Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel vowed to provide full support to Filipino fishers during the launching of Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yields and Economic Gains from the West Philippine Sea (LAYAG-WPS) in Subic, Zambales on Tuesday, April 16.

Programs such as LAYAG-WPS, according to him, have the full backing of the agriculture department, adding that President Marcos has ordered national agencies to align government programs to avoid overlaps and repetitions.

LAYAG-WPS seeks to enhance the quality of life for Filipino fishing communities that front the West Philippine Sea by utilizing the abundant resources of the fishing ground and promoting opportunities for fisheries as a means of subsistence in the regions of MIMAROPA (Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan), Central Luzon, and Ilocos.

“Sa ating lokal na mangingisda, ipinaaabot ko ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat sa inyong pagsusumikap na i-angat hindi lamang ang inyong kabuhayan kundi pati na rin ang antas ng seguridad sa pagkain ng ating bansa. Bukod dito, kayo po ang nagsisilbing haligi sa pagtatag ng ating blue economy o ang likas-kayang paggamit ng mga yamang katubigan para sa pagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya at maging sa pangangalaga ng saribuhay at ekosistema ng ating mga karagatan (To our local fishermen, I extend my sincere gratitude for your efforts to secure not only your livelihood but also the food security of our country. You are the pillar of the blue economy or the sustainable use of the ocean resources for the growth of our economy and the conservation of biodiversity  and ecosystems of our seas),” he said in his speech.

During the launching, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) turned over 62-footer Fiber Reinforced Plastic (RFP) vessels complete with modernized fishing equipment to select fisherfolk associations from Central Luzon and the Ilocos Region.

They also provided livelihood inputs such as gillnets to around 100 fisherfolk, while 50 women fisherfolk underwent post-harvest training and received post-harvest implements.

BFAR Director Demosthenes Escoto has also committed to empowering Filipino fisherfolk through the programs of the government to improve their lives.

Meanwhile, he urged their multi-sector partners to maintain their coordination and collaboration for the effective development of the West Philippine Sea.

Fausto Alpay, one of the fisherfolk leaders and beneficiaries, expressed gratefulness to the agriculture department and the BFAR for the livelihood inputs they received.

"Kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa ating pamahalaan sa pangunguna ng DA-BFAR at lokal na pamahalaan ng Zambales sa kanilang suporta para sa gaya naming mangingisda. Malaking tulong ito para sa aming kabuhayan (We are grateful to the government – the DA-BFAR and the local government units of Zambales – for their unwavering support. It is a big help to our livelihood),” he said.

Other government officials present in the launching were Senator Cynthia Villar, National Security Council Deputy Director General Nestor Herico, Agriculture Undersecretary Drusila Esther E. Bayate, Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns National Coast Watch Council Secretariat Secretary Andres Centino, and other key officials from the local and provincial government of Zambales.