The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Program awarded 36 units of 7 cu. ft. HD inverter chest freezers to 320 fisherfolk in Calatrava recently.
The chest freezers, funded from the FY 2024 budget, are intended to boost the local fishing community’s capacity to produce ice locally and store fish, eliminating the need for long travels.
During the awarding ceremony, Vice Mayor Dishan Servañes emphasized the importance of this intervention for the livelihood of local fisherfolk.
“The chest freezers are a valuable intervention as they allow you to produce ice locally and store fish without the need to travel to distant places,” he stated.
Provincial Fisheries Officer Luisito M. Manes also addressed the attendees, expressing hope that the previously provided equipment is being utilized effectively.
He encouraged the fisherfolk to report any issues with the equipment to the provincial fishery office for immediate assistance.
This initiative is part of BFAR-SAAD’s ongoing efforts to support and improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk in special agricultural areas, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to sustain and enhance their fishing activities.
