Mariano Marcos
State University

Fiberglass boats awarded to fisherfolk orgs

By Rommel Q. Pascua, StratCom Correspondent

Signifying their commitment to help boost the fisheries industry in Ilocos Norte, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) awarded 25-footer fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boats to six fisherfolk organizations today, May 10.

Held at the MMSU College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology, the awarding of FRP boats is part of the F/B Pagbabago Livelihood Development Program implemented by BFAR, in partnership with MMSU, and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.

This extension program aims to help improve the livelihood of fisherfolk by training and providing them with FRP boats, and tapping them as partners in advancing the fisheries sector.

FRP boats are considered eco-friendly, more durable, longer-lasting, and disaster resilient, which ensure the safety of fishermen at sea. They also helps preserve natural resources as the need for wood for boat construction declines.

The distribution of FRP boats was formalized through signing of a memorandum of agreement between Mr. Peirre Easter Velasco, national focal person of F/B Pagbabago Program, represented by Ms. Jennifer Valdez, program staff; Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, MMSU vice president for research and extension; and representatives of six fisherfolk groups from Currimao, Badoc, Bacarra, Burgos, Pagudpud, and Laoag City.

Each organization received one fiberglass boat after completing the training on boat construction, repair and maintenance conducted by BFAR and MMSU in November 2022.

Dr. Alibuyog and Mr. Velasco expressed commitment to continue their collaboration in the extension activity to further facilitate fisheries production and ensure food security and sufficiency in coastal communities.

Attended by CASAT OIC Dean Ernesto Del Rosario, Jr., faculty members and staff of the college, and BFAR key personnel, this initiative is in line with one of ACHIEVE agenda of MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis, the delivery of high impact program and transformative programs. (HLY/DPT/SCO, StratCom)