BFAR CALABARZON bares plans and programs for 2018 to local officials; awards 250 boats to fisherfolk families

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources CALABARZON Region (BFAR 4A) laid out its plans and program for CY 2018 to more than 300 audience composed of Mayors, Provincial and Municipal Agriculturists, Extension Officers and other LGU officials last February 21, 2018 at El Cielito Hotel, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

By laying out its programs, BFAR 4A wants to come into an understanding and level off with CALABARZON LGUs and head towards the same direction in attaining food sufficiency which is the overarching goal under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

Dr. Lilian C. Garcia, Regional Director of BFAR 4A led the orientation on the agency’s major plans and programs which included the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) The National Search for Outstanding Coastal Community, FB Pagbabago Program, Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa (BASIL) Program, Fishyalan: Pangisdaan at Pasyalan in One and Fisheries Regulation and Law Enforcement. Dr. Garcia also discussed the regular programs of the Agency including fish fingerling dispersal, the Seaweed Development Program, the Alternative Livelihood Program such as awarding of fishing gear and paraphernalia as well as fish processing equipment and utensils, conduct of trainings, Coastal Resource Management and law enforcement. 

On the other hand, Dr. Hannibal Chavez of the Fisheries Production and Supply Services Division discussed the action plan on the “five potentials” of BFAR namely, tilapia, milkfish, seaweeds, shrimps and shellfish.

The orientation was followed in the afternoon with the awarding of 250 units of fiberglass boats to 500 fisherfolk families under the FB Pagbabago Program. The fiberglass boats were constructed by the fisherfolk themselves using materials provided by BFAR 4A. By providing the counterpart labor, the fisherfolk will have a better sense of ownership and thus, will better take care of their boats. 

Another 40 units of patrol boats were also awarded to various municipalities in addition to the 12 units awarded in 2017. This is in accordance to the aim of BFAR to provide one patrol boat for each coastal municipality in support to their law enforcement efforts particularly in battling illegal fishing activities. The awarding of boats was led by Dr. Garcia and Mr. Al Filoton, the representative of Undersecretary for Fisheries and BFAR Director, Commodore Eduardo B. Gongona (PCG, Ret).

The orientation and awarding was preceded the day before by a target-setting workshop extension officers (EOs) of CALABARZON municipalities worked out on their production targets for 2018.(BFAR 4A/Kevin Pamatmat/Ronda Balita)