By Ruben A.Veloria
BOTOLAN, Zambales, Philippines — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) through the technical staff from the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency (FishCore) Project, , on Wednesday, started to accept and process the project proposals of Zambales fishermen for possible granting of livelihood projects worth up to P6 million.
According to Paolo Quiteneg, president of the Zambales Provincial Fisherfolks Association (ZPFA), 12 fisheries associations from 13 municipalities of the province submitted their proposals during the meeting held at Botolan Municipal Hall.
Quiteneg described the event as another milestone in the fisheries industry in the province, saying this development leads towards modernization for safer and greater income.
Quiteneg said members of the fisherfolk associations are thanking Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., and Provincial Consultant on Development and Infrastructure Engr. Mariano Domingo, for their untiring support to fishermen of Zambales.
“The aggressive maritime activities of the Chinese Coast Guard against Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea severely affected the livelihood of the Zambalenos, but Gov. Ebdane has continuously found ways to help the affected sector,”Quiteneg said.
He said, earlier in January, Gov. Ebdane has turned over two brand new fiberglass payao boats (worth P5 million each); while the third boat was named: MB The Province of Zambales, which will be used in patrolling the vicinity of the fishing ground usually visited by poachers, and the multi-million peso payaos.
Assisting the evaluation of the proposals submitted were FishCore Project and Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments (MARLIN) technical staff: Angel Buenaventura, Jared Visperas and Sherlyn Ignacio.
The grant is part of the P11.42 Billion (US$209 Million) initiative funded by the World Bank, and implemented by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
FishCore Project aims to improve fisheries management, rehabilitate marine habitats, and increase income of the fisherfolks by combating illegal fishing, reducing post harvest losses, and strengthening climate resilient livelihoods.
Among the ZPFZ members which submitted their proposals, Bagong Samahan ng mga Mangingisda sa Felmida-Diaz (Cabangan) president Daniel S. Daniel said that his association is very hopeful that their proposal will be approved to help them expand their market to other municipalities or province. Daniel had submitted a proposal for the acquisition of a reefer van and accessories.
Also, Deepsea Fishing Association (Subic) chairwoman Charina Arquelles is very hopeful that their proposal will be approved. DFA submitted a P6-M project proposal to acquire also a reefer van, which they could use in transporting their catch to other markets without risk of spoiling.
