Butuan City, Philippines – The Dinagat Sea Master Fisherfolk Association (DISEMAFA) in the province of Dinagat Islands has been awarded Php 932,826.52 worth of eight motorized fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats, complete with fishing gear paraphernalia. This aid comes from the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), funded under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase II Program.
The DA-BFAR Caraga region, through the Provincial Fisheries Office of Dinagat Islands, released the aid during a ceremonial turnover held in Bagumbayan, Dinagat, Dinagat Islands, on September 6, 2024. The event was graced by Congressman Alan I. B. Ecleo of the lone district in the Province of Dinagat Islands, along with Ricci Bacolor, the head of the Congressional District Office.
In his message, Congressman Ecleo assured continued support from the provincial government for its constituents. Capture fisheries regional focal person Rey Bautista, representing Regional Director Omnia B. Olama, commended the beneficiaries for completing the DA-BFAR’s “Bangka ko, Gawa ko” training program and urged them to avoid illegal fishing practices.
Provincial Fishery Officer Bernard Z. Baclayo reminded the beneficiaries to consistently submit their monthly catch reports for effective project monitoring and evaluation. Renante Duterte, DISEMAFA chairperson, expressed gratitude to the regional bureau and the provincial government for the newly acquired FRP boats. DISEMAFA, comprising 16 members, relies solely on capture fishing for their livelihood.
The province of Dinagat Islands has been covered by the SAAD Program since 2023, under its Phase II implementation. For Fiscal Year 2024, the program aims to provide training and livelihood assistance to six people’s associations, including DISEMAFA.
