Fisherfolk in West Philippine Sea outpost to receive free gear from BFAR

THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said on Monday that it will provide P4.95 million worth of equipment and capacity-building programs to fisherfolk on Pag-asa Island in the Spratly Islands.

In a statement, the BFAR said that the equipment will be transported by offshore patrol vessel BRP Francisco Dagohoy (MMOV 5002), which the bureau operates. The shipment includes fish stalls, containers, plastic floaters, twine, lead sinkers, and payao fish aggregating devices.

Post-harvest equipment to be distributed include blast freezers, coolers, industrial weighing scales, crates, a seawater flake ice machine, and a generator set.

The beneficiaries are the Kalayaan Palawan Farmers and Fisherfolk Association and Spratlys Strong and Brave Women Association. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera