Aquatic bureau turns over P25M

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Northern Mindanao has recently awarded the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte a financial assistance worth P25 million.

The assistance, to finance the development of the province’s mariculture and aqua tourism project, is in compliance with Republic Act 8550 or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, which mandated the BFAR to help in the development, management and conservation of the fisheries and aquatic resources including the improvement and productivity of aquaculture within ecological limits.

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The assistance, given through the effort of BFAR’s new regional director Visa Tan-Dimerin, would cover livelihood projects for the fishing communities in 10 identified coastal towns of Lanao del Norte, which include Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Tubod, Kolambugan, Maigo, Baroy, Lala, Kapatagan, Bacolod, Kauswagan and Linamon. 

Tan-Dimerin said the livelihood assistance is the materialization of BFAR’s commitment to tie up with the local government units to effectively carry out its goal in providing and extending support to the fisheries communities throughout Lanao del Norte.

The establishment of the Lanao del Norte Mariculture and Aqua Tourism Project is an initiative of the province to provide support to the fisheries sector primarily the ordinary fisherfolk through appropriate technology and research and help them manage fisheries and aquatic resources in a manner consistent with the concept of an integrated coastal area management in line with the policies of the National Government.

The Provincial Government headed by Governor Khalid Dimaporo continues to be committed to the conservation and development of the province’s aquaculture resources and remains to be a strong ally of BFAR in the alleviation of the economic condition of the people living in coastal areas. (Press Release)