Tigum Fisherfolk Get 12 Climate-Resilient Fishing Boats

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

Members of the Tigum Fisherfolk Association in Barangay Tigum, Buruanga, Aklan received a major boost to their livelihood after the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), through its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase II, turned over 12 fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats with complete accessories.

Each 20-foot FRP boat is equipped with a marine engine, brass pipe, stainless shaft, propeller, and cross joint—providing the fisherfolk with durable, climate-resilient tools to sustain their fishing activities amid changing weather patterns.

A total of 24 members will benefit from the initiative, with each pair sharing one unit.

The group will coordinate schedules to ensure daily fishing operations depending on sea conditions, aiming for consistent income generation.

Lauro Rodriguez III, president of the Tigum Fisherfolk Association, expressed his gratitude during the turnover ceremony.

“I am thankful for the support from BFAR-SAAD. This opportunity has greatly helped us. From having nothing, we now have a means of livelihood. You can count on us to use this for our progress,” he said.

Barangay Captain Nonito B. Magsipoc also welcomed the guests and partners from BFAR, voicing his appreciation for the agency’s continued support.

“We hope that this support from BFAR will truly uplift the lives of our fisherfolk,” Magsipoc said in his message.

The livelihood intervention is part of BFAR-SAAD’s broader push to empower marginalized coastal communities by providing sustainable, climate-adaptive tools and infrastructure.

The program aims to build resilience among fisherfolk while promoting community-based resource management.