March 28, 2024

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Fish production in the province is gaining headway as the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, in partnership with the provincial government, continues to provide interventions to fisherfolks.

BFAR-Cordillera Director Lilibeth L. Signey and Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. led the awarding of three sets of solar powered fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) fish tanks, six units smaller FRP tanks, four units of non-motorized boats, and 500 pieces of crates worth P925,000 to fisherfolk groups and to the local government units.

Signey said the livelihood support is under the DA-BFAR-Cordillera Special Area for Agriculture Development program to support the fisherfolks and ensure a sustainable fisheries development to assure food security.

She said P1.5M worth of projects will be awarded before the end of the year to benefit more fisherfolks.

DA-BFAR-CAR Chief Aquaculturist Lois June B. Fermin said Mountain Province is the only province in the region that performed positively or recorded an increase in fish production in 2019, which she hopes would be sustained.

Lacwasan thanked the DA-BFAR as he assured the province will reinforce the partnership to further boost the fishing industry in the province.

 “This will surely help our local fisherfolks and will mitigate the effects of the current pandemic. We are optimistic that our partner LGUs and the beneficiaries will do their part and take care of the fishing equipment as it will surely help uplift our recipient’s socio-economic condition,” he said.

BFAR-Cordillera has been providing interventions to boost fish production in the province. Among the interventions are the distribution of fingerlings, establishment of barangay fish terminals, and provision of technical assistance. – Erwin Batnag