Ilocos Norte Second District Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba led the turnover of a 62-foot fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) handline fishing boat and other fishery livelihood assistance worth a total of ₱13.445 million to fisherfolk and fishing communities in the province’s Second District.

The assistance includes motorized boats, fishing and safety equipment, tilapia fingerlings, and salt-making structures aimed at improving the productivity, safety and income of coastal and inland communities.

Barba said the program goes beyond providing equipment, emphasizing the need to help fishing families establish more sustainable livelihoods.

“More than the equipment and support provided, this is about helping our fishermen build a more secure future for their families and communities. We will continue to work for programs that reach our people where they need them most,” Barba said.

The 62-foot FRP handline boat is expected to allow local fisherfolk to venture farther offshore and into deeper waters, potentially increasing their fishing capacity and catch. Motorized boats and safety equipment were also distributed to support daily fishing operations and improve safety at sea.

Tilapia fingerlings and salt-making structures were provided to help communities diversify their income sources beyond traditional fishing.

Badoc Mayor Virgilio Calajate, representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, local officials and beneficiaries attended the turnover ceremony.

Barba said additional livelihood and infrastructure programs for the agriculture and fisheries sectors are being lined up for implementation in the Second District in the coming months.