ZAMBOANGA CITY–The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Friday distributed 42 units of motorboats worth PHP1.7 million in this city.
At least 20 units of 18-footer Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) motorboats were given to fisherfolk in the first district and 20 in the second district.
The two remaining 30-footer FRP motorboats were given to the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) and the other one, to the City Fishery Law Enforcement Team (CFLET) of the Office of the City Agriculture.
BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona said the distribution of the FRP boats aims to boost the livelihood of the fisherfolk in the countryside.
Gongona has advised the fishermen-beneficiaries to put to good use the FRP boats given them.
Senator Cynthia Villar, committee chairperson of agriculture and food, said the provision of motorboats forms part of the government interventions to help alleviate the plight of the fisherfolk.
“I hope these (motorboats) will help them improve their livelihood,” Villar said.
Each of the 18-footer FRP motorboats costs PHP40,253 while the 30-footer unit is PHP75,532.71 each.
Meanwhile, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the ZCPO is deploying the 30-footer FRP motorboat near Sacol Island for law enforcement activities while the other units will be utilized by the Office of the City Agriculturist. (R. G. Antonet Go/PNA)
