About 40 residents and fisherfolk in San Clemente, Tarlac participated in a training to invigorate and rehabilitate the Maasin River.

Under Balik Sigla sa Ilog at Lawa (BASIL) program of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), locals were trained to safeguard and re-populate inland water resources including lakes, rivers, dams and reservoirs towards sustainable fish production.

BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz highlighted the potential of socio-economic advancement upon the proper implementation of BASIL program in the area.

“I did not think twice in coming here because there is a need to raise people and local government’s awareness on what the river has to offer, and what can be done to keep it abundant with fish,” he said.

Aside from the training, Cruz also led the communal stocking of fingerlings.

BASIL is a nationwide program which seeks to grow the volume of fish in inland water resources, and to increase the income of fisherfolk. (PIA 3)