TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) distributed five fiberglass motorboats to fisherfolk associations in Northern Samar to support their livelihood.
Equipped with 16-horsepower marine engines, the boats were turned over to fisherfolks associations in the municipalities of Gamay, Laoang, Lapinig, and San Jose.
The turnover ceremony, held at the provincial capitol, was attended by Governor Edwin Ongchuan, provincial fishery officer-in-charge Maida Dela Cruz, BFAR representatives, and beneficiary associations.
This initiative is part of the Barangay Livelihood and Empowerment and Sustainability Program, a collaboration between the provincial and national governments. The program aims to optimize resources, prevent duplication of projects, and ensure assistance reaches more beneficiaries effectively.
The distribution also aligns with the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, which supports fisherfolk with sustainable livelihood opportunities. To maximize impact, the provincial government will provide training sessions, enabling recipients to fully utilize the boats and strengthen their operations.
Previously, two boats were handed over to the Samahan ng Bagong Pag-asa ng mga Mangingisda and the Barangay North Fisherfolk Association in San Jose, Northern Samar.
These efforts underline the government’s commitment to empowering fisherfolk communities and enhancing their access to livelihood resources.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
