Three fisherfolk associations in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands received 62-foot fiber-reinforced plastic hardline fishing vessels worth a combined PHP34.5 million from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) – Caraga Region.

The modern boats under the Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program are designed to support offshore handline fishing operations and expand the capacities of association members, BFAR said in a news release.

“Through this project, we can now venture into the high seas and increase our catch,” Christopher Malinao, vice president of the Loreto Fisherfolk Association in Dinagat Islands, said Friday.

Malinao added that the new vessel offers greater safety compared with the small boats they previously used.

“We are thankful to the government, through the BFAR, for providing us a bigger and reliable fishing boat,” he said.

Euleterio Rodrigo, chairperson of the San Pedro Agri Multipurpose Cooperative in Libjo, Dinagat Islands, said their group includes fisherfolk, farmers and women’s organizations.

“Before, with our small boats, we just relied on pamasol, an angling or hook-and-line fishing method. With this new fishing vessel, we can now fish in high seas, catch more, and increase our income,” Rodrigo said.

BFAR-13 said the new vessels will also reduce operating costs.

“The intervention aims to strengthen the productivity of municipal fisherfolk by providing them with modern fishing vessels capable of supporting offshore handline fishing operations,” the agency said. (PNA)