Bohol to give out free 130

motorized, paddle boats

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol Sept 27 (PIA)— For the second time, the Provincial Government is giving out 130 free fiber-glass paddle and motorized boats to fishermen’s organizations involved in fish production in Bohol’s coastal communities and inland towns with bodies of water, to supply its wet markets with fish.

According to Dr. Larry M. Pamugas from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), the first time Bohol handed out free fiberglass boats to fisherfolk, was in 2023 as part of the COVID-19 intervention measures.

This as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, now led by Vice Governor Tita Baja resolved to allow Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado to sign the Memorandum of Agreement for Bohol, with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Local Government Units where these people’s organizations operate, following the legislative body’s review of the program.

“In recognition of the significant benefits to Boholano fishermen, the Joint Committees on Agriculture and Finance, Budget and Appropriations find merit in the provision of motorized fiber glass pump boats and paddle boats to identified People’s Organization involved in fish production,” the joint committee report signed by Board Members Lucille Lagunay, Interim Chairperson, Committee on Agriculture and Romulo Cepedoza, Vice Chair, SP Committee on Budget Finance and Appropriations.

The Capitol under Gov Aumentado has allocated 47 boats for District 1, 27 for District 2 and 56 for District 3.

The initiative to give out fiberglass boats is hoped to enhance the livelihood of fisherfolk and households in fishing communities by establishing sustainable income sources, making the fishermen contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities and the province in general.

Just as the government is mandated by Section 17 of Republic Act 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act to include in its Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan some infrastructure support and information and technologies available to fisherfolk to increase production and income, Bohol which implements the project through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

As such, Bohol procures the materials needed for the fabrication and the engines, fabricates such at the PLGU facility in Gabi, Ubay and trains the fisherfolk on the proper operation and maintenance of the fiber glass boats.

Meanwhile, BFAR would provide the technical assistance and capacity building processes needed for the operation and management of the boat.

Moreover, the LGU, thru the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) validates the suitability and preparedness of the organization based on selection criteria for recipients, monitor the performance of beneficiaries and submit monitoring reports to the OPA and BFAR on regular basis.

For the recipient People’s Organization (PO) takes responsibility in transporting the fabricated boats from Ubay, Bohol to their respective fishing community. (RAHC/PIA-7/Bohol)

STURDY BOATS. Bohol is giving out 130 22 feet and 30 feet motorized boats or 16 feet paddle boats to fishermen organizations involved in fish production in coastal and inland towns, as a way of making production support and technologies accessible to them. Bohol implements this through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist. (PIABoholfile fotos)