As part of its food security program, the Cebu provincial government has distributed 30 high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages worth P22 million to fisherfolk associations in 10 southern municipalities.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the project aims to increase local food production and reduce Cebu's dependence on food supplies from other provinces.

"We need to generate more of our own food here in Cebu so we will not have to depend heavily on other provinces," Baricuatro said.

She noted that Cebu's reliance on imported food makes the province vulnerable to inflation and external factors such as rising fuel costs.

Baricuatro said the distribution of fish cages forms part of the provincial government's priority programs to strengthen food security while providing fisherfolk with sustainable sources of income.

Aida Zapanta and Tomas Serenillo, members of a fisherfolk association in Badian, welcomed the assistance, saying the fish cages would provide an alternative livelihood, especially during periods of rough weather when fishing boats cannot go out to sea.

The HDPE fish cages are designed to last up to 50 years with proper maintenance, making them more durable than traditional fish cages.

Provincial Fishery Officer Joel Clapano of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Central Visayas (BFAR-7) said the cages are built to withstand stronger waves and currents, helping ensure more stable harvests while protecting the investments of coastal communities.

Fisherfolk associations from Oslob, Badian, Argao, Boljoon, Dalaguete, Dumanjug, Alcantara, Alcoy and Alegria received the fish cages, along with fishing inputs and other forms of assistance.