THE Department of Agriculture, through its attached agency the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), is implementing the "Bantay Laot" (local guards) program in a bid to protect and preserve the marine resources in Zamboanga City.
BFAR OIC-Regional Director Isidro Velayo Jr. said the agency allocated P4 million for the Bantay Laot program which will be implemented before yearend.
Velayo said "Bantay Laot" program is also aimed to provide livelihood since they will employ 50 selected Badjao fishermen as sea watchmen and coastal cleaners.
Each of the selected Badjao fishermen will also receive P3,000 monthly honorarium since the BFAR will employ them for coastal clean-up.
The selected fishermen will be trained in radio communication since the BFAR will give them fiberglass-made motorboats, fishing gears and handheld radio transceivers.
Velayo said they can help the government, particularly BFAR, by reporting the presence of blast fishermen while they are fishing.
Velayo said they have adopted safety measures to prevent the sale of the motorboats by the beneficiary Badjao fishermen.
Velayo said they have chosen the Badjaos fishermen as beneficiaries of the program since they are among the poorest of the poor. (Bong Garcia/Sunnex)