By Marna Dagumboy Del Rosario |

SUBIC, Zambales — The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) in Central Luzon has distributed some 100 fiberglass reinforced plastic boats worth P4.5 million to fisherfolks in Zambales.

BFAR regional director Wilfredo Cruz, together with Representative Jeffrey Khonghun of the first district of Zambales, led the distribution of fiberglass boats to the 200 recipients at the Subic Fish Port in Barangay Baraca-Camachile here on December 19.

The recipients of the 20-footer fiberglass-reinforced boats with complete set of underwater fittings/accessories were marginalized fisherfolks from the towns of Subic and San Marcelino in Zambales and Olongapo City.

The boat distribution is part of an existing livelihood assistance program of the DA-BFAR’s FB Pagbabago tagged as “Bangka Mo, Gawa Mo”, whereby fishermen are provided with livelihood assistance and training on fabrication, maintenance, and repair of the boats as well.

“It is also our vision to build cooperativism among our fisherfolk in order to encourage community development,” Cruz said.

Each fiberglass boat will be shared by two recipients to make sure the unit will be well-maintained. (PNA)