FRP BOATS FOR ILOCOS NORTE FISHERFOLK

AT least 25 eco-friendly boats were awarded to six fisherfolk organizations in Ilocos Norte to preserve natural resources while ensuring food security and sufficiency in coastal communities.

According to Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) President Shirley Agrupis, the university is committed to helping boost the fisheries industry in Ilocos Norte in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The awarding of the 25-footer fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boats to six fisherfolk organizations was recently held at the MMSU College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology. It is part of the F/B Pagbabago Livelihood Development Program implemented by BFAR in partnership with MMSU and the provincial government of Ilocos Norte.

Agrupis said FRP boats are considered more durable, longer-lasting and disaster-resilient, which ensure the safety of fishermen at sea. The vessels also "help preserve natural resources as the need for wood for boat construction declines," she said.

Under a memorandum of agreement, the distribution of FRP boats was formalized between Pierre Easter Velasco, national focal person of F/B Pagbabago Program, who was represented by Jennifer Valdez; program staff; Nathaniel Alibuyog, MMSU vice president for research and extension; and representatives of six fisherfolk groups from the towns of Currimao, Badoc, Bacarra, Burgos, Pagudpud and the city of Laoag.

Agrupis mentioned that the MMSU's extension program improves "the livelihood of fisherfolk by training and providing them with FRP boats and tapping them as partners in advancing the fisheries sector while maintaining a healthy environment."

Each fisherfolk organization received one FRP boat after completing the training on boat construction, repair and maintenance conducted by BFAR and MMSU in November last year.

Dean Ernesto del Rosario Jr., College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology officer in charge, described the university initiative as in line with the university president's agenda of delivering high-impact and transformative programs.

2023-06-02T16:12:12Z dg43tfdfdgfd