The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 3 (Central Luzon) has distributed various livelihood gears and equipment to marginal fisher folk in Bulacan to help boost their income.

BFAR-3 Director Wilfredo Cruz said Thursday they have channeled about PHP1.5 million worth of livelihood assistance to 304 fishers in the province.

Cruz said awarded to the recipients on Tuesday were two smokehouses, 120 multi-filament nets, 170 gillnets, five fish vending equipment, and five marine engines, among others.

He said the assistance is expected to sustain the recipient fisher folk’s livelihood by adding significant value to their yields and products.

“There is a looming global crisis for food security. Kaya mahalaga ang value-adding sa industriya ng pangisdaan para maiwasan nating masayang ang ating mga produkto (That is why value-adding in the fishing industry is important to prevent our products from going to waste),” he said in an interview.

Last December, the BFAR-3 also turned over about PHP1.9 million worth of equipment to fisher folk in Bulacan.

Data from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist showed that about 25,000 residents in Bulacan make a living in the fishing industry.

Manila Bay is their major fishing ground while 15,000 hectares of fishponds are situated in the province. (PNA)