BFAR awards livelihood assistance to 1PawiCAN fisherfolk

The Provincial Government of Bataan Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO), in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource (BFAR Region III) and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA Bataan), led the Awarding of Livelihood Assistance to 1PawiCAN Fisherfolk on March 8, 2024, at the Atrium, The Bunker.

Gov. Jose Enrique S. Garcia III highlighted some of the initiatives and programs of the Provincial Government, such as the construction of the Fishermen’s Wharf in 1Bataan Village Orion. This project aims to address the concerns of fishermen about keeping their fishing boats safe even during storms. The Provincial Government of Bataan seeks assistance from the Department of Agriculture and BFAR to provide larger fishing vessels for the fisherfolk in Bataan.

In his message, Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz shared that one of the global concerns everyone faces is the increase in plastic waste, with fishing gears and nets being left in bodies of water. Due to this, BFAR is advocating for the gear tagging of the nets they provide to fisherfolk to prevent an increase in water pollution. A total of 222 gillnets for 1PawiCAN Fisherfolk and 50 black nets for fishpond operators in the province were awarded during the ceremony.