The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) assists the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) in ferrying nearly ₱5 million worth of equipment and capacity-building programs to fisherfolk groups in Pag-asa Island this week.

According to DA-BFAR, this is to empower fisherfolk and help them maximize their catch in the West Philippine Sea.

PCG-manned DA-BFAR vessel, BRP Francisco Dagohoy (MMOV-5002), commenced its 𝐓𝐖𝐎-𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐘 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 from Puerto Princesa City to Pag-asa Island today, 12 June 2023.

“Itong paglalayag... ay isang inisyatiba ayon sa tagubilin ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. na paigtingin ang pagbibigay ng suporta sa sektor ng mga mangingisda, maging sa mga malalayong baybaying komunidad,” DA-BFAR National Director Demosthenes Escoto said.

During the send-off ceremony that coincided with the commemoration of the 𝟏𝟐𝟓𝐓𝐇 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐘, Director Escoto recognized the PCG and other partner agencies supporting the Bureau’s livelihood initiatives for the fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea.

“Sa pamamagitan ng ating pagtutulungan ay naipararating natin ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa ating mga mangingisda maging sa malalayong dako ng ating karagatan,” he furthered.

Aboard BRP Francisco Dagohoy (MMOV-5002) are fishing gear such as fish stalls, fish containers, plastic floaters, twines, lead sinkers, and deep sea payao.

Also included are post-harvest equipment: blast freezer, ice coolers, industrial weighing scales, crate storages, seawater flake ice machine, and a generator set.

Moreover, DA-BFAR personnel will conduct training on proper fish handling, good manufacturing practices, and sanitation standards to help the Pag-asa Island fishing community.

DA-BFAR said the mission would benefit the Kalayaan Palawan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association and Spratlys Strong and Brave Women Association.

Furthermore, Director Escoto shared the Bureau is eyeing additional livelihood inputs to Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea and adjacent areas to boost production.

The DA-BFAR has been augmenting the fisheries activities operating and situated in the area, especially those in Pag-asa Island, through the provision of Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boats and hand lines, payao and lambaklad fishing technologies, marine engines, and post-harvest equipment to local fisherfolk.

The DA-BFAR has also been supporting the operations of the Community Fish Landing Center (CFLC) in Kalayaan, Palawan, and using ring netters for Taytay, Palawan.

[Courtesy of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Central Office]

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0brRkkyLU4jrKJPBD9bJGmDp3Z5e7BtC5LsJPByrRNraxPwPVyn4dF1dk8gijVfkkl&id=100064678782938&mibextid=Nif5oz