Talisay SP allows Soc to ink deal with fishermen’s group

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City council, through a resolution, authorizes Mayor Socrates Fernandez to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources VII and a fishermen’s federation on the production of milkfish and marine fish in floating cages. 

Councilor Bernard Joseph T. Odilao, who is the proponent of the resolution and currently the chairman of the committee on environment and natural resources, said that forging an initiative with other government agencies is recognized by Talisay to address poverty. 

Odilao said the cage culture of marine fish provides an alternative livelihood for marginal fishermen and their families and it has been a popular method of rearing fish in the sea coast. 

“The City of Talisay has been seeking financial assistance from the national government to support livelihood projects initiated for the fishing communities. This MOA will address milkfish production and siganid production in floating fish cages,” Odilao said. 

Odilao said the city has sought financial assistance to support the livelihood Fish Attracting Device or “Payaw” project, which will operate in the waters of barangay Pooc. 

“There is a need to strengthen the over-all capabilities of fisherfolks and LGU in the wise utilization and management of our marine water resources,” Odilao said. 

Odilao said there is a 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 our marine water resources. 

“The success of this project requires the vital support and technical services of concerned agencies and the effective networking and proper linkage with the Local Government Unit and fisherfolk organization,” he said. 

Under the agreement, the BFAR will provide materials and other supplies for the establishment of the “Payaw” project and provide skills training and technical services on the construction and operation of the project. 

Traveling expenses for the resource speakers and the training staff will be provided during the implementation of the project.

But in the event of the failure on the part of the beneficiaries/recipients to sustain the operation and maintenance of the project due to loss of commitment, the BFAR-7 through the Regional Director, upon the recommendation of the Technical Committee shall exercise authority in terminating the right of the beneficiary to hold possession of the project; repossess the project or transfer the project to other interested farmers/fishermen association in the area.

For the part of the city government, Odilao said the city will provide the site and legal frame work for the establishment of the project within the city through the enactment of support ordinance and provide available relevant data, support staff, technical personnel, equipment, office communication and transportation facilities including maintenance, gasoline and oil; maintain and safeguard all project assets to assure the project is rolled over to other fishermen beneficiaries for the project expansion in the city.

Fishermen organizations or associations and cooperatives will also agree to undergo skills training on design, construction, and operation of the livelihood assistance project; agree to provide labor in the design/construction and operate effectively the alternative livelihood project turned-over by BFAR-RFO No. 7 as part of the capability building process.  (FREEMAN)