Government to extend help to marginal fishers

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Central Visayas in coordination with Consolacion town officials will provide financial and technical support to small fishermen in barangay Tugbungan.

A memorandum of agreement will soon be signed by Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado in behalf of the municipal government and Regional Director Andres Bojos in behalf of BFAR-7.

The beneficiaries are small fishermen in barangay Tugbungan who are members of the Panaghugpong sa mga Mananagat sa Tugbungan (PAMATU).

The government recognizes the need to promote food security by increasing fish production through accelerated transfer of fishing technology and training of fishermen and their families as direct participants in the proper management of the marine resources.

Consolacion needs a budget to support the livelihood under the Milkfish Farm Culture which will operate in the fishpond area in barangay Tugbungan.

The implementation of the project is aimed at strengthening the over-all capabilities of fishermen and their families and local government units in the wise utilization and management of the town's brackish water resources.

BFAR and town officials believe in the need to enhance empowerment and promote organization of coastal fishermen so that they can be effective partners of government in the proper utilization, protection, and conservation of marine water resources. (FREEMAN)