By Jessie Chris Apales

SINACABAN, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL — In line with its sustained support for municipal fisherfolk beneficiaries, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Provincial Fisheries Office in Misamis Occidental, successfully conducted a Training on Gear Repair and Maintenance on June 24–25, 2025, at the Sinakbang Beach Pasalubong Center Function Hall.

The activity is part of BFAR-10’s Shearline Rehabilitation Assistance Program and the FB Pagbabago: Bangka Ko, Gawa Ko project. It aims to ensure that beneficiaries are not only recipients of government assistance but also capable caretakers of the fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats they received on June 20, 2025, during the ceremonial turnover to the Provincial Local Government Unit of Misamis Occidental.

Participants underwent hands-on training on the proper maintenance and repair of fishing nets and FRP boats. They learned how to identify common issues, apply basic repairs, and perform routine upkeep to extend the life of their fishing gear.

A session on municipal fishery laws was included to promote awareness and compliance with local regulations, which are designed to encourage responsible and sustainable fishing practices among the participants.

The training was conducted in close coordination with the Local Government Unit of Sinacaban, with support from Fisheries Extension Worker John Kenn G. Dominguez, who assisted beneficiaries and helped facilitate the sessions to strengthen the resilience and productivity of the coastal community.

With this, BFAR-10 reaffirms its ongoing commitment to providing sustainable and well-rounded support—not only by distributing livelihood assets but also by enhancing the technical capacity of fisherfolk to manage and maintain them for long-term use.