SAN JOSE, Antique – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) turned over 900 fiberglass boats to the marginalized fishermen in Antique.
BFAR regional director Remia Aparri said the boats were given as support for the sustainable development of the fishery sector in the province.
“Antique has a rich marine resources with the fish catch reported to be at 38,000 metric tons in 2018,” Aparri said during the ceremonial turnover on Wednesday.
The boats – which cost P50,000 to P55,000 each – were funded under the F/B Pagbabago Livelihood Development Program of BFAR.
Aparri said Sen. Loren Legarda coordinated with Department of Agriculture secretary Manny Piñol and BFAR national officials for the purchase of the fiberglass boats.
Legarda, in her message during the turnover, said she was glad to learn that there were 444 fiberglass boats distributed to fisherfolk of 15 coastal towns in the province.
“With the fiberglass boats that were distributed, the fish catch in the province as of March this 2019 had already increased to 58,000 metric tons,” she said.
Each boat will be shared by two recipients. (PNA/PN)
