The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) launched its project, dubbed “LAYAG WPS,” in MIMAROPA to help unlock the potential of fishing grounds and fisheries livelihood opportunities, particularly for municipal fisherfolk.
The project, Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yields and Economic Gains from the West Philippine Sea (LAYAG WPS), focuses on fishing communities in the WPS, which includes the regions of Ilocos, Central Luzon, and MIMAROPA.
According to BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera, the 300,062 fishermen in the West Philippine Sea need to benefit from the resources. The MIMAROPA region has the largest number of fisherfolk, with a total population of 123,543.
“Ang yaman ng West Philippine Sea, bakit hindi namin maramdaman? Kasi kailangan natin gumawa ng mga programa at proyekto para malinang natin ang West Philippine Sea,” Briguera said.
The project launch coincided with the conduct of the fisherfolk congress, dubbed “Kongreso ng mga Mangingisda sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran,” in Coron, Palawan.
In 2023, fisheries production in the WPS reached a total of 201,894.49 metric tons (MT). This production is 14.85 percent higher than the 2022 production of 175,784.73 MT.
Before the project was officially launched in Subic, Zambales, last September, the LAYAG WPS had already received an initial funding of ₱80 million in 2023. The amount includes ₱4.95 million for equipment and a capacity-building program for fishermen on Pag-asa Island.
The project aims to equip fishermen with fishing gear and technology to enhance their productivity while also bringing the government’s support closer to the fishing communities in the WPS. Increasing fisheries production will help attain food security, BFAR said.
It aims to reduce post-harvest losses and encourage sustainable fisheries management anchored on laws, codes, and authorizations. The project also collaborates with concerned government agencies and units to ensure the delivery of livelihood services to WPS fishermen.
The bureau is now providing 62-footer fishing vessels to help municipal fishermen venture into deeper waters and access farther fishing grounds. However, Briguera clarified that an association or organization with 30 members will receive a unit, rather than an individual fisherman.
“Panahon na para suportahan ng pamahalaan ang mga mangingisdang Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng mas malalaking bangka. Kaya meron kaming programa na ang pinamimigay ay 62-footer fiberglass boats—Ngayon kaya na makapaglayag ng mas malayo,” he said.
Briguera emphasized that, in addition to providing assistance, fishermen must understand the connection between improving their livelihood and conserving marine resources.
The bureau’s new floating asset, food boats, will help fishermen avoid losses in catch. The refrigeration capacity of its post-harvest assistance will guarantee the quality of the products during their transportation to shore.
“Ibig sabihin ang mangingisdang nasa laot, patuloy kayo sa pangingisda. Habang ang mga nauna niyo ng nahuling isda ay ibinibenta na sa pampang,” he said.
BFAR will also install the Integrated Marine Environment Monitoring System (IMEMS) on commercial fishing boats to monitor vessels fishing in Philippine waters and receive distress calls.
BFAR MIMAROPA Regional Director Roberto Abrera said that about 90,000 fishermen from Palawan will benefit after the agency extended livelihood and fishing inputs to fisherfolk from indigenous cultural communities in the Calamian Islands. The bureau also provided two units of 24-footer fiberglass boats to the Tribong Tagbanua, which was facilitated by Abrera in Coron. (PIA)
