CAGWAIT, Surigao del Sur — Fisherfolk in this coastal town are set to boost their catch and strengthen their livelihoods after receiving around a Php11.5-million fishing vessel from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR).

Members of the Cagwait Fish Broker Association formally accepted the 62-footer fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) handline fishing vessel in a ceremony held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, under the government’s Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program.

DA-BFAR national director Elizer Salilig led the ceremonial turnover, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and responsibility among the beneficiaries. Salilig also acknowledged the critical role of the Municipal Agriculture Office in facilitating the project and urged the association to take good care of the vessel, ensure its safety during extreme weather conditions, and maximize its use not only for livelihood but also for disaster response efforts.

“Alagaan ninyo ang inyong proyekto. Siguruhon usab ninyo ang kaluwasan sa sakyanan ilabi na sa panahon sa bagyo. Gawas sa panginabuhian, mamahimo usab ninyo kining magamit sa panahon sa kalamidad,” Salilig said, while also expressing hopes for more interventions to support fisherfolk communities.

The bureau director also shared updates on the proposed departmentalization of DA-BFAR, noting that multiple bills have been filed in support of establishing a separate Department of Fisheries to further strengthen the sector.

DA-BFAR Caraga regional director Omnia B. Olama, in her message, underscored the collective effort behind the project’s realization and highlighted Surigao del Sur’s strong fisheries performance. From 2020 to 2024, the province consistently ranked second in municipal fisheries production in the Caraga Region, and in 2025, it rose to the top with 11,713.92 metric tons. It also maintained leadership in commercial fisheries production over the same period based on the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

While acknowledging a recent decline in commercial fisheries output in 2025, RD Olama expressed optimism that the new intervention would help revitalize the sector. The good regional director also emphasized the province’s rich coastal resources, including tuna and tuna-like species, and encouraged sustainable utilization to restore its standing as a top fisheries producer in the region.

“To our beneficiaries, may this project inspire your association to grow, thrive, and become a model of resilience and productivity, not only in Cagwait but across Surigao del Sur,” the regional director added.

Cagwait mayor Glenn Batiancila expressed gratitude to DA-BFAR and key leaders for bringing the project to the municipality, calling the turnover a historic milestone for local fisherfolk. He also emphasized the importance of responsible fishing practices, urging beneficiaries to avoid illegal fishing activities and to protect the integrity of the project.

The mayor also highlighted the potential of the new fishing vessel to increase fish supply, stabilize market prices, and contribute to food security in the region. He also shared the municipality’s vision of expanding fisheries infrastructure, including the proposed opening of the Aras-asan Fishport, which could position Cagwait as a key landing and distribution hub in Caraga.

Batiancila further affirmed the local government’s support for the move to separate fisheries from agriculture, noting the Philippines long coastlines and recognizing the sector’s vital role in economic development. 

“Ang ako lang ipaabot sa atong mananagat na dugang hangyu sa inyo, kabalo gyud mo unsa ka tutuk ang administrasyon sa paghatag og supporta sa agri-fishery. Hinaot inyo kining ampingan pag-ayo ang gihatag nga grasya sa atong gobyerno pinaagi sa DA-BFAR,” the mayor said, urging beneficiaries to safeguard the government’s investment.

For their part, the Cagwait Fish Broker Association, represented by its chairperson Armando P. Reyes, accepted the vessel on behalf of its 60 members and committed to fully comply with the terms of the memorandum of agreement. Reyes assured that the association would maintain the vessel responsibly, refrain from illegal fishing practices, and strive to become a model organization in the municipality.

“Among ampingan ug alagaan kini nga proyekto. Dili namo usikan ang kwarta sa gobyerno ug paningkamotan namo nga mahimong modelo nga asosasyon dinhi sa Cagwait,” Reyes expressed.

The group also plans to register with the Cooperative Development Authority within the year, according to the Municipal Agriculture Office, as part of its effort to strengthen organizational capacity.

The turnover forms part of DA-BFAR’s broader initiative to enhance fishing efficiency and uplift coastal communities. So far, five units of similar FRP boats have also been distributed across four coastal provinces, including Basilisa in Dinagat Islands, Magallanes in Agusan del Norte, Barobo in Surigao del Sur, and two units in Siargao Islands. An additional three handline fishing vessels are also scheduled for distribution in Dinagat Islands and Surigao City.

Cagwait has likewise benefited from the agency’s Community Fish Landing Center, which has steadily increased revenues from Php817,000 in 2023 to over Php1.35 million in 2025, highlighting the town’s growing fisheries potential.

With continued collaboration among national agencies, local governments, and fisherfolk organizations, DA-BFAR remains committed to empowering coastal communities and advancing sustainable fisheries development across the country.# (Andy T. Ordoña, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)