BY NELJOY GALIGAO
ILOILO — Nearly 300 fisherfolk in the northern Iloilo town of Ajuy received free medical and dental services, livelihood support, fisheries education, and recognition from government agencies and local officials as the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Region’s intensified efforts to strengthen the welfare and productivity of fishing communities amid continuing challenges confronting the fisheries sector.
The Fisherfolk’s Day celebration on May 27 drew almost 300 fisherfolk and stakeholders and became a one-stop venue for health services, skills development, sustainable fisheries education, and government assistance, highlighting the crucial role of fisherfolk in ensuring food security and sustaining coastal economies.
Among the services provided were free medical consultations for 185 beneficiaries, complete with medicines and vitamins, dental services for 33 individuals, and free haircuts for 45 participants. BFAR-6 also distributed educational materials and free seedlings to 200 fishermen to promote sustainable environmental and fisheries practices.
BFAR regional director Remia Aparri underscored the significance of the occasion, saying the celebration was more than a traditional observance.
“Ang selebrasyon nga ini indi lang parte sang tradisyon kundi isa ka pagkilala sa mga tawo nga adlaw-adlaw nagapangabudlay agud may pagkaon sa lamesa sang kada pamilya — ang aton mga mangingisda,” Aparri said.
The event, held in partnership with the municipal government of Ajuy, also featured lectures on the BFAR Fisheries Scholarship Program, sustainable fisheries management, and insurance services available to fisherfolk.
Ajuy mayor Loida Espinosa, Vice Mayor Jett Rojas, and other local officials reaffirmed their commitment to programs aimed at improving the welfare, productivity, and livelihoods of the town’s fishing communities.
Interactive activities such as the Fish Bee competition and Net Mending Contest provided participants an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge while reinforcing best practices in fisheries management.
The celebration culminated with the recognition of outstanding fisherfolk and fisherfolk associations for their contributions to the local fisheries industry and community development.
For many attendees, the event offered both practical assistance and valuable learning opportunities.
“Na-overwhelm gid ako kay first time namon maka-attend sang amo to nga celebration sang Fisherfolk’s Day. Nagapasalamat gid kami sing dako sa mga services kag sa mga natun-an namon sa lectures, pareho sang kung ano ka dako ang mata sang lambat nga pwede gamiton sa pagpangisda,” said Glenda Basa, 56, a member of the Culasi Fishermen Association.
The Ajuy celebration formed part of the nationwide observance of Farmers and Fisherfolk Month every May. This year’s theme, “Pagbibigay-pugay para sa Magsasaka’t Mangingisda sa gitna ng hamon at krisis,” recognizes the resilience and indispensable contributions of farmers and fisherfolk in maintaining the country’s food security despite economic, environmental, and industry challenges.
Officials said the event demonstrated how collaboration between national agencies and local governments can translate into concrete assistance and long-term support for coastal communities that depend on fisheries for their livelihood./PN
