Fisherfolk from various towns in Bulacan received more than ₱3.7 million worth of livelihood assistance from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 3 (BFAR-3) during a distribution ceremony held on June 3 in the City of Malolos.

The assistance formed part of the Provincial Agriculture Office’s program on the distribution of machinery and livelihood support to farmers and fisherfolk, aimed at strengthening the province’s fisheries sector and improving the livelihoods of local fishing communities.

Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Gloria S.F. Carrillo welcomed the initiative and thanked government agencies for their continued support to Bulacan’s farmers and fisherfolk, helping boost productivity and income generation.

Meanwhile, Provincial Fisheries Officer Joseph Bitara said the livelihood interventions are expected to improve fishing operations, increase production and earnings, and promote the responsible use and conservation of aquatic resources.

The distributed assistance, valued at ₱3.726 million, included 25 spear guns, 20 marine engines, 535 sets of gillnets, 100 rolls of black net, and 15 motorized fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats.

BFAR-3 said the equipment will help fisherfolk conduct their operations more efficiently and safely, allowing them to reach productive fishing grounds and improve their overall catch.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the assistance would help reduce operational costs and strengthen their livelihoods.

Through programs such as this, BFAR-3 continues to support fisherfolk as key contributors to food security and the sustainable development of the fisheries industry in Central Luzon.