As of this posting, 84 of the targeted 100 units FRP boats have been fabricated and for finishing, and these will be distributed to the fisherfolks who lost their boats after the onslaught of the Typhoon Odette last December 16, 2021, particularly in the provinces of Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.

Chief Aquaculturist Rizalinda L. Abing said that another 132 units of FRP boats are expected to be distributed under the quick response fund amounting to P11.7 million shared by the Department of Agriculture, and this will be coursed through “Bangka ko, Gawa ko” arrangement in coordination with the local government units.”

The fabrication of the FRP boats is costly, so we will let the LGUs identify fisherfolk beneficiaries listed in their municipal fisherfolk registration system (FishR) and boat registration system (BoatR), and have them trained by our technical personnel. Each FRP boat will be co-owned by two fishing families and the LGUs will also be tapped to identify fabrication sites in their areas of jurisdiction,” RD Nilo Selim Katada explained.

RD Katada is also hopeful that these interventions will translate to helping the fishing communities bounce back from the ravage of the Typhoon Odette in the region.

It can be recalled that days after the Typhoon Odette hit southern and central Philippines, the DA-BFAR Central and its Regional Offices handed over aid and support amounting to P13.6 million for the local farmers and fisherfolks in Caraga – including several fabrication supplies, materials and tools for the construction of the FRP boats.

(DA-BFAR Caraga, Information Unit)