BFAR eyes more assistance package for West PH Sea fishermen in 2024
By Trixee Rosel
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will be increasing the livelihood and other assistance package to fishermen in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) this year.
BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera said the increase assistance package covers fuel subsidies, new fishing tools and postharvest equipment under the Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yield and Economic Gains from the West Philippine Sea (Layag WPS).
“Inilunsad ang proyektong ito sa layunin na mas mapalawak ang livelihood opportunities at productivity ng mga mangingisda sa West Philippine Sea at nagkaroon ito ng initial na 80 million pesos na pondo at this year ay magkakaroon pa ng mga livelihood programs (This project was launched with the goal of enhancing the livelihood opportunities and productivity of fishermen in the West Philippine Sea. It started with an 80 million peso fund, and further livelihood programs would be implemented this year),” he said in a televised media briefing on Wednesday, Jan. 5.
Briguera noted that Layag WPS is expected to boost the Philippines' fish offer.
Based on the BFAR data, there are around 373,700 Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.
In 2022, Layag WPS contributed merely six percent of the nation's fisheries yield, primarily benefiting Philippine-occupied Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan.
He said that P5 million worth of fishing equipment supported the livelihood of Pag-asa fishermen.
According to the BFAR official, fishermen will be receiving postharvest equipment for them to have the capability to preserve their catch and potentially begin preserving food.
“Ang mandato natin pag dating sa West Philippine Sea ay masiguro na nabibigyan ng tamang suporta ang ating mga mangingisda dahil ito ay direktiba ng ating Pangulo (Marcos) at direktiba ng ating kalihim (Department of Secretary (Francisco Tiu Laurel) na hindi mapabayaan ang ating mga mangingisda sa WPS (Our mandate in terms of the West Philippine Sea is to ensure that our fishermen receive the proper assistance, as our President and Secretary have ordered that we must meet the needs of our fishermen in the WPS),” he said.