By Eddie O. Barrita
CEBU CITY, May 9 (PNA) — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will establish at least 252 community fish-landing centers (CFLCs) nationwide as part of their efforts to reduce poverty among the fisherfolk.
BFAR 7 information officer Alma Saavedra said the bureau already identified the CFLCs in strategic areas in Visayas during the training Friday on social preparation for CFLC program.
But Saavedra said the bureau is waiting for the municipalities to donate the land for the project site.
The training was attended by Fisheries Livelihood Development Technicians (FLDTs) of Regions 6, 7 and 8.
During the training, BFAR identified the fish landing areas in Region 6 including Caluy, Antique; Kalibo, Malay, New Washington, Altavas, Buruanga, and Makato, all of Aklan; Pilar, Pontevedra, Panay, Ivisan, President Roxas, Roxas, Sapi-an, and Cadiz, all of Capiz; and Carles and Estancia, both of Iloilo.
For Region 7, fish landing areas would be in Bantayan, Cebu; Pilar and San Francisco, both of Camotes Island, Cebu; and three in Siquijor.
For Region 8, identified areas in Eastern Samar would be in Borongan City, Arteche, Can-avid, General MacArthur, Giporlos, Guiuan, Hernani, Lawaan, Balangkayan, Llorente, Maydolong, Mercedes, Quinapondan, and Salcedo.
For Northern Samar, the areas would be in Biri, Bobon, Catarman, Lavezares, Mondragon, Rosario, San Isidro, San Jose, San Vicente, San Roque, Laoang, Gamay, Palapag, Mapanas, and Lapinig.
Basey, Almagro, Calbiga, Marabut, Motiong, Paranas, Pinabacdao, Daram, Tagapul-an, Zumarraga, Pagsanghan and Catbalogan are the identified areas in Samar Province.
In Leyte, Tolosa, Leyte and Hilongos are identified as fish-landing areas.
Each municipality will receive Php 3 million for fisheries livelihood projects from BFAR. The Php 2.85 million is allocated for the fish landing center and Php 150,000 for trainings of FLDTs.
Saavedra said the fish landing centers will house equipment and tools that will enable fishermen to preserve the good quality of catch and other fishery products. (PNA)