The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional office here is continuously providing livelihood support to fisherfolks in Bataan to help mitigate the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The BFAR, through the Provincial Fisheries Office, awarded on Thursday to fisherfolks in the municipality of Abucay two units of fish-vending equipment and an elevated solar dryer, 12 gill nets, two marine engines, seven solar lamps, nine polyethylene (PE) nets, an earthen pond for bangus nursery, and water quality test kits for farm owners.

BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz said the assistance aims to ensure sustainable livelihood for fisherfolks especially during this time of health pandemic.

“The distribution of equipment was aimed at supporting the food security and sustainable income for the fisherfolk,” he said.

Last Wednesday, the BFAR also distributed livelihood inputs to the fisherfolks in Limay such as 11 gill nets, two 12 horsepower marine engines, seven solar lamps, one fish vending equipment, and five 100-meter long lines.

The municipality of Hermosa also received from BFAR a complete supply and materials for the establishment of a mangrove crab lying-in project last August 6.

“The provision of these livelihood inputs will not just help increase fish population in the identified site but will also improve capture fisheries for sustainable fisheries development, poverty alleviation, and food security,” Cruz said.

Aside from fishing equipment, the BFAR also provided the fisherfolks in Bataan some tilapia fingerlings last June 5 this year.

This was under the agency’s Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat laban sa Covid (ALPAS) program.

“The ALPAS program aims to ensure food security during this pandemic when there is a global tightening of food supply,” Cruz added. (PNA)