By Rollin Dave M. Elloren

OROQUIETA, Misamis Occidental – As additional support to the calamity-affected fisherfolk in Region 10 in fully restoring their livelihoods and fish production following the shearline-induced floods and wind convergence that occurred in December 2022, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10), together with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Misamis Occidental, turned over ₱29.5-million-worth of fisheries intervention on June 5 at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center (AMOSACC) in this city.

During the ceremonial turnover of the livelihood assistance, over 493 fisherfolk from the province formally received their Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boats, complete with 6.8 horsepower marine engines, fishing gear, and paraphernalia—all intended to restore and improve the livelihoods of fisherfolk affected by climate-related calamities.

Covering the first and second districts of the province, the following LGUs received FRP boats, Aloran 102 units, Oroquieta City (65), Lopez Jaena (40), Baliangao (8), Sapang Dalaga (2), Sinacaban (174), Jimenez (50), Tudela (41), Clarin (6), and Ozamiz City (5).

BFAR has also integrated the livelihood support with structured capacity-building initiatives, such as training on FRP boat construction and modules on proper maintenance and care, to ensure durability for long-term use of the units. These activities are carried out under the F/B Pagbabago Livelihood Development Program through the “Bangka Ko, Gawa Ko” concept.

In her message, on behalf of BFAR-10 Regional Director, Misamis Occidental Provincial Fisheries Officer Virginia P. Valde emphasized the importance of post-disaster recovery interventions for the coastal communities dwelling in areas vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. “This is more than just a distribution of boats—it’s an investment in the self-sufficiency of our fisherfolk and the future of our fisheries sector,” she said.

Meanwhile, Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal expressed gratitude for the government’s continued support in delivering vital interventions that directly uplift the lives of fisherfolk affected by harsh weather conditions, noting that these boats will significantly aid Misamisnon fishing communities in recovering and rebuilding their lives after a disaster.

Additionally, two units of Payao valued at ₱242,790 were turned over in advance to LGU Baliangao, along with three units of bottom-set gill nets worth ₱106,893 provided to LGU Lopez Jaena. These interventions are part of the ₱73.62 million allocation from the Department of Agriculture–Regional Field Office 10, through the Quick Response Fund, for the fishery rehabilitation project of BFAR-10.

Lastly, this activity aligns with the agency’s broader effort to revitalize coastal communities and ensure the sustainable development and conservation of aquatic resources through climate-adaptive strategies—especially in areas vulnerable to recurring weather disturbances.