DAVAO ORIENTAL – Some 200 fisherfolk beneficiaries from the eleven local government units of the province exuded with gratitude and hope in receiving the 100 units of fiber glass motorized bancas in a ceremonial turn-over on Sept. 13, 2019 at the Provincial Capitol Covered Court.
Provincial Agriculture Office Department Head Rotchie Ravelo explained that the fiber glass banca is in consonance to the current thrust of the government to upgrade the fishing industry.
“Motorized bancas were already used before, but they were made of plywood. After typhoon Pablo devastated the province, we have to be very adaptive and resilient, and with the latest technology available, the Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), decided that we might as well use fiber glass banca. By using fiber glass bancas, we do not have to cut trees, and most importantly, it is durable, and can’t be easily dilapidated,” he said.
Ravelo added that though the beneficiaries were reluctant at first to use the fiber glass banca, now, they are beginning to appreciate and recognize what the said fishing equipment can do to uplift their livelihood.
Mr. Felipe Montera, Fisheries Head of the Provincial Agriculture Office, (PAGRO) disclosed that they have prioritized those who complied to the Fisherfolk Boat Registration program of the BFAR.
“We would like to thank the BFAR for always been supportive to us,” he said. He explained that the beneficiaries are required to register their newly acquired bancas. He added that some of the fiber glass motorized bancas were also given to the barangays and fisherfolk organizations who requested for it.
The municipality of Manay has 13 beneficiaries, 10 from the City of Mati, 9 each from the municipalities of Banaybanay, Lupon, San Isidro, Gov. Generoso and Cateel, while the municipalities of Boston, Baganga, Caraga, and Tarragona have 8 beneficiaries each.
For beneficiary Romeo Colintang, the fiber glass banca will be of great help in uplifting their livelihood. He is happy with the fact that he can count on the banca’s durability.
“In my 30 years in the fishing sector, I am very grateful to this fiber glass banca. This will make a difference since this will last long,” added Mr. Joselito Fernando from the Barangay Fisheries Council in Macambol, City of Mati.
Given to the beneficiaries with free banca machine, Mr. Montera furthered that one banca has two beneficiaries who will be enrolled to the Bantay Dagat program. He said they will become Deputy Fish Wardens who will help them in imposing the existing fishery laws in the country, particularly in the province.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang was happy with the banca distribution, as this is just one way to achieve his thrust of fishery industrialization, and let the farmers and fisherfolks really be counted in traversing with consistency towards the ardent desire of an inclusive and participatory government. By Neela G. Duallo
