THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is seeking more funding to increase its capacity in post-harvest facilities and deterring Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF).
BFAR Director Eduardo B. Gongona cited the need to modernize and increase the number of the government’s fishing vessels and machineries to protect the country’s aquatic resources.
“We have 24 major fishing grounds and we only have 10 MCS (monitoring, control and surveillance) boats,” he added.
“Per fishing ground, you should have an MCS, two 30-footer [boats with outboard [motors] and a 39-footer twin engine boats to prevent IUUF,” he added.
Another plan being considered by BFAR is a food boat which can carry fisheries products and other agricultural crops around the country. Mr. Gongona said he is seeking P1.1-billion budget for this.
But Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said that they have allotted P270 million for the food boat’s budget.
The proposed 80-meter refrigerated vessel will still go through a bidding process by next year. With the food boat expected to take 18 months to be built, the DA is expecting the vessel to set sail by mid-2020.
“Part of the recommendation of the National Security Council is for the [BFAR] to purchase helicopters for coastal patrol,” Mr. Piñol also disclosed.
“The number of helicopters will depend on…the budget…and the model, but the budget allocation proposed is P400 million.”
Mr. Piñol also said another P650 million will be allotted to enhance BFAR’s efforts against IUUF. — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato
