By Gio J. Tanudtanud
THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-XI continues to bolster fish production and support fisherfolk in Davao Region.
During the Agribiz forum at SM Lanang on April 4, BFAR XI regional director Dir. Relly B. Garcia said their initiatives will provide the necessary equipment for fishermen and fingerlings for marine farms in the region.
For instance, BFAR-XI will distribute three 62-foot FRP boats to beneficiaries in Mati City, Malita, and Davao City. The boats are equipped with complete fishing gear, accessories, and navigational and communication equipment.
“This is being done to empower yung ating fishermen to venture further out to sea para mas makukuha po sila ng magandang huli,” he said.
According to their data, Davao Region’s capture fisheries industry registered a significant increase in production from 1,652 metric tons in 2020 to 6,322.58 MT in 2023.
In coordination with the BFAR central office, a total of P10-M worth of fingerlings will be distributed as part of the ongoing rehabilitation for brackishwater fishponds in Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental affected by the shear line and trough of the low-pressure area at the start of 2024.
A total of 1,180,000 fingerlings were distributed in the region from March 1 to April 15 to support small-scale fish farms and enhance food security. The fingerlings are tilapia, hito, and milkfish (bangus).
“Ang LGUs po will be conducting an assessment and if feasible yung area nila then i-endorse ng LGUs sa BFAR yung mga beneficiaries,” he said.
Garcia also added they will establish a legislative multi-species marine hatchery in the Island Garden City of Samal and the inland freshwater fish hatcheries Carmen and B.E. Dujali towns in Davao del Norte.
