By Brian Jules Campued
The government will procure additional floating assets this year to intensify assistance efforts to fishermen in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said.
BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera said during his Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview on Monday that at least P2.5 billion has been allocated for the procurement of monitoring control and surveillance (MCS) patrol vessels and food boats.
The move, Briguera added, also aims to boost Filipino presence in the contested sea and ensure the safety and livelihood of fisherfolk in the region.
“Para ito sa ating mga mangingisda na meron pong platform ang pamahalaan para mas maipaabot pa sa kanila yung tulong ng pamahalaan at makita nila yung presensiya ng pamahalaan sa West Philippine Sea,” he said.
Briguera, who also serves as Head of Information and Fisherfolk Coordinating Unit, formally launched the LAYAG-WPS (Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yield and Economic Gains from the WPS) which extends support to fishermen in regions facing the WPS.
Around 385,300 Filipino fishers particularly those from Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Mimaropa, and Metro Manila would benefit from said government intervention.
Just last year, at least P80 million was allotted for the LAYAG-WPS program which benefitted 90% of fishermen in WPS, according to Briguera.
Other forms of assistance provided by the BFAR are fuel subsidy and setting up of “payaw” or fish shelter which attracts fish into one area, securing a permanent fishing spot.
Last Feb. 5, BFAR was able to conduct a successful resupply mission to Filipino fishermen at Rozul Reef where it delivered 13 tons of diesel along with gasoline for pump boats, medicines, drinking water, and ready-to-eat snacks to 16 fishing boats.
BFAR said no Chinese vessels were observed around the area during the mission.
“Ito’y magandang balita dahil nagawa natin yung ating layunin talaga na mabigyan natin ng regular na suporta ang ating mga mangingisda d’yan sa West Philippine Sea,” Briguera stated. – avds
