The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has provided more than P14 million worth of fisheries livelihood projects to fisherfolk and seaweed farmers in Sorsogon, aimed at expanding production, strengthening livelihoods, and creating sustainable income opportunities for coastal communities.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. led the distribution and turnover of the interventions on October 2, which included marine fish cages, fiberglass fishing boats, and seaweed-processing equipment.
The activities included a site visit to the seaweed cages in Bogña and the ceremonial stocking of bangus fingerlings at a marine fish cage in Buenavista, Bacon, Sorsogon.
The Triple B Fisherfolk Association received three high-density polyethylene (HDPE) marine fish cages, feeds and fingerlings, a floating house, and a fiberglass banca worth P2.99 million.
The fish cages are part of the 588-hectare Bacon Mariculture Zone and are expected to produce approximately 18 metric tons of bangus annually, providing beneficiary fisherfolk with additional opportunities for fish production and income generation.
Meanwhile, 57,000 bangus fingerlings were distributed to fisherfolk beneficiaries in Magallanes. Twenty 36-foot fiberglass fishing boats worth P4.02 million were also distributed to registered fisherfolk from Sorsogon City, Pilar, Castilla, Magallanes, Donsol, Casiguran, and Bulan under the FB Pagbabago Program.
The boats are expected to generate an estimated 88 metric tons of fish catch annually while providing fisherfolk with larger and more durable vessels suited for their fishing operations.
Under the Enhanced Philippine Seaweed Development Program, the Samahang Mandaragat ng Barangay San Fernando in Prieto Diaz received a P1.03-million floating dryer to improve the drying and processing of seaweed.
The Bogña Self Help Group, meanwhile, received P5.96 million worth of assistance for four 20-by-20-meter HDPE seaweed cages to support commercial seaweed production.
Secretary Laurel emphasized the importance of ensuring that government programs are anchored on the actual and specific needs of fisherfolk in each municipality of Sorsogon. He said that identifying these needs will help ensure that future interventions are appropriate and responsive to the long-term requirements of fishing and coastal communities.
He further emphasized that the assistance is intended to address production and post-harvest needs while helping coastal families build more sustainable livelihoods.
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