The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has set sail its biggest ever distribution ceremony to date for its flagship program in fisheries development, the Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program. On July 3, 2024, the Bureau awarded a total of 15 units of newly constructed 62-footer fiberglass reinforced plastic fishing boats to qualified fisherfolk associations and cooperatives from across the country during the launching ceremony at Cebu Technological University in Carmen, Cebu. Moreover, fishing gears and other livelihood inputs were distributed to beneficiary fisherfolk groups from the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, National Capital Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and Caraga. This year, the Program is targeting to provide a total of 66 units of fishing vessels with a combined budget of Php 660 million. “The 62-footer fishing boats will allow them to venture into deeper waters, access more abundant and farther fishing grounds, and increase their catch, therefore boosting their income and contributing to the nation’s food security and economic growth,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in his message. “This initiative is an embodiment of our commitment to sustainable development for the fisheries sector. Beyond providing modern equipment, we are fostering a culture of responsibility and stewardship among our fisherfolk,” he added. The launching ceremony was followed by a solemn blessing and send-off of the fishing boats at the Port of Carmen, Cebu, which was led by BFAR Officer-in-Charge Isidro M. Velayo, Jr., Assistant Directors, Regional Directors, Coast Guard District Central Visayas Chaplain CG LT Rolly C. Tabo, and local government officials.
Among the organized and qualified fisherfolk associations and cooperatives that received
livelihood inputs are the following:
1. 33-B Fisherfolk Association
2. Salomague B-30 Fishermen and Vendors Association
3. CSFLU Community Fish Landing Center Marketing Cooperative
4. Nakanmuan kayvayvanan Farmers Fishermen’s Association
5. Divilacan Fisherfolk Cooperative
6. Subic Commercial Fisherfolk Association Inc. (SCOFAI)
7. Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Ulipanan
8. Pananaogan/ Bitaogan Fisherfolks’ Association
9. Culasi-Calintaan-Calayuan-Poropandan Association (CUCACAPA)
10. Sta. Ana Small Fisherfolks Association
11. San Joaquin United Fishermen Cooperative
12. Madua Norte Fishermen Association (MANFA)
13. Mancilang Integrated Fisherfolks Association (MIFA)
14. Labogon Basay Fisherfolk Association (LABFA)
15. Lazi Fisherfolk Federation (LAFF)
16. Asosasyon ng Mangingisda’t Magsasaka sa Agutay (AMMA)
17. Pacific Ocean Fisherfolk Association
18. Sipag at Tiyaga Fisherman Association
19. Hingatugan Agri-Farmers and Fishers Association
20. Limpapa Fisherfolk and Farmers Organization
21. Tampalan Bajau Fisherfolks Association
22. SINAMA FISHERMEN ASSOCIATION
23. Kahugpungan sa Masilakong Mananagat (KASAMA)
24. Daisog Fishermen’s Cooperative
25. Casinglot Fisherfolk Association
26. Samahang Mananagat ng Wao-Fuentes Association
27. Brgy. San Remegio Fisherfolks Association
28. Tagabakid Fishermen Cooperative (TAFISHCO)
29. Celebes Sea Fishing Association
30. SARGEN Tuna Handliners Association
31. Kayupo Fisherfolk Association
32. Rizal Fisherfolk Organization (RIFISOR)
33. Wakat-Barobo Commercial Fishing Association (WABACOFA)
34. Samahan ng Mandaragat ng San Luis Batangas
35. Fisherfolks of Barangay San Rafael IV Association
36. Samahan ng Mangingisda sa Tamnao Daku at Sampaguita (SAMATASAM)
37. Pinagpalang Mangingisda ng San Nicolas (PMSA)
38. Sinadayan Fisherfolk Association
39. Self-Reliant Team of Palawan Multi Purpose Cooperative
40. Linapacan Fish Catchers Association – Linapacan, Palawan
41. Samahan ng Buong Mangingisda sa Navotas, Inc.
On improving fishing capacity, efficiency
With the use of bigger, better, and upgraded fishing boats being provided under the DA-BFAR’s Capacitating Municipal and Small-Scale Fisherfolk Program, municipal and small-scale fisherfolk are set to improve their fishing capacity and efficiency. Initially conceptualized in 2020, the program was slated to become one of the Bureau’s most significant interventions to ensure sustainable management of the country’s fishery and aquatic resources, alleviation of poverty, and provision of supplementary or alternative livelihood to municipal fisherfolk. All these carry a common goal of contributing to the attainment of a food secure and food self-sufficient nation.
Boost, Fulfill, Achieve, Rise
The ceremonial launch served as the key highlight of DA-BFAR’s 77th anniversary celebration with the theme: “Boost, Fulfill, Achieve, Rise: We sustainably BOOST fisheries production, we FULFILL our mandate with integrity, professionalism and utmost dedication, we ACHIEVE milestones, and we RISE above challenges.” The event also served as the avenue to echo the Bureau’s overarching message of commitment. Dubbed as the “Pangisdaan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the Program’s new tagline is aimed at modernizing the fisheries industry, improving the quality of life of fisherfolk, and ensuring the sustainable management of the country’s fishery and aquatic resources.
