The DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga, in collaboration with the local government unit of Claver, officially turned-over 16 units of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boats with accessories on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Lawihon Boulevard, Tayaga, Claver, Surigao del Norte.
Regional Director Omnia B. Olama, together with Claver Municipal Mayor Hon. Georgia D. Gokiangkee, Committee on Agriculture Vice-Chair Hon. Francis Jatulan, Municipal Agriculture Office OIC Alexander B. Curada and Fishery Section-In Charge Jestoni B. Quijado, led the distribution of the 27-footer FRP boats worth PHP1.3 million.
In her message, RD Olama congratulated the 16 fisherfolk beneficiaries who received the FRP boats, with hopes that it will provide access to sustainable fisheries resources and open up economic prospects.
“These fiberglass fishing boats will not only aid in ensuring food security, but also create jobs and additional livelihood as the beneficiaries of this initiative have received training on capacity-building for the construction and maintenance of the fiberglass fishing boat,” RD Olama said.
The FRP boats’ beneficiaries were equally urged by RD Olama to operate them honorably, and refrain from engaging in unlawful fishing activities.
“Along with taking care of the materials the bureau gave you, I am also asking that you use them legally. For our fisherfolk, may we all be reminded to protect the environment, our seas, and our fisheries resources for the benefit of our fishing community and to safeguard that these vital resources remain available for generations to come,” the regional director added.
“I yearn that this initiative will promote sustainable fishing practices, which will ensure the long-term viability of the fisherfolk’s livelihoods. May this project symbolizes hope and a new beginning for our fisherfolk beneficiaries,” RD Olama concluded.
Mayor Gokiangkee expressed her gratitude for the fishing sector’s support and collaboration in bringing the initiative into existence and stressed the importance of the fisherfolk in helping the municipal government achieve its goal of increasing capture fisheries production in the locality.
Funded by Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, the initiative aims to provide FRP boats to local fisherfolk to maximize their productivity and improve the standard of living for their families. (Sheen Chic Zenith T. Perral, IEC Assistant, DA-BFAR Caraga)
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