BACOLOD City – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) turned over around P3.4 million worth of livelihood projects to Sagaynon fisherfolk at the Balay Kauswagan in Negros Occidental.
A total of 96 fisherfolk from four associations, namely Vito Vendors Association, Tagnipis Fisherfolk Association, Suyac Fisherfolk Association, and Kamnunsil Fisherfolk Association, received various livelihood projects under BFAR’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, National Fishery Program (NFP), and Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra sa COVID-19 (ALPAS) Program.
Projects under the SAAD Program include the provision of crabs pots (P814,040), fish gill net for the year 2020 (P471,280), fish gill net for 2021 (P123,240), packaging materials in support of fishery value-adding and production (P82,700), and solar lamp for fish cages and fishing boats (P200,000).
Seaweed farming implements worth P1,230,300 under NFP and milkfish worth P538,000 for ALPAS COVID were also distributed.
During the turnover ceremony, Sagay City mayor Alfredo Marañon III thanked BFAR and stressed to the beneficiaries the need to make the livelihood work and ensure its sustainability.
“While having this livelihood, you must continue to help protect the environment, particularly Sagay Marine Reserve,” the mayor said.
According to BFAR-Negros Occidental acting head Marian Jill Abeto, the bureau will not stop capacitating the fisherfolk through providing training and livelihood assistance that will not only increase fishery production but also support families, especially during this pandemic.(PIA)
