CALAPAN CITY, January 21, 2025 — Three (3) fisherfolk associations in the municipalities of Magdiwang and Cajidiocan, Romblon under the BFAR-Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program has successfully completed the fabrication of fifteen (15) units of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boats in Sibuyan Island, Romblon. This initiative is in line with the “Bangka Ko, Gawa Ko” program.

The training on FRP Boat Making, which began in 2023, aimed to capacitate the fisherfolk with the necessary skills needed for FRP Boat building and design, boat construction, and repair techniques.
In 2024, BFAR-SAAD MIMAROPA awarded the materials for the FRP boats along with 18HP engines (diesel). The fabrication of the boats started on October 16, 2024, and by December 27 2024, the associations had completed 15 FRP boats, each equipped with an 18HP engine.

The Agsao Fisherfolk Association (AGFFA) and Tampayan Fisherfolk Association (TAFFA) produced and are now fully utilizing seven (7) units of FRP boats each. Additionally, the Samahan ng Mambubukid at Mandaragat ng Sibuyan (SAMAMASI) produced and is actively using one (1) unit.

The “Bangka Ko, Gawa Ko” initiative, led by the BFAR-SAAD Program and part of the F/B Pagbabago Livelihood and Development Program, aims to empower fisherfolk by providing tools to boost productivity and support sustainable fisheries. The provision of FRP boats is expected to enhance the beneficiaries’ fishing capacity, fostering economic growth in their communities.