-built 21-meter steel-hulled ringnet fishing boat from the DA-BFAR. Other fisherfolk groups are also expected to receive fishing vessels and hands-on training
from the Bureau.