Oslob fisherfolk urged: Help fight illegal fishing

CEBU, Philippines —  The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 7 has urged Oslob fisherfolk to help the bureau on its campaign against illegal fishing.

BFAR-7 regional director Allan Poquita made this appeal as the bureau gave livelihood assistance to fishermen in order for the latter to be motivated and to resort to legal means of fishing.

At least eight fishermen from the said town recently received 22-footer fiberglass reinforced plastic boats with 6.5 horsepower marine engines and complete accessories. One unit is shared by two fishermen.

The distribution of certificates for this project is funded under the Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation (TARGET) program.

This program aims to assist the marginalized fisherfolk and provide them with livelihood interventions to increase their productivity and income.

Poquita also pledged to provide four sets of bottom set gill net to the Oslob recipients and urged them to take good care of the project given to them.

Also, highlighting the Farmers and Fisherfolk's Month observance this May, former BFAR-7 regional director Andres Bojos was installed as the regional fisherfolk director whom Poquita considered as a good leader and a trusted counselor.

Bojos vowed to advocate for the conservation of marine resources by helping curb illegal fishing and encouraging fishermen to register themselves and their boats and fishing gears. —  GMR (FREEMAN)