The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) on Monday said it has provided ₱4.95 million worth of equipment capacity-building programs to fisherfolk groups of Pag-asa Island.

In a statement, DA-BFAR director Demosthenes Escoto said the ₱4.95 million worth of support aims to empower local fisherfolk and help them maximize their catch in the West Philippine Sea.

“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,” Escoto said.

Among the beneficiaries who will receive the livelihood assistance are Kalayaan Palawan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, the Spratlys Strong, and Brave Women Association.

He also recognized the members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other partner agencies that 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 nating ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa ating mga mangingisda maging sa malalayong dako ng ating karagatan,” Escoto said.

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

Written By Ailah Francisco, DZRH News Online Intern