Butuanon fisherfolk will now have the opportunity to sail on durable and hard-wearing boats as the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga, in partnership with the local government of Butuan City, formally turned-over 50 units of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boats on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Masao Covered Court, Butuan City.
BFAR Caraga Regional Director Omnia B. Olama, together with Engr. Ramil F. Labiano of BFAR Marine Fisheries Development Center, SB Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Agro-forestry Hon. Arturo P. Gado, SB Committee on Public Order and Safety Atty. Ehrnest John C. Sanchez, and City Agriculturist Engr. Pierre Anthony D. Joven, led the distribution of the 27-footer FRP boats amounting to approximately PHP4.3 million.
In her message, RD Olama congratulated the 50 fisherfolk beneficiaries who have successfully completed the training on the fabrication, repair and maintenance of the FRP boats.
“As you sail using these boats, may you always remember to care for the environment and the fisheries resources that we rely on. May you fish responsibly and sustainably, so that you can continue to provide for your families and for future generations,” RD Olama stressed.
“I am confident that these FRP boats will play an essential role in the growth and prosperity of our fishing communities. Let us all work together to maximize the benefits of this new resource, ensuring that it serves us well for many years to come and to our fisherfolk – ‘Padayon’,” the regional director added.
“May we continue to uplift the fishery sector to facilitate fisheries development through sustainable livelihood interventions, and inclusive and participative governance,” RD Olama concluded.
City Councilor Gado, who represented City Mayor Engr. Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, expressed their appreciation for the support and cooperation of the fishing sector in the realization of the said project, and emphasized the fisherfolk’s vital role in the city government’s goal to create a competitive, livable, sustainable, smart-eco city.
City Agriculturist Joven also encouraged the fisherfolk beneficiaries to help the government’s initiatives to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Butuan Bay.
Funded by the former Senator Kiko Pangilinan, the initiative aims to provide FRP boats to the fisherfolk which will allow them to increase their productivity, leading to a better standard of living for their families. (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga RFIU)
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