Five fisherfolk associations, composed of 107 members from Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands, received assistance from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Caraga Region (BFAR-13) through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program.

The associations were provided with fishing gear and tools worth over PHP1.4 million for May and June, aimed at fortifying their fishing operations and augmenting their income.

The recipient associations were from the towns of Gigaquit and Bacuag in Surigao del Norte, Tubay and Jabonga in Agusan del Norte, and Dinagat in Dinagat Islands.

“The assistance forms part of the SAAD Program’s continuing efforts to improve fishing productivity, increase the income of fisherfolk families, and promote sustainable fisheries development in coastal communities,” BFAR-13 said in a statement Friday.

“The SAAD program aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities,.”

Ronnie Namoc, 32, a fisherfolk from Dinagat, said the assistance helped their group fish more efficiently and safely.

“The support we received replaced our old fishing gear. Better tools allow us to catch more fish and boost our earnings,” he added.

Namoc also noted the effectiveness of the new tools in boosting their catch since acquiring them from BFAR-13.

Antonio Sulapas, chair of the Nagkahiusang Mangingisda sa Siwata, a recipient group from Bacuag town, thanked the government through BFAR for the assistance.

“This is a big help for our families. We have been longing to upgrade our fishing gear and tools to sustain our source of livelihood,” Sulapas said. (PNA)