More than 3,000 families in Bacolod City are poised to benefit from a significant boost to their livelihoods thanks to a new initiative – the deployment of 400 artificial reefs.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, together with the City Agriculture Office and City Engineer’s Office, led the deployment in the coastal waters of Barangay Tangub on Friday, July 25,
This long-awaited project addresses a crucial need identified by local fisherfolk organizations, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
“This is the city’s commitment to improving the lives of our fishing communities,” Gasataya said at the deployment ceremony.
The artificial reefs will serve as fish sanctuaries, promoting marine biodiversity and restoring vital ecosystems, City Agriculture Office Officer-in-Charge Maricar Quiro said.
The project directly impacts coastal communities in Barangays Tangub, Pahanocoy, Sum-ag, Punta Taytay, and Singcang-Airport.
“This will strengthen our fisherfolk organizations as recipients of the project. What we would like to ensure is that through this initiative our food security and sustainability initiative will be enhanced along with our environmental protection and preservation efforts,” Quiro said.
The City Agriculture Office anticipates a significant harvest of threadfin bream (lagaw) and shrimp within six months, the press release said.
Joaquin Malacad, chairman of the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC), said “This is more than just a project. We’ve been waiting for this for too long and this will serve as a frontline defense for our livelihood and our seas.”
The deployment ceremony was attended by Councilors Jason Villarosa, Homer Bais, and Celia Flor; City Administrator Mark Mayo; Henry Sison. co-founder, Agri-Fishery Digital PH; and representatives from local fisherfolk groups.
The project, initially launched in 2017, will see a further 300 artificial reefs deployed in the coming weeks, the press release said.*