In a bid to bolster food security and enhance aquatic resource management, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Special Area for Agricultural Development (BFAR-SAAD) Program MIMAROPA distributed a series of livelihood projects to the municipality of Ferrol on May 28, 2024.
Various fisherfolk associations in Ferrol received the following interventions: 90 sets of tuna handlines, 25 units of 16HP high-speed diesel engines, 10 units of 12HP low-speed engines, 45 units of 10HP low-speed engines, 5 units of 16HP high-speed engines, 5 units of 13HP high-speed engines, 13 units of 7.5HP low-speed engines, and 3 units of 7.5HP high-speed diesel engines.
The recipient associations included the Atabay Fisherfolks Association, Guin-awayan Fisherfolks Association, Poblacion Fisherfolks Association, Ferrol Fish Vendor Association, Ferrol Bantay Dagat Association, Mangingisda ng Bagulayag Association, Tubigon Fisherfolks Association, and Culasi Fisherfolks Association.
“With the new engines, more members would be able to use them,” Danny Domingo, the Provincial Fishery Office and Fisheries Regulation Officer, said.
Rey E. Soriano, the Regional Fisherfolk Director, delivered an inspirational message, emphasizing the vital role of fisherfolk in society.
“You are the silent heroes because you wake up at dawn to go fishing and provide food for every Filipino, regardless of weather conditions,” Soriano remarked.
In addition to these new interventions, beneficiaries in Ferrol have also received capture and post-harvest support from BFAR-SAAD MIMAROPA for FY 2023.