Agri chief inaugurates 62-footer fiberglass boat
September 10, 2020
Mabini, Davao de Oro—Secretary William Dar inaugurated the 62-footer tuna handline fishing boat on September 9 in Mabini, Davao de Oro. The 62-footer fiberglass boat is provided with fish hold hatch and chiller and four units “pakura” serving as catcher boats. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) funded the Php 5.25-million FBCA Davao Pacific Bluefin to increase growth potential by promoting technology adoption and innovation.
It is seen to expand economic opportunities and access to the same, which moves our local fishermen even closer to achieving "Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita". This project is also in line with the goal of the Undersecretary for Fisheries, Comm. Eduardo B. Gongona, PCG (Ret), that is to increase fishery production.
This project will benefit the 24 coastal municipalities, four coastal cities, and 276 coastal barangays. The fishing vessel is expected to equip the local fishermen to explore further fishing grounds beyond the 15-kilometer boundary. Sec. Dar also stressed that the local fishermen should work together in protecting the seas. “It is also important for the fisherfolk to come together and perform collective action … Protect the seas and protect each other,” Dar said.
This recent project of BFAR for the local fisherfolk in the region embodied the concept of the Big Brother-Small Brother partnership. On one hand is the Big Brother providing financial support, on the other hand is the small brother that will showcase its knowhow in the fishing carriers operation.
Dar pointed out that ordinary fishermen can be prosperous too. “Hindi lamang malalaking negosyo ang yayaman, kundi maging mga maralitang mangingisda rin,” Dar said.(IEC)