The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Monday, Sept. 18, introduced an insurance program to aid Bantay Dagat volunteers who help the authorities safeguard municipal waters in coastal communities.
At least 3,500 deputized sea wardens are set to receive essential medical aid and death benefits from the Bantay-Dagat Insurance Program.
BFAR then turned over the list of beneficiaries to its partner agency Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).
“Together with allied government agencies, fisherfolk and fish farmers, and other key stakeholders in the industry, the Bureau remains steadfast and committed to our campaign and programs for the protection, conservation, and management of our fisheries and aquatic resources,” BFAR National Director Atty. Demosthenes Escoto said during the kick-off ceremony of the 60th Fish Conservation Week.
“Tayo po ay [magbibigay] ng insurance sa lahat ng ating Bantay-Dagat sa buong kapuluan. This program will send vital medical aid and essential death benefits to C/MFARMC (City or Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council) law enforcement officers,” he explained.
BFAR has set various activities to celebrate the Fish Conservation Week, including the launch of the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCoRe) Project, a seven-year program aimed at enhancing the fisheries resources management spanning 24 provinces. Christine Fabro –gb
