BFAR-7 starts training on fiberglass boat-making

CEBU, Philippines - Manufacture and fabrication of bancas made of fiber glass starts this week with the expected arrival from Cebu of materials to be used in the production of these bancas. 

Major components in the production of fiber glass boats include chopped mat, resin or the liquid plastics, hardener and aluminum roller, among others.

This was disclosed by Evelyn Catanda, training assistant of the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Center under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region 7, who arrived today along with five other technicians.

To undertake the hands-on training, expected to last for two months, will be the beneficiary-fisher folks themselves from 16 local government units all over the province.

Upon completion, the 16-footer non-motorized bancas will be turned over to 164 fishermen who were identified as the poorest among the poor fisherfolks in their respective areas.

The beneficiary-LGUs are Vallehermoso with ten fishermen, Guihulngan 10, La Libertad 5, Bindoy 20, Manjuyod 15, Bais City 10, Amlan 17, San Jose 9, Sibulan 8, Dumaguete City 10, Bacong 1, Dauin 8, Zamboanguita 15, Sta, Catalina 9, Siaton 10 and Bayawan 7.

According to Provincial Fisheries Officer Florenci Mepania, the list was a result of the cross matching from the listings of the national housing targeting system and that of the registration conducted in the fishery sector.

BFAR allocates P2 million for the production of bancas made of fiber under the regular budget of the bureau,  another P3 million for Bohol with 171 beneficiaries and P118,000 for 11 beneficiaries in Siquijor.

According to Mepania the project would also address illegal cutting of trees that are being used for making bancas, aside from the livelihood component,

She clarified that this is different from the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) project of Department of Agriculture Sec. Manny Piñol. Under SAAD, two fishermen will share one motorized banca, funding of which is also being readied. (FREEMAN)