TACLOBAN CITY — At least four fisherfolk organizations in Leyte and Northern Samar received a total of P3.2 million worth of deep-sea net and fish aggregating device or payao under the Food Production and Livelihood component of the Special Area for Agricultural Development Phase II program.
Recipients of the deep-sea payao were the Monbon Fish Dealers and Vendors Association (Palapag), Lapinig Fisherfolk Association, and the Baybay SAAD Fisherfolk Association (Gamay), in Northern Samar.
Each of these associations received four units of payao worth P200,000, capitalizing on the abundant and strategic tuna fishing areas in their respective communities.
According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources regional office, the devices will boost the fisherfolk income by 40 to 50 percent, promising a substantial positive impact on their lives and the local economy.
Under the agreement between the fisherfolk associations and BFAR, an income-sharing scheme will be implemented where 60 percent of the earnings will be divided equally among the members, while the remaining 40 percent will be allocated towards the overall development of their respective associations.
Members of the fisherfolk associations were also provided with trainings on installation, maintenance and operations on the devices for the beneficiaries to be able to sustain the project.