Region 9 – DA-BFAR IX personnel headed by Regional Director Isidro M. Velayo, Jr., MDM alongside Provincial Fishery Officer Arcelita A. Andaya, in coordination with the Local Government Unit of Sindangan, successfully turned over various livelihood intervention packages to the fisherfolk of the said municipality. A formal turnover of the livelihood packages was held at Sindangan Pilot Demonstration School (SPDS) attended by fisherfolk beneficiaries from the barangays of La Roche, Datu Tangkilan, Inuman, and R.G. Macias, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, November 24, 2021.
The LGU of Sindangan on the other hand was represented by Municipal Agriculturist Jonathan G. Comamao along with his staff. Three (3) units of fish aggregating device or FAD and five (5) units of 16hp marine engines were turned over to La Roche Fisherfolk’s Association; while one (1) FAD unit was turned over to the Datu Tangkilan Fisherfolk’s Association. Hook and line sets were turned over to Inuman Fisherfolk’s Association, and one (1) set of seaweed farming materials was given to R.G. Macias Fisherfolk Association, and the rest of the seaweed farming implements were divided to other pre-selected beneficiaries from different barangays.
In his message, Director Velayo recalled fondly of the very school which the program was held, SPDS being his beloved alma mater, and as a Sindanganon himself; he shared his vision of a progressive fisherfolk industry which propels our small-scale fisherfolk to the forefront, through a strong partnership with the bureau and the local government units. He maintained that the livelihood inputs when properly managed, and fishery activities appropriately corroborated, will prove beyond productive.
Director Velayo encouraged participation, and most importantly cooperation among the stakeholders, and within fisherfolk communities as well. In response, the leaders from the different fisherfolk associations showed their sincere gratitude and reiterated their commitment to the plans and programs of the government.
The provision of livelihood intervention, especially those by which the recipient fisherfolk groups have a fair share of equity, e.g., labor in establishing the FAD’s or seaweed farms, gives them the appropriate sense of ownership, hence, the responsibility of maintaining the livelihood inputs in the long-term. This strategic approach by the bureau ensures such interventions, coupled with regular monitoring and technical assistance from the DA-BFAR personnel, will certainly attain its intended goal which is to provide economic stability and improvement to the region’s fisherfolk communities.
(Source: BFAR 9)