Some 909 fisherfolk beneficiaries from Antique are recipients of PHP20 million worth of priority fisheries livelihood projects from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

“The assistance, implemented through the National Marine Fisheries Development Center in partnership with the provincial government of Antique, funded the fabrication of 90 fiberglass fishing boats, eight patrol boats, and various fishing gears aimed at improving the productivity, safety, and income of the municipal fisherfolk,” the BFAR Western Visayas (BFAR-6) said in report on Wednesday.

The patrol boats were provided to the municipalities of Anini-y, Pandan, Culasi, Tobias Fornier, Laua-an, Tibiao and Patnongon, as well as the Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force to strengthen monitoring and protection of coastal waters.

The fiberglass fishing boats were turned over to 20 municipal fishers from San Jose de Buenavista, 15 from Barbaza, 10 each from Anini-y, Hamtic and Sebaste, eight from Libertad, five each from Culasi and Patnongon, four from Tibiao and three from Pandan.

Meanwhile, fishing gear assistance, including fry dozers, tuna longlines and multiple hook-and-line sets, benefited fisherfolk groups in Barbaza, Belison, Bugasong, Culasi, Hamtic, Libertad, San Jose, Sebaste, Tibiao, Patnongon, Laua-an, Tobias Fornier, Pandan and Anini-y.

“The funding support is seen as a major step toward improving coastal livelihoods while promoting sustainable fisheries management in Antique,” the BFAR report added.

BFAR Regional Director Remia Aparri, in her message during the turnover on Feb. 20, said they will continue to support the province, not only in terms of providing fishing boats and gears but also in resource assessment, capability-building, strengthening enforcement, better post-harvest facilities and marketing. (PNA)