By Matthew Go
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has launched the ₱80-million Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yields and Economic Gains from the West Philippine Sea (LAYAG WPS) project, aimed at boosting fishing productivity and providing better livelihood opportunities for municipal fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The project, which targets communities in Ilocos, Central Luzon, and MIMAROPA, coincided with the “Kongreso ng mga Mangingisda sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” fisherfolk congress in Coron, Palawan.
BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera highlighted the untapped potential of WPS resources, noting that MIMAROPA has the largest fisherfolk population in the area at 123,543. The LAYAG WPS initiative includes the distribution of 62-footer fiberglass boats to qualified fisherfolk organizations, floating food boats to reduce post-harvest losses, and modern fishing gear.
“Ang yaman ng West Philippine Sea, bakit hindi namin maramdaman? Kasi kailangan natin gumawa ng mga programa at proyekto para malinang natin ang West Philippine Sea,” Briguera said.
The project also incorporates the installation of the Integrated Marine Environment Monitoring System (IMEMS) on commercial fishing vessels to monitor activities and respond to emergencies.
Approximately 90,000 fishermen in Palawan, including indigenous communities in the Calamian Islands, are expected to benefit. BFAR has already provided 24-footer fiberglass boats to the Tribong Tagbanua in Coron as part of the initiative.
WPS fisheries production reached 201,894 metric tons in 2023, a 14.85 percent increase from the previous year, underscoring the region’s importance for food security, BFAR said.