Simplified registration for small fisherfolks eyed

MANILA, Philippines - The government is simplifying the registration system for small fisherfolk in municipalities as it updates the national registry of municipal workers in the fisheries industry which will be used in creating assistance programs for the sector.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), a division of the Department of Agriculture (DA), will be implementing the National Program for Municipal Fisherfolk Registration (FishR), a simplified registration system for subsistence fisherfolk.

The registration process requires local officials to collect and validate basic personal, livelihood and organizational information connected to fishing activities.

Workers in the fisheries industry such as fishermen, vendors, transporters and others, will be issued an identification card by their respective local government units (LGUs) upon registration.

The ID card will bear the registrant’s full name, date of birth, address and photograph.