THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has turned over about P3.4 million worth of livelihood projects to the fisherfolk of Sagay City.
A total of 96 fisherfolk from four associations received various livelihood projects at a turnover rite held at the Balay Kauswagan recently.
This is under BFAR’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (Saad) Program, National Fishery Program (NFP), and Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra sa Covid-19 (Alpas) Program.
Projects under the Saad Program include the provision of crabs pots worth P814,040; fish gill net for the year 2020 and 2021 - P471,280 and P123,240, respectively; packaging materials in support to fishery value-adding and production - P82,700; and solar lamp for fish cages and fishing boats - P200,000.
The seaweed farming implements distribution worth P1.2 million is under NFP, while the milkfish distribution worth P538,000 is for Alpas.
As he thanked the BFAR, Sagay City Mayor Alfredo Marañon III stressed to the beneficiaries the need to make the livelihood work and ensure its sustainability.
He also emphasized that while having the livelihood, fisherfolk must continue to help protect the environment, particularly the Sagay Marine Reserve as this is their wealth.
For her part, acting BFAR-Negros Occidental head Marian Jill Abeto said the agency will continue to capacitate fisherfolk through the provision of training and livelihood assistance that will not increase fishery production but also support families especially during this pandemic.
Also present during the turnover were City Council committee chair on agriculture Perfecto Marañon, Sagay City Environment and Natural Resources and Sagay Marine Reserve Head Mayo Antonio Cueva, City Agriculturist Julie Delima, Northern Negros Aquatic Resources Management and Advisory Council Head Marcel Irisari, and agriculture partner in the private sector Sherwin Sy. (PR)