Mark Anthony Navarro

To support the livelihood of local fishers, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) in Bukidnon, turned over fishing gears amounting to Php230,000 to beneficiaries in Maramag, Bukidnon on July 23, 2025. 

The turnover activity was conducted in the presence of Vice Mayor John Lester Malack-Tan, Municipal Agriculturist Armand S. Dela Cruz, Agricultural Technician Fishery Designate Emerson H. Arellano, and personnel from PFO Bukidnon.

A total of 49 fisherfolk beneficiaries received various fishing gear, including 40 units of bottom-set gill nets, 5 units of cast nets, and 180 units of shrimp traps. These fishery paraphernalia were strategically distributed to communities along the Pulangi River, particularly in the Barangays of Dologon, Tubigon, Panadtalan, and Bayabason in Maramag, Bukidnon.

This livelihood support initiative is designed to enhance the capture fishing efforts of small-scale fisherfolk, especially in communities surrounding Pulangi Lake and other inland waters in Bukidnon, where fishing remains a primary source of food and income. By providing appropriate fishing gears, the program contributes to food security, not only by increasing the availability of fresh and nutritious fish but also by helping stabilize livelihoods and encouraging sustainable fisheries management for long-term benefits.

Mr. Markwinster Omalay, President of the Dologon Livelihood Fisherfolk Association (DoLFA), expressed his sincere appreciation to BFAR, saying, “Mapasalamaton kaayo ko sa ahensya sa BFAR sa tabang nga gihatag kanamo nga mga gagmay nga mangingisda. Dako jud kaayo among kalipay. Nanghinaot mi nga makanunayon ang inyong pag suporta hilabi na alang kanamo nga gagmay nga mangingisda dire sa Bukidnon.”

(I am very thankful to the BFAR agency for the assistance that you have given to us small-scale fisherfolk. We are truly very happy. We are hoping for your continued support specially for us small fisherfolk here in Bukidnon.)

This initiative on provision of fishing gears to fisherfolk brings significant socio-economic benefits—enhancing livelihoods, fostering stronger community ties, and advancing sustainable fisheries management. By equipping local communities with the necessary fishing paraphernalia, the program paves the way for a more resilient and self-reliant fishing sector in Bukidnon, while reinforcing the responsible use and protection of the natural environment to ensure long-lasting benefits of rural residents.