BACOLOD City – More than 3,000 fisherfolk in this city are expected to benefit from the deployment of 400 artificial reefs, a move seen to significantly boost their livelihoods and enhance marine biodiversity.
The ceremonial deployment was conducted on July 25 in the coastal waters of Barangay Tangub, led by Mayor Greg Gasataya alongside officials from the City Agriculture Office (CAO) and City Engineer’s Office (CEO).
“These artificial reefs will serve as vital fish sanctuaries, promoting marine biodiversity and helping restore key ecosystems,” said CAO Officer-in-Charge Maricar Quiro.
The initiative primarily supports the coastal communities of barangays Tangub, Pahanocoy, Sum-ag, Punta Taytay, and Singcang-Airport, where many residents depend heavily on fishing as their primary source of income.
“This is the city’s commitment to improving the lives of our fishing communities,” Mayor Gasataya said during the event.
Quiro emphasized that the project also aims to strengthen fisherfolk organizations and ensure food security through sustainable practices.
“What we want to achieve through this initiative is improved environmental protection, food security, and long-term sustainability,” she added.
The CAO expects a notable harvest of threadfin bream (locally known as lagaw) and shrimp within six months following the deployment.
Joaquin Malacad, chairman of the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC), welcomed the project.
“This is more than just a project — we’ve waited for this for so long. It will serve as a frontline defense for both our livelihood and our marine resources,” he said.
The artificial reef initiative was first launched in 2017 and has since been a long-awaited development by local fisherfolk organizations./PN
