Government to Launch Fishery, Coastal Management Project In Eastern Visayas

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas will join the nationwide launch of the Fisheries, Coastal Resources and Management Project (FishCORAL) on Jan. 19.

BFAR Regional Director Juan Albaladejo said the special project will address key issues that worsens poverty incidence among fishermen through management of the coastal and fisheries resources.

Another component is the implementation of community-based enterprises in the 1,098 coastal communities of the target bays and gulfs in Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Caraga Region, and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The project, which will kick off within the first three months of the year, is funded with the assistance from the International Fund for Agricultural Development of the United Nations (UN-IFAD) and the Philippine government.

The launching will be led by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and BFAR National Director Asis Perez. It will be witnessed by governors, mayors, fisherfolk leaders, local government officials, and stakeholders from all over the country.

According to Albaladejo, the project’s implementation will last for five years. (PNA) JMC/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR