BFAR turns over Php 1.25M for Iloilo anti-illegal fishing drive

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has turned over a Php 1.25 million check to the provincial government of Iloilo for the procurement of a new patrol boat for the Bantay Dagat campaign against illegal fishing.

BFAR regional director Drusila Bayate handed in the check to Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. during a simple ceremony held at the Office of the Governor, accompanied by Provincial Agriculturist Ildefonso Toledo.

Bayate said the funding assistance is part of the program of BFAR to forge partnership with local government units on law enforcement to protect and promote the sustainable use of the country's marine resources.

She said the fund has been committed by BFAR national director Asis Perez to Defensor during his visit to the province several months back.

The patrol boat will be equipped with patrol equipment and accessories including a Global Positioning System map, searchlights and other appropriate facilities.

Defensor thanked BFAR for its concern for the campaign of the provincial government against illegal fishing activities and welcomed the bureau's financial support.

This will now address one of our problems on lack of patrol equipment, Defensor said of BFAR's assistance. He added that with the support of BFAR, the province's campaign will succeed.

The assistance to Iloilo is also part of BFAR's program to support the projects of concerned provincial governments to protect the Visayan Sea against indiscriminate fishing activities.

Bayate said a similar assistance from their bureau is also forthcoming for Negros Occidental and Masbate. - PIA — ARA