Bulacan to launch BoatR, distribute livelihood packages to fisherfolk
CITY OF MALOLOS – The Provincial Government of Bulacan in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Region 3 (BFAR3) will launch BoatR or Fishing Vessel Registration along with the distribution of livelihood assistance to fisherfolk/fisherfolk associations on March 3, 2015 at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Pavilion in this city.
According to BFAR, BoatR is in accordance with Sec. 19 of RA 8550 also known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 that states that the LGU shall maintain a registry of municipal fisherfolk, who are fishing or may desire to fish in municipal waters to determine priorities among them, limiting entry and monitoring activities and/or other related purposes. It also mentioned that LGUs shall maintain a registry of municipal fishing vessels by type of gear and other boat particulars with the assistance of FARMC.
The said BoatR launching which aims to create awareness among concerned LGUs will determine the actual number of municipal fishing vessels and serve as basis for determining priorities, developing and/or amending fisheries laws and ordinances and in project formulation in government.
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that with 20, 088 registered fisherfolk in the province and still counting, it is best to develop good relationship with the government to help them establish programs that will be beneficial to them at present and in the future.
A Signing of Commitment of Support to BoatR will also take place wherein after the launching; said program will be immediately implemented in the municipalities.
Moreover, some livelihood assistance tools such as petromax/coleman, marine engine and post-harvest equipment will also be distributed to fisherfolk.
BoatR is a project under Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation or TARGET program that includes comprehensive livelihood packages for fisherfolk, post-harvest facilities and equipment, support in marketing marine products and in looking after the welfare of coastal resources.