A leading organization working for the conservation of wildlife and endangered species has donated equipment to the Davao City government for the Bantay Dagat and fisherfolk.
The World Wide Fund (WWF), known for its work in wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment, on Monday handed over flashlights, handheld radios, and binoculars to the city government of Davao.
City Agriculture Officer Leo Brian Leuterio said the equipment is a big help, particularly the coastal communities which will benefit from the WWF donation.
âWe have 24 coastal barangays in the city. We will distribute these to the fisherfolk. We will identify them,â he said.
Leuterio said some fisherfolk in the city also serve as members of the Bantay Dagat, a community-based organization deputized to help guard the city in protecting against destructive activities in the seas and coastal areas.
WWF Philippines representative Ticky Biyo said WWF has identified the fisherfolk as beneficiaries since they will be needing the flashlights while fishing during nighttime. The other pieces of equipment will also encourage them as well to protect marine biodiversity.
Biyo said the flashlights might be a small thing for most people but it is a big thing for the fisherfolk.
âThis is very vital for them because they will be using it in their day to day (activities). While they are in the sea they can easily see what is ahead of them,â he said.
Biyo did not disclose the total amount of how much WWF spent on the equipment.
But those who will receive them are fishermen and Bantay Dagat members in Punta Dumalag, Lasang and the Bunawan marine protected areas, he added. CIO
