San Narciso, Zambales – In a bid to ensure their safety and security at sea, small-scale commercial fishers in the province of Zambales are set to undergo intensive training on maritime safety.
This initiative by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 3 (BFAR 3), Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), and PATH Foundation Philippines Inc. (PFPI) comes during the territorial tension between the Philippines and China in the West Philippine Sea.
The BFAR, PMMA, and PFPI signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for holding the maritime safety training on June 23, with support from the USAID Fish Right Program.
According to BFAR 3 Regional Director Wilfredo M. Cruz, these 100 Zambales-based commercial fishers will undergo intensive training on maritime safety, including search and rescue, radio communication, engine repair, and first aid.
BFAR 3 will coordinate with vessel owners and integrate the training into licensing requirements under Fishery Management Area 6.
“This partnership is a vital step in equipping our fisherfolk with the knowledge and tools they need to safely navigate the seas,” said Cruz.