Local fisherfolk in Bohol reassured of government support

MANILA, Philippines — The chief of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting fisherfolk in Bohol province following a visit to check the current state of the local fishing industry.

In an immersion trip recently, BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig and BFAR Region 7 Director Mario Ruinata experienced firsthand day-to-day fisheries operations and engaged fisherfolk in a dialogue to understand their challenges. 

The visit is part of the Mangingisdang Direktor (Fisherfolk Director) Program, a BFAR initiative that aims to bring BFAR leadership closer to coastal communities to ensure that national policy is responsive to needs on the ground. 

During his visit, Salilig, along with Garcia Hernandez town Mayor Filadelfo Jess III Baja and members of the East Lungsodaan Fisherfolk Association (ELFA), took part in a hands-on lambaklad (set-net) harvest, a Japanese fishing technology championed by BFAR.  The experience allowed Salilig to evaluate the efficiency of the sustainable fishing technology. 

He also led a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), where the official got to engage directly with local fisherfolk to hear about their needs and challenges, and the support they need from the national government. 

Salilig then visited fisheries infrastructure, including the Upland Tilapia Hatchery in Mayana, Jagna. He also checked the ongoing construction of the Aqua-Business Technology Incubator (ABTI) and the Multi-Species Hatchery in Barangay Sinandigan, Ubay town. These stops helped Salilig assess Bohol’s long-term capacity for fry and fingerling production.

The director also attended the Farmers and Fisherfolk Month provincial contest at the Provincial Fishery Office in Tagbilaran City. He concluded his visit by presiding over the BFAR Region 7 Management Committee meeting at the Central Visayas Multi-Species Nursery and Demonstration Training Center to discuss how the insights gathered from the ground can be integrated into the region's operational plans.

“My immersion in the day-to-day realities of our fisherfolk in Bohol gave me a clear view of what is happening on the ground. This firsthand experience is vital as we work to refine regional programs and ensure that our policies at the national level match the actual needs of our local fisherfolk,” Salilig said. 

He expressed consistent support for Bohol fisherfolk, citing their key role in ensuring food security in the region. (Contributed story)