MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Eight fisherfolk associations in the Ilocos Region and Pangasinan have received a combined Php 37 million in livelihood projects from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under the Philippine Fisheries and Coastal Resiliency Project.
The assistance was provided through the Modern and Resilient Livelihood Investments program, or MaRLIN, which supports communities covered by priority fisheries involving galunggong and dalag-baybay.
BFAR-Ilocos Region information unit head Jamille Anne Estolas said the projects are intended to give fisherfolk alternative sources of income instead of relying solely on capture fisheries.
The beneficiaries include associations in Currimao and Badoc in Ilocos Norte; Cabugao and Candon City in Ilocos Sur; and Dagupan City in Pangasinan.
One Ilocos Norte group received Php 3 million for the culture of siganid and milkfish in a high-density polyethylene cage, while fisher groups in Cabugao also secured funding for similar aquaculture projects using circular HDPE cages.
The Dagupan City association received Php 3 million for the polyculture of siganid and milkfish in climate-resilient cages.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries in Candon City received more than Php 11.7 million for milkfish and rabbitfish production in floating cages, as well as fishery product trading using a refrigerated van.
BFAR said MaRLIN aims to raise the economic value of aquaculture and other fishery-based livelihood activities while helping coastal communities become more resilient.
