CAGRO targets to register more fisherfolks

The Davao City Agriculturist Office is keen on registering all fishermen and their boats for proper identification and benefits within the first quarter of 2023.

Agricultural Technologist John Necor, from the Fisheries Division of the DCAO in an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio, said that Davao City has more or less 5,000 fisherfolks and 2,000 registered bangkas but this is not yet reflective of the actual population as there are still those who were not able to register.

“Based sa among data mga more or less five percent ang wala narehistro, ang uban wala pa kaadto sa among opisina. Amo gyud paningkamutan sa first quarter ma-rehistro silang tanan (Based on our data, there are more or less five percent who have not yet registered and were not able to go to our office. We will do our best so that by the first quarter they will all be registered),” Necor said.

He said that aside from the registration being mandatory according to the law, registration also offers benefits to the fishermen.

“Aside sa naa sa naa gyud na atong balaod na kailangan sila magregistro, isa pud na siya para mahibal-an nato sa Davao pila kabuok mananagat sa Davao pila kabuok bangka, pagmarehistro sila ato pud nang ginapa-insured sa Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) kay libre pa insurance sa PCIC para sa ilang bangka (Aside from the fact that registration is according to law, it is also one way of knowing how many fishermen are in Davao and also their fishing vessels. Once registered they will also be insured by the PCIC, the insurance there is free for their fishing vessels),” Necor said.

He also said that the registration also stands as proof of ownership. Registration is also useful when they go outside Davao.

“Mahibal-an nga taga-Davao sila. Naa sila’y gigunitan nga papeles na registrado, naa sila’y lisensya sa pagpanagat (They will be identified as from Davao City. They will possess papers that are registered. They also have a license to fish),” Necor added.

Necor said that aside from fisherfolk and boat registration, their office, especially under the Fisheries Division, is prioritizing the development of more fish cases for more bangus production in the City.

Among the areas being eyed for expansion is Barangay Lasang.
“Ginahan-ay sa balaod, pagma-declare na as mariculture park, magsugod na siya og develop (The policy for this is being finalized, once the area is declared as a mariculture park, the development will start),” Necor said. CIO