More than 100 fisherfolk gathered last 13 August as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 1 turned over a 62-foot Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic handline fishing boat and other livelihood assistance in Badoc, Ilocos Norte.

Remely B. Lachica, BFAR regional director, said the initiative aims to strengthen local livelihoods and boost food security by expanding fishing capacity in the region.

The package centered around the 62-foot vessel, which came equipped with six 15-foot motorized FRP catcher boats, 15 sets of tuna handline fishing gear, and training programs covering boat mechanics, operations, fish handling, and catch reporting.

BFAR also provided two 24-foot motorized FRP fishing boats to beneficiaries in Badoc and Paoay, alongside standard safety equipment.

In addition to marine fishing resources, the agency distributed 150,000 tilapia fingerlings to the local government unit of Pinili.

To support onshore processing, three cooking structures were awarded to salt producer groups in Badoc and Paoay as part of the Development of Salt Industry Project, marked by the formal signing of a memorandum of agreement.

The ceremony was attended by national and local leaders, including BFAR national director Elizer S. Salilig, Lachica, and officials from the Department of Agriculture Region 1. Rep. Eugenio Angelo M. Barba of the 2nd Congressional District, Ilocos Norte provincial officials, and representatives from participating local government units also joined the event.