₱1.8M worth of fishing boats given to Ifugao fisherfolks to further boost productionBy Mark Moises Calayan

Alfonso Lista, Ifugao — To boost livelihood opportunities and strengthen the province’s fishery sector, fisherfolk in Ifugao have recently received ₱1.8 million worth of fiberglass fishing boats from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources–Ifugao (BFAR-Ifugao).

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Ifugao is among the top producers of freshwater fish in the Cordillera region. In 2024, the province recorded a total fish production of 2,402.27 metric tons, marking a 39.2 percent increase from 1,725.26 metric tons in 2023.

Of the total fish output, tilapia remained the dominant species, accounting for 2,229.02 metric tons or 92.7 percent of total production.

Recognizing the vital role of fisherfolk in the province’s economy, BFAR-Ifugao distributed the fishing boats to fisherfolk groups in Mayoyao and individual fisherfolk in Alfonso Lista on Tuesday, November 25.

In a Facebook post, BFAR-Ifugao stated that each boat is equipped with a 16-horsepower marine diesel/gasoline engine and a complete set of underwater fittings.

A total of 18 fiberglass boats were provided under the Fishing Boat Pagbabago Livelihood Development Program of the Department of Agriculture–BFAR-CAR, implemented in coordination with the respective Local Government Units (LGUs).

The program aims to uplift the economic conditions of Filipino fisherfolk by providing durable, disaster-resilient fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats, along with training, fishing gear, and other livelihood support.

These modern boats are expected to enhance fishing efficiency, increase catch volume, and promote more sustainable incomes for the beneficiaries who rely on fishing as their primary livelihood.