BORACAY Island, Malay Aklan -- Anticipating that the tourism industry will still be on status quo because of the Covid-19 crisis in this resort island, this town has shifted its gear, preparing some of its residents to revive the fishing industry.
Malay acting mayor Floribar Bautista said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has been helping them in this endeavor.
Prior to the onset of tourism in this resort island, fishing has been a major livelihood of many residents.
In 2019, during the six months closure of Boracay, several residents also returned to fishing.
Many residents in Boracay have ignored fishing during the glorious days of Boracay as they earn more income through tourism enterprises such as construction, hotel works and other related services.
"Some of the fisherfolks have also undergone training on fiberglass boat making in nearby Barangay Buenasuerte, Nabas, Aklan," said Bautista.
The BFAR has been helping the local government in crafting fishing legislation that would make the fishing industry of Malay sustainable.
Aside from local fishes, squid can also found in the waters of Malay.
Bautista hopes that the revived and sustained fishing would also ensure food security not only for residents but also for tourists once the Covid-19 pandemic is over. (SunStar Philippines)