Region 9 – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office IX conducted the Turnover Ceremony of Ten (10) units 20-footer Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Boats worth ₱ 590,437.73 with 13 horsepower (hp) marine engine with complete accessories and fishing paraphernalia (one set gillnet and one set multiple hook and line) to 10 fisherfolk associations in Zamboanga City held at BFAR IX Compound yesterday, January 26, 2022 spearheaded by Regional Director Isidro M. Velayo, Jr., MDM and key staff.
The ceremony is part of the commitment of the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau and the Local Government Unit of Zamboanga City to the fisherfolk in line with the implementation of the Capture Fisheries Development Program that gives importance in providing support to capture fishers whose work are directly attributable in the contribution of the fisheries in the economy.
The undertaking started with a welcoming remark from Mr. Al-zath K. Kunting, OIC-Assistant Regional Director and OIC-Chief, RFTFCD, where he stressed the innovative use of fiberglass reinforced plastic instead of wooden trees in constructing boats. He lauded the design as it is environmentally friendly.
The said event was graced by City Agriculturist, Ms. Carmencita C. Sanchez who represented Honorable Mayor Maria Isabelle G. Climaco-Salazar. In her message of support, she emphasized that the provision of FRP boats must be used to improve the livelihood of everyone in the association and not for personal use. She also encouraged the various fisherfolk associations to apply and become co-operatives (co-op) to shorten the farm to the market scheme of selling fish and other aquatic products and reduce middlemen participation, thus minimizing cost while increasing fisherfolk income.
Moreover, Director Isidro M. Velayo, Jr. gave his message of inspiration to the attendees. He highlighted that the initiative of using fiberglass reinforced plastic as the main material proved to be long-lasting. He also fostered that the 20-footer FRP boats must be used responsibly through legal fishing to help conserve and preserve fishery resources not only for the present but also for succeeding generations. The use of plastic means that fewer trees are cut down to make lumber for wooden boats, which is better for the environment, but these boats are also more durable, robust, disaster and weather-resistant, and unsinkable guaranteeing well-being of fishermen when sailing.
On behalf of the ten recipients of the FRP boats, Mr. Isnarin I. Cala gave the message of acceptance. He thanked the Bureau, RD Velayo, and CA Sanchez, for the assistance given to them. The boats will help them increase fish catch and seaweed production, consequently, help them recover from the onslaught of the global pandemic, creating ripples of effect to boost the local and national economy and help curb the decade-long problem of fish-food insecurity in the country. The following fisherfolk associations received 10 units of 20-footer FRP boats with 13 hp marine engines and fishing paraphernalia: 1. Assalam Fisherfolks Association 2. Mampang Fishermen and Seaweeds Growers Association 3. Mampang Seaweeds Planters Association iation 4. Los Pescadores de Patalon Association 5. Duncaan Talabaan Seaweed Farmers Association 6. Sangali Malasugat Seaweeds Farmers’ Association 7. Pitas Island Fishermen’s Association of Bolong 8. Aplaya Buenavista Seaweed Farmers Association 9. Dita Agro-Marine Product Association, Inc. 10. Paraitan Taguiti Fisherfolk Association.
(Source: BFAR IX)