CEBU CITY – Fiberglass motorized bancas were distributed for free to fishermen in the towns of Dauis and Calape in Bohol province.

MOTOR bancas made of fiberglass were distributed to fisherfolk in Bohol province. (Contributed photo)
The distribution of 28 units of 22-foot motor bancas at the Calape Sports Complex on Tuesday, June 4, is a project of the provincial government of Bohol through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Central Visayas (BFAR-7).
Acting Bohol Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite urged the recipients to take care of their motor bancas as he assured that the provincial government will continue to provide more support to fishermen and farmers in the province.
He emphasized that the administration of Gov. Aris Aumentado “is tirelessly seeking cost-effective and efficient strategies to improve the lives of Boholanos.”
Balite was joined in the distribution by OPA officer-in-charge Dr. Larry Pamugas, executive assistant on agriculture and fisheries Nila Pinat, Salvio Madanguit, fish buy-back executive assistant, Calape Mayor Julius Herrera, Dauis Mayor Roman Bullen, and municipal agriculture officers and fish technicians from the beneficiaries’ LGUs.
Pamugas said each boat is worth around P100,000.
He said fiberglass boats are easier to clean and maintain compared to those made from other materials.
Pamugas added that with proper handling, a fiberglass boat can last 10 to 25 years and a well-maintained one can even surpass 50 years.
Beneficiaries of the project were fishermen who were affected by typhoon “Odette “and the pandemic.
At least 100 boats have been distributed across Bohol with the provincial government looking to distribute 130 more bancas in the future.
Pinat urged the fisherfolk to support the conservation and protection of the marine ecosystem as the province continues to fight illegal fishing.