BFAR-7 starts celebration

CEBU, Philippines - The Central Visayas office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) kicked off its celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolk Month yesterday morning.

With the theme, “Mangingisdang Director para sa Matatag na Balikatan,” BFAR-7 started its month-long celebration through the installation of new provincial fishfolk directors.

The new provincial fishfolk directors – Cosme Tumongha of Cebu, Expedita Acibo of Negros Oriental, Virgilio Mainit of Bohol and Jesus Barbadillo of Siquijor – took their oath at the Conference Hall of the BFAR-7 office.

In line with the celebration, BFAR-7 director Andres Bojos said they have already organized activities for the whole month.

Bojos said they would be launching income-generating projects and will visit the existing ones across the region.

He said they will also conduct mangrove planting and coastal cleanup in the four provinces, adding that they will carry out fingerling dispersal to farmers in the region simultaneous with the national activity.

Regional fishfolk director Veolita Epon said they have also established a strong line of defense against illegal fishers as they are coordinating with the local government units, Bantay Dagat, Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police.

“Everyone should be vigilant,” Epon said.   (FREEMAN NEWS)