The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR)-Caraga Regional Field Office formally turned-over on Monday, February 12, 2024, the one (1) unit 62-footer fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) handline fishing boat and gear accessories to Agusanon small-scale fishers, in a bid to develop the capacity of fishing communities in optimizing production from capture fisheries particularly in tuna-rich fishing grounds in the region.
BFAR regional director Omnia B. Olama led the ceremonial turn-over of the upgraded fishing vessel to the Brgy Caloc-an Small Scale Commercial Fisherfolk Association Cluster 1 held at the municipality of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte.
Magallanes mayor Cesar C. Cumba, Jr. and key officials from the local government unit witnessed the awarding of the 6-million livelihood project to the small-scale fisherfolks association.
In his speech, Mayor Cumba thanked the DA-BFAR for the livelihood intervention and expressed optimism that the project will generate better income for the fisherfolk association.
“Timing kini (na proyekto) kay two years na kapin na medyo hinay ang kuha sa panagat sa mga managatay sa Caloc-an. I hope pinaagi ani (na proyekto) mo-improve pa ang income sa mga myembro sa asosasyon,” Mayor Cumba said.
The good mayor also urged the fisherfolk beneficiaries to support one another through full cooperation and participation to the endeavors of the association.
Municipal agriculturist Roselyn R. Morrondoz furthered that “the project would highly help the fisherfolk in their livelihood especially that the local fish stocks of sardines had been depleted.”
“The innovative technology that this commercial marine vessel possesses enables a more efficient way of detecting and catching fish in deeper waters such as species that commands a premium price in our fish markets – such as tuna,” Morrondoz added.
“Our fishers, with this vessel, will be able to join in the bandwagon of technological innovation which in turn help us to compete better in a very challenging and competitive economic environment,” the municipal agriculturist said.
RD Olama, in her message, called for the responsible usage of the upgraded FRP fishing vessel taking into account the importance of restoring the threatened and depleted fish populations.
With the fishing vessel’s 13-GT capacity, RD Olama stressed that the vessel shall be used beyond the 15-km municipal waters to provide preferential rights for the municipal fisherfolks.
“I hope that you will take care of it (fishing vessel), and fish responsibly, bearing in mind that we have existing fishery laws governing the Philippine waters,” RD Olama expressed.
RD Olama also highlighted that DA-BFAR, together with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in the region.
Chairperson Julius C. Payot, on behalf of the fisherfolk association, thanked the DA-BFAR and LGU Magallanes for the opportunity which offers them a new kind of fishing – shifting from modified bagnet to handline tuna fishing.
The turnover was formalized through the execution of the memorandum of agreement between DA-BFAR, LGU Magallanes, and the recipient fisherfolk association. Also present during the activity were AgNorte provincial fishery officer Rustico L. Ranoco and chief-of-staff Orencio Corvera of the 2nd District Congressional Office.
Under the MOA, the project is expected to contribute to fisheries production of about 40 metric tonnes annually, to contribute to the country’s fish supply or food sufficiency program, and to improve the socio-economic conditions of the coastal fishing communities. (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)
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