Fiberglass boats given to La Union fishermen

By Erwin Beleo

AGOO, La Union – The Dept. of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has distributed 36 fiberglass – reinforced, plastic fishing boats to boost the livelihood of marginal fishermen in six coastal towns.

BFAR Region 1 Director Lilibeth L. Signey said that of the 220 fiberglass boats that Rep. Sandra Eriguel requested, the agency has partially awarded 36 units to the municipalities of Bauang, Caba, Aringay, Agoo, Sto. Tomas and Rosario.

Seventy-two families will benefit from the use of the nineteen 30-footer units, fifteen 27-footer units, and two 17-footer units.

Each unit will be shared by two families to ensure that the boat’s use is maximized.

Signey added that fiberglass boats are considered better and safer fishing boats than the wooden units because of their sturdy materials that are designed to survive rough seas.

Eriguel earlier said that she relayed to Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol, through Undersecretary and BFAR National Director Eduardo B. Gongona, that the boats would improve the socio-economic conditions of underprivileged La Union fishermen and their families.

She added that an additional 50 units will be fabricated by each fisherman-beneficiary at the Agoo Playa Hotel compound in Agoo, La Union.

The fabrication of the boats by the beneficiaries is under BFAR’s “Banka Ko, Gawa Ko” scheme, wherein BFAR will supply the fiberglass materials and the appropriate fishing gear for free.

It will also oversee the skills training of beneficiary-fisherfolk on fiberglass boat fabrication and likewise undergo training on responsible fishing practices, proper fish handling, value-adding, packaging, and product marketing.

Eriguel thanked Secretary Piñol and Undersecretary Gongona for the delivery of the first 36 fiberglass boats.