BFAR-3 Distributes Fishing Gear, Vending Equipment In Zambales

ASSISTANCE. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz (fourth from left) leads the distribution of some fishing gears and vending equipment to fisherfolk in Botolan, Zambales on Thursday (Oct. 7, 2021). Given were some P1.9 million worth of livelihood assistance aimed at helping the fishers cope with the effects of the health crisis. (Photo courtesy of BFAR-3)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-3)-Central Luzon distributed on Thursday some fishing gear and fish vending equipment to the fisherfolk in Botolan, Zambales.

BFAR-3 Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz led the distribution of some PHP1.9 million worth of livelihood assistance that can help improve the lives of the fishermen especially during this time of a health crisis.

“Tiwala tayo na sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pagsuporta sa ating mga fisherfolk, gaganda ang kanilang kabuhayan. Simula’t sapul naman kasi malaki ang ambag ng Zambales sa fish production dito sa ating rehiyon mapa-commercially important o high-value species man (We are confident that by continuing to support our fisherfolk here, their livelihoods will improve. Ever since, Zambales has contributed a lot to the fish production in our region, whether commercially important or high-value species),” Cruz said in a social media post.

Those awarded to the recipients included 12 units of deep sea “payao” that can be used by commercial fishermen.

BFAR likewise gave 14 tri-bikes with plastic coolers and weighing scales to the women fish vendors.

“Kung dati ay mga basket ang ginagamit nilang pang lako ng isda, ngayon mas mapapadali na silang i-mobilize ang kanilang produkto at syempre may mga kasamang ice box itong mga tri-bike para ma-prolong din ang shelf life ng kanilang paninda (Before, they were using basket to sell fish.

This time, it would be easier for them to move around with their products and of course, the tri-bike has an ice box to prolong the shelf life of their products),” Cruz said.

Last month, fisherfolk in the area received from BFAR some 2.5 million larvae of blue swimming crabs that were released at Bangkal River in Botolan.

Some 2,000 fishermen in Botalan are expected to benefit once the crabs are harvested after six months.

Cruz believes there is a big chance for the crabs to survive and propagate because the town’s coastal water is surrounded by healthy mangroves.

“Kitang-kita naman natin ang inisyatibo ng Botolan LGU (local government unit) ‘yung kanilang pangangalaga sa mga bakawan o ‘yung tinatawag na mangrove reforestation at talagang mahalaga ito sa ating mga aquatic commodity. Bukod sa breeding grounds ng maraming uri ng isda ang mga bakawan, nagsisilbi rin itong natural defense ng mga coastal area laban sa mga ‘di inaasahang storm surge (We see the initiative of Botolan LGU in taking care of the mangrove or what we call mangrove reforestation and it is indeed important for our aquatic commodity. Aside from being breeding grounds of different species of fish, mangrove also serves as natural defense of the coastal area against unexpected storm surge),” the BFAR official said. (PNA)

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