The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is preparing launch a program to provide more livelihood opportunities for fisherfolks in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

According to BFAR Chief Information Officer Nazario Briguera, the program will be called Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yield and Economic Gains or LAYAG WPS.

Local fisherfolks from the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, MiMaRoPa, and areas near the WPS is expected to benefited from the program.

The LAYAG WPS project was announced after the agency made their trip to Pag-asa Island.

BFAR authorities departed from Palawan on June 12 via BRP Francisco Dagohoy and returned on June 16.

“Nagdala po tayo ng mga livelihood interventions doon sa isla ng Pag-asa sa municipality ng Kalayaan sa West Philippine Sea. Nasa limang milyon po ito na halaga ng mga suportang pangkabuhayan doon sa Pag-asa Island dahil ang tawag natin doon sa paglalayag na iyon ay ‘Layag Kabuhayan sa Pag-asa Island sa Araw ng Kalayaan’,” Briguera said.

BFAR also brought tools and equipment for fishing-related livelihood for the communities, including the 30-foot fiberglass boats, blast freezers and range of fishing paraphernalia as well as post-harvest equipment for preservation and food processing activities.

Briguera said that the reception from the fishermen was good and that they were really glad when they have received the tools and equipment.

Also included in the BFAR's initiatives are rain catchers to supply communities of Pag-asa Island with fresh water found in the areas.

“Ito pong ginawa ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources sa Pag-asa Island ay bahagi lamang po ito doon sa direktiba ng ating Pangulo na mas ilapit ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga malalayong baybaying komunidad at kabilang po diyan ang Pag-asa Island,” said Briguera.

“At iyon nga po ang ating ginawa at ito pong nangyari sa Pag-asa Island ay inisyal lamang sa gagawin pa natin sa West Philippine Sea para po sa ating mga mangingisda doon,” added Briguera.