JVR gets green light for fisherfolk projects

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Council is granting authority to Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to enter an agreement with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7 for any livelihood projects for various fisherfolk organizations.

The BFAR-7 has an ongoing project the "Agri-Pinoy Banner Program for Fisheries" granting livelihood projects to deserving  fisherfolk organizations and associations in the City of Talisay.

City Councilor Antonio D. Bacaltos Jr., shairman on the Committee of Environmental Protection, Wildlife Ecology and Natural Resources Management and the Committee on Agriculture and Aquatic Resources, said the city has been given the privilege to be among one of the local government units in Central Visayas to be a recipient of the program.

Agri-Pinoy is said to be highly advantageous to the fisherfolk which is a marginalized sector in the society.

Bacaltos said the memorandum of agreement is intended for all the projects of BFAR-7 for the year 2014.

BFAR regularly provides the fisherfolk with appropriate hands-on training on various technologies in the culture of fish and other aquatic organisms including seaweeds; improved fishing, specifically in the construction and proper use of passive gears; post-harvest and value-adding, as well as, on resource management and aquatic environment protection.

The training package is also complemented with fundings and technical support in securing funds from other sources. (FREEMAN)