The provincial government of Zambales said it will modernize the local fishing industry amid continuing challenges in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. said the modernization program will feature advanced fishing technology and training for fisherfolk.
The provincial government said it has partnered with the Zambales Maritime Development Council (ZMDC), for the acquisition of a 96-foot automated harvester vessel.
It also cited the procurement of two reinforced fiberglass lightboats, and one service boat to be built by Stoneworks Specialist International Corp. in General Trias, Cavite.
The boats will be operated by members of the Zambales Provincial Fishery Association, a federation composed of various local fishermen groups.
The initiative builds on previous ZMDC efforts, including last year’s distribution of P5 million worth of fish aggregating devices (payaos) to 26 fisherfolk groups.
An additional P5.6 million in payaos will be distributed this year under the same livelihood support program.
The modernization program also includes a training component on modern fishing vessel operation, to be conducted at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy in San Narciso.
Two clusters of fishers have already completed training, with more groups scheduled to follow before the vessel’s deployment later this year.