Dinagatnon fisherfolk will now have the chance to sail on sturdy and hard-wearing boats as they formally received on Thursday, June 1, 2023, their newly furnished fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boats with accessories from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR)-Caraga, in a bid to boost the province’s fishery production and to aid the livelihood activities of the fishing communities in Dinagat Islands.
DA-BFAR Caraga regional director Omnia B. Olama, together with provincial governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr. and other government key officials, led the distribution of the 50 units of 30-footer FRP boats to the fisherfolk beneficiaries in a turn-over ceremony held in San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands.
RD Olama commended the fisherfolk beneficiaries for their successful completion of the “Banka Ko, Gawa Ko” training on the fabrication, repair, and maintenance of the FRP boats. She underscored the significance of protecting the fisheries and aquatic resources while utilizing these boats, urging the fisherfolk to engage in responsible and sustainable fishing practices to safeguard the welfare of their families and future generations.
Governor Demerey expressed gratitude to the DA-BFAR for the livelihood project and echoed RD Olama’s appeal to use the FRP boats responsibly. The island governor further assured that the provincial government will continue to support initiatives, programs and measures to manage to increase the fish production as well as agricultural production in the province.
Governor Demerey likewise awarded a wooden paddle “bugsay” to RD Olama as a symbol of the provincial government’s dedication to collaborate with DA-BFAR in advancing inclusive growth and fisheries development in the province.
The ceremonial turnover was also graced by the Dinagat Islands Congressional Office district head Recci C. Bacolor; DA-BFAR national focal person for the FB Pagbabago Program, Pierre Easter L. Velasco; DA-BFAR Caraga division chiefs Edgardo P. Balambao and Elvera B. Sayas; provincial fishery officer Bernard Z. Baclayo; provincial agriculturist Rico B. Galinato and other government key officials, municipal agriculturists from various towns in the province; and the fisherfolk beneficiaries.
The said initiative was a collaborative work of DA-BFAR, through its Provincial Fisheries Office in Dinagat Islands, and in partnership with the local government units of Dinagat Islands. (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)
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