About 240 individuals and seven fisherfolk associations in Dilasag, Aurora are set to improve their livelihood following the distribution of more than ₱8 million worth of fisheries equipment from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to boost productivity in the fisheries sector and ensure a stable food supply through sustained development programs for farmers and fisherfolk.
BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz said the intervention is not limited to immediate assistance but forms part of the agency’s long-term investment in the resilience and livelihood recovery of fishing communities.
The package included gill nets, fiberglass-reinforced plastic boats, marine engines, spear guns, shallow payao, bottom set long lines, and tuna hand lines.
Additional interventions under the Rehabilitation Program, Enhanced Philippine Seaweeds Development Program, and Cage Culture Livelihood Project included five HDPE circular cages stocked with milkfish fingerlings and feed for the initial cropping cycle.
Cruz assured that BFAR would continue implementing programs to strengthen livelihood and promote the development of the fisheries sector in communities.
Meanwhile, Samahan ng Diniog Mandaragat President Warlito Cacayan expressed gratitude for the assistance, saying it will help replace damaged fishing gear and ease financial burdens as fisherfolk rebuild their primary source of income.
“Malaking ginhawa po para sa amin ang pagkakaroon muli ng bangka at makina upang maipagpatuloy ang aming hanapbuhay. Maraming salamat po sa walang sawang suporta ng BFAR sa aming mga fisherfolk lalo na sa mga nawalan ng kabuhayan dahil sa bagyo,” he said.
Through these interventions, fisherfolk in Aurora are expected to strengthen their livelihoods and develop more resilient, sustainable income sources over the long term. (CLJD/MAT, PIA Region 3-Aurora)