Eight fisherfolk associations received PHP37 million in livelihood projects from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) as beneficiaries of the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project under the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MaRLIN).

BFAR-Ilocos Region information unit head Jamille Anne Estolas, in a phone interview on Wednesday, said the beneficiaries are in municipalities covered by the priority commodities Decapterus macarellus (galunggong) and Saurida tumbil (dalag-baybay).

“Instead of relying solely on capture fisheries, the fisherfolk need alternative livelihoods,” she said.

With the help of their respective local government units, the associations expressed interest in the project and provided the required proposal, tenurial instruments, and permits.

The beneficiaries are: from Ilocos Norte – the Gaang Fish and Oysters Producers Association of Barangay Gaang, Currimao and the Gabut Norte Fishermen Association in Barangay Gabut, Badoc; and from Ilocos Sur – the Dardarat Aqusilvi Fishermen Association, Dardarat Fishcage Fishermen Association, Salomague Saranay Fishermen Association, and Salomague Skipjack Fishermen and Vendors Association, all in Cabugao.

Also included are the Ulupan na Sumisigay ed Pugaro in Dagupan City and the Abadaya Fisherfolk and Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

The beneficiary association in Ilocos Norte received PHP3 million to culture siganid and milkfish in a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) cage.

Fisher groups in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, secured funding to culture siganid and milkfish in an HDPE circular cage. ‎

The association from Dagupan City got PHP3 million for its polyculture of siganid and milkfish in an HDPE cage to build durable, climate-resilient circular marine and freshwater fish cages for local fisherfolk.

Beneficiaries in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, received more than PHP11.7 million to produce milkfish and rabbitfish in HDPE floating cages and to trade fishery products using a refrigerated van.

Under FishCoRe, MaRLIN aims to increase the economic value of aquaculture and other fishery-based livelihood activities in fisher communities. (PNA)