BUTUAN CITY – A fisherfolk association in Barobo, Surigao del Sur, has reaped the benefits of government-backed fisheries modernization after hauling nearly 2 metric tons of tuna worth PHP390,000 during its latest expedition in commercial waters facing the Pacific Ocean.
Members of the Wakat Barobo Commercial Fishing Association (WABACOFA) returned to shore on Friday, May 15, following an eight-day voyage aboard their 62-foot fiber-reinforced plastic fishing vessel provided by the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Caraga Region (DA-BFAR-13).
“We were able to catch and harvest more than 2,000 kilograms of tuna during our recent fishing trip in the high seas,” said Rolly Badilla, 49, vice chairperson of WABACOFA, in an interview on Tuesday.
He thanked the government, through BFAR, for helping them embrace modern fishing technology and for providing a dependable fiber-reinforced fishing vessel.
“From January until May 15, we have already ventured eight times in the area of the Pacific and harvested around 23.4 metric tons of tuna and earned around PHP1.6 million in gross income,” Badilla said.
Last year, the group managed 20 fishing trips in the Pacific, catching and harvesting around 42.3 metric tons of tuna, which helped them earn around PHP3 million in cumulative net income.
“I have been into fishing for more than 25 years. This support from BFAR is really helping the organization, especially its members, earn income since last year,” Badilla said.
In a separate statement on Monday, BFAR-13 noted that the 62-footer fiber-reinforced plastic fishing vessel was turned over to WABACOFA in December 2024.
“The provision of the modern fishing vessel aimed to help the group harvest tuna and other species of fish and marine products in the high seas,” BFAR-13 said.
It added that the vessel is equipped with an upgraded engine that can reach speeds of up to 14 knots and sustain eight to 10 knots during regular trips. The group also received modern fishing tools, equipment, and gear.
“I joined five fishing expeditions last year and three this year. I can attest to the durability of our fishing vessel given by BFAR,” said Fred Campos, 38, a member of the group.
The fishing gear and tools provided by the government also helped them harvest more tuna during fishing expeditions in the high seas, he added.
“The earnings helped sustain the needs of my family, especially for my children who are still schooling,” Campos said.
BFAR-13 also noted that WABACOFA’s recent fishing trip reflects the agency’s ongoing efforts to modernize the fisheries sector by providing modern fishing technologies and post-harvest support to organized fisherfolk groups.
“Such interventions are designed to enhance catch efficiency, improve safety at sea, and strengthen income opportunities for coastal communities dependent on fisheries,” BFAR-13 said. (PNA)