Fishermen work to catch fish off the shores of Punta Engaño in Lapu-Lapu City Cebu. CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu City Bantay Dagat Commission is working on establishing a cooperative for all the fishermen in the City to help improve their access to government aid and programs.
According to the City’s Information Office, once the fisher folks in the City will be organized it will also be easier for them to receive assistance from other government agencies such as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), whose existing programs include the provision of equipment and pump boats.
Ret. Lt. Gen. Alexander Solidad, who was appointed by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama as the head of the City Bantay Dagat Commission, said they have already conducted meetings and encouraged fishermen to consolidate into a cooperative.
“Amo na silang gi-identify karon kinsa tong wala pa. Amo silang gi-encourage nga ma -organized sila into a cooperative. That’s the time nga ma-push nato ang mga project, kay naa man silay gitawag nato nga legitimate organization nga mailhan sila sa publiko,” he said in a statement.
“The Bantay Dagat Commission is involving the national agencies, non-government organizations, business sector. If they want to have our fisherfolks community nga ma-elevate ilang living standards, why not? We welcome them,” he added.
The Bantay Dagat act as the multiplier forces who guard and enforce fishery-related laws and ordinances in the municipal waters of coastal municipalities and cities.
Solidad said that the Commission has already met to initially discuss the City’s programs and projects for the fishermen.
He said their target areas are barangays near the vicinity of the South Road Properties (SRP) and he hopes to materialize these projects by the first quarter of next year.
The City’s Information Office said the Bantay Dagat Commission plans to plant mangroves at the SRP and make fishponds, wherein the harvest will be sold to the restaurants and eateries in the City. /rcg
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