The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is now preparing to launch a project that aims to further more livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk living in the vicinity of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
“Nakikita po namin na ilunsad ang isang proyekto ng BFAR sa West Philippine Sea at tatawagin po namin itong ‘LAYAG WPS’ project or ‘LAYAG West Philippine Sea.’ LAYAG stands for Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fishery Shield and Economic Gains from WPS,” BFAR chief information officer Nazario Briguera said on Saturday.
The program shall cover beneficiaries from the Ilocos region, Central Luzon, and MiMaRoPa, particularly areas near the West Philippine Sea.
The announcement came as the agency reported on its recent voyage to communities in Pag-asa Island to deliver programs and projects.
On board BRP Francisco Dagohoy, BFAR personnel returned to Palawan on June 16, after their trip to Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
Departed from Palawan on June 12, the ship’s journey coincided with the celebration of Philippine Independence Day.
“Nagdala po tayo ng mga livelihood interventions doon sa isla ng Pag-asa sa municipality ng Kalayaan sa West Philippine Sea. Nasa limang milyon po ito na halaga ng mga suportang pangkabuhayan doon sa Pag-asa Island dahil ang tawag natin doon sa paglalayag na iyon ay ‘Layag Kabuhayan sa Pag-asa Island sa Araw ng Kalayaan’,” Briguera said.
BFAR personnel brought with them fishing-related livelihood tools and equipment, including 30-foot fiberglass boats, blast freezers, and a range of fishing paraphernalia.
They also provided fishers with post-harvest equipment, ensuring that the fishermen could preserve their catch and even engage in food processing activities.
“Napakaganda ng reception po sa atin ng mga mangingisda doon, tuwang-tuwa sila na matanggap ang mga iba’t ibang pangkagamitang pangkabuhayan sa pangisdaan,” he said.
Rain catchers were also delivered to the island by BFAR as part of an initiative started by the agency.
For the people of Pag-asa Island, rain catchers are very vital, as there is a limited supply of fresh water in the area.
“Ito pong ginawa ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources sa Pag-asa Island ay bahagi lamang po ito doon sa direktiba ng ating Pangulo na mas ilapit ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga malalayong baybaying komunidad at kabilang po diyan ang Pag-asa Island,” Briguera said.
“At iyon nga po ang ating ginawa at ito pong nangyari sa Pag-asa Island ay inisyal lamang sa gagawin pa natin sa West Philippine Sea para po sa ating mga mangingisda doon,” the BFAR added.
