A non-profit organization donated equipment to help patrol Davao Gulf against dynamite fishing and poaching.
The World Wide Fund (WWF), best known for its aim to preserve and conserve the wildlife and nature, handed over flashlights, handheld radios, and binoculars on Monday to the city government to help sea patrollers and fisherfolk in safeguarding the marine diversity.
Ticky Biyo, WWF Philippines representative, has identified fisherfolk as their beneficiaries following that they will be needing the equipment, especially when fishing during nighttime. They will also be encouraged to protect marine diversity with the equipment they receive.
Flashlights might be a small thing for most people, but it is a big thing for the fisherfolk, he said.
“This is very vital for them because they will be using it in their day-to-day (activities). While they are in the sea they can easily see what is ahead of them,” he said.
Meanwhile, City Agriculture Office head Leo Brian Leuterio said that the equipment is a big help, especially to coastal communities which will benefit from the donations of the WWF.
“We have 24 coastal barangays in the city. We will distribute these to the fisherfolk. We will identify them,” he said.
He also said that some fisherfolk in the city also serve as members of the Bantay Dagat, which is a crucial component in the city’s efforts to guard against destructive activities in coastal areas.
Fishermen and Bantay Dagat members in Punta Dumalag, Lasang, and Bunawan marine protected areas will be receiving the donated equipment.
