BFAR and Consolacion assist marginal fishermen put up milkfish farm culture

CEBU, Philippines - The municipal government of Consolacion and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have introduced an alternative livelihood to marginal fishermen living along the coastal barangay of Tugbungan to help them augment their income.

Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado said marginal fishermen in this barangay and in other neighboring barangays have complained about their dwindling income.

The BFAR in Central Visayas and Consolacion town are extending financial and technical support to marginal fishermen to help them start a milkfish farm culture in barangay Tugbungan.

Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado and regional director Andres Bojos signed a memorandum of agreement to help the fishermen 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.

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. - THE FREEMAN