To empower fisherfolk and help them maximize their catch in the West Philippine Sea, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) will provide P4.95 million-worth of equipment and capacity-building programs to fisherfolk groups in Pag-asa Island this week.

 
The fishing gear and post-harvest equipment for beneficiaries will be transported by BRP Francisco Dagohoy (MMOV 5002) from Puerto Princesa City to Pag-asa Island.

 
A multi-mission offshore civilian patrol vessel operated by the DA-BFAR, BRP Francisco Dagohoy will embark on a two-day journey to Pag-asa Island starting today, June 12, coinciding with the 125th Philippine Independence.

 
Before it sailed off, the DA-BFAR held a send-off ceremony at Oyster Bay Naval Base in Brgy. Macarascas, Puerto Princesa City.

 
“Itong paglalayag ng DA-BFAR upang maghatid ng suportang pangkabuhayan para sa mga residente at mangingisda ng Pag-asa Island ay isang inisyatiba ayon sa tagubilin ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na paigtingin ang pagbibigay ng suporta sa sektor ng mga mangingisda, maging sa mga malalayong baybaying komunidad (This voyage, which aims to provide livelihood support to the residents and fisherfolk of Pag-asa Island, is one of our initiatives in accordance with the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen our support to the fisheries sector, as well as in far-flung communities),” DA-BFAR National Director Atty. Demosthenes R. Escoto said.

 
Director Escoto expressed optimism that through the initiative, Filipino fisherfolk would be further equipped with tools and skills to increase their catch in the resource-rich waters.

 
He also recognized the members of the Philippine Coast Guard and other partner agencies who have been supporting the Bureau’s livelihood initiatives for the fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea.

 
“Binibigyang-pugay natin ang magiting na pakikipag-balikatan sa DA-BFAR ng ating mga kapwa-lingkod bayan sa iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno. Sa pamamagitan ng ating pagtutulungan ay naipararating natin ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa ating mga mangingisda maging sa malalayong dako ng ating karagatan (We salute courageous public servants who have been working with the DA-BFAR. Through this collaboration, we are able to provide government aid to our fisherfolk in far-flung areas),” Director Escoto said.

 
Aboard BRP Francisco Dagohoy are various fishing gears that include fish stalls, fish containers, plastic floaters, twines, lead sinker, and deep sea payao which will be given to Palawan fisherfolk. Also included are post-harvest equipment such as blast freezer, ice coolers, industrial weighing scales, crate storages, seawater flake ice machine, and a generator set.

 
DA-BFAR personnel will also conduct training on proper fish handling, good manufacturing practices, and sanitation standards to help the Pag-asa Island fishing community preserve the economic value of their catch.

 
Beneficiaries will come from the Kalayaan Palawan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, as well as the Spratlys Strong and Brave Women Association.

 
The program was led by Assistant Director Zaldy P. Perez; Regional Director Emmanuel H. Asis, DFT, CESE; and Provincial Fisheries Office Officer-in-Charge Mario C. Basaya in coordination with the local government unit of Kalayaan led by Municipal Mayor Hon. Roberto M. Del Mundo, the Philippine Navy led by Naval Forces West Acting Chief of Staff Captain Ronaldo M. Pascua, PN (GSC), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

 
Meanwhile, Director Escoto said the Bureau is eyeing to provide additional livelihood inputs to Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea and in adjacent areas to boost their production.

 
Over the years, the Bureau has been augmenting the fisheries activities operating and situated in the area, especially those in Pag-asa Island, through provision of Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boats and hand lines, payao and lambaklad fishing technologies, marine engines, and post-harvest equipment to local fisherfolk.

 
The DA-BFAR has also been supporting the operations of the Community Fish Landing Center (CFLC) in the Municipality of Kalayaan, as well as the use of ring netter for Taytay, Palawan. #