To enhance the livelihood of local fishermen through increased production, the provincial government of Dinagat Islands has earmarked a supplemental budget of PHP7 million for the full implementation of Republic Act (RA) 11736.

RA 11736, signed and approved by then-president Rodrigo R. Duterte on April 27, 2022, mandated the establishment of a multi-species marine hatchery in the town of Basilisa in Dinagat.

“I want the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), together with our technical people here at the agriculture office in Dinagat, to continue to identify other areas that are good spots for more hatchery projects for the benefit of our fishermen,” Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. said in a message to the Philippine News Agency on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Demerey met with the technical team from BFAR 13 (Caraga Region), led by Rizalinda Abing, for updates on the continuing completion of the project.

“Harnessing the potential of aquaculture in Dinagat through the hatchery and other projects will diversify the species of marine life that can be sustainably cultivated in the province, help open new avenues for income generation for the fishermen, and ensure food security,” he said.

Aside from finding a perfect spot for hatchery, Demerey said, the research study should continue to find areas suited for deep-sea fishing for the fishermen in Dinagat.

The initial funding of the project, amounting to PHP18 million, was released by the BFAR to the local government unit of Basilisa on July 7, 2023, for the construction of the required building.

Demerey said the supplemental budget allocated by the provincial government would ensure the project’s full completion. (PNA)