Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu-Laurel, Jr. led the launching ceremony of the 62-footer fishing boats amounting to P 600-million, as part of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ (DA-BFAR) Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program, today July 3, 2024 held at the Cebu Technological University, Carmen, Cebu.
The Secretary, together with BFAR National Director Isidro Velayo, Jr., BFAR 7 OIC-Director Mario Ruinata and other BFAR Regional Directors nationwide, DA-7’s Regional Executive Director Cirilo Namoc, representatives from the national, regional, provincial and local levels, also unveiled the model design of the 62-footer fishing boat, which will be the design of the total 66 units targeted for construction this year.
Secretary Tiu Laurel, in his message, said the launching is another significant milestone of a prosperous, equitable and sustainable Philippine fisheries sector. He recognized the efforts and dedication of the fisherfolk in contributing to the nation’s food security, as well as preserving the fisheries’ biodiversity, and managing coastal communities.
He said, as part of the DA’s Capacitating Municipal Small-Scale Fisherfolk program, the provision of bigger and upgraded fishing boats like the 62-footers will enhance the efficiency, productivity, and safety of the local fisherfolk.
He added, the 62-footer fishing boat will allow them (fishers) to venture into deeper waters, access more abundant and farther fishing grounds, and increase their catch, therefore boosting their income and contributing to the nation’s food security and economic growth.
“Ang sabi ko nga kanina kay Dir. Sid (Dir. Velayo), napakaimportante nitong 62-footers na’to, dahil nakikita ko may pag-asa nang kumita ang mga mangingisda. Kinausap ko rin sila kanina na sa susunod gusto ko lakihan pa, gawing 75-footer para mas malaki ang pag-asang kumita ng ating mangingisda,” the Secretary shared.
(I told Dir. Sid (Dir. Velayo) that this 62-footer boats are very important. I saw hope that the fishers will earn more. I also said, to make it into a 75-footer, so they (fishers) will earn more.)
Further, the Agriculture Secretary said the government is here to provide additional interventions like postharvest facilities. He advised them to properly take good care of the projects.
Director Velayo said the launching is the second batch of bigger, better and more efficient boats under the Capacitating the Municipal Small Scale Fisherfolk Program.
The municipal fisherfolk, he said has consistently proven its importance in ensuring reliable fish supply in the country and continued to be the allies in attaining food security, through these years.
Beneficiaries of the 62-footer fishing boat are associations and cooperatives and must be duly registered. Aside from the fishing boats, beneficiaries will also receive livelihood interventions like fishing inputs and specialized training.
