BFAR trains fisherfolk in Dinagat Islands on fiberglass boatmaking
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The fisherfolk in the Province of Dinagat Islands enhanced their livelihood opportunities after completing training on fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boat making, empowering coastal communities by strengthening fishers’ skills, and improving socio-economic conditions.
Under the ‘Bangka Ko, Gawa Ko’ initiative, the activity was spearheaded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga of the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II.
The program on SAAD Phase 2 fulfills the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to improve fisherfolk’s living conditions, provide sustainable livelihood opportunities, and support for poor fishing sectors, complementing the department’s banner programs and assisting beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises.
Under the SAAD Phase II, all materials, tools, and equipment were given for free, and beneficiaries are also set to receive fishing gear and accessories as part of a comprehensive livelihood support package.
Held in Barangay Bagumbayan, the training ran in two batches, with the New Mabuhay Fisherfolk Association (NMFA) completing the first 15-day session from March 17 to April 1. It was followed by the Sitio Babangnan Fisherfolk Organization (SBFO) with members who underwent the training from April 8 to April 30, both held in the municipality of Dinagat.
Participants gained practical knowledge and skills in FRP boat fabrication, repair, and maintenance, as technical experts from BFAR Caraga’s regional and provincial fisheries offices guided the fisherfolk in building their own fishing boats, strengthening their technical capacity, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Thirty units of 23-foot FRP boats were fabricated at the training, with 15 units given to each association, and each boat will be co-owned by two active members, promoting shared responsibility and resource management within the groups.
The provincial government of Dinagat Islands, through the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO), in partnership with the local government units of Dinagat and Tubajon, led the implementation of the program in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The DOLE’s program on Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) provided participants with short-term employment assistance to compensate for income lost while attending the training instead of engaging in fishing activities.
Meanwhile, this May, the country observes the National Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month, honoring the vital role of the country’s food producers with the theme, ‘Pagbibigay-pugay para sa Magsasaka’t Mangingisda sa gitna ng hamon at krisis.’
BFAR Caraga Director Omnia B. Olama underscored the indispensable contribution of fisherfolk to both the fisheries industry and national development, emphasizing that progress in the sector hinges on collective effort. “To our partners in government and local communities, your role is vital. Progress in the fisheries sector is only possible through strong collaboration, shared responsibility, and unified action.”
“As we celebrate the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month, may we go beyond recognition and turn our gratitude into action—by supporting local products, strengthening policies that protect our producers, and creating more opportunities so that no farmer or fisherfolk is left behind,” Dir. Olama said. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with reports from DA-BFAR SAAD and PFO-Dinagat Islands)
