12M Magpag-ong Fishport inaugurated

Officially unveiling the Php12 million-worth Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) I-BUILD subproject—Magpag-ong Fishport in Batan province of Aklan, the Provincial Local Government Unit envisions vigor in fishing activities and improved accessibility to market among fisherfolk from towns of Batan, Altavas, Balete and Banga during the inauguration and blessing of the facility on February 3, 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officer-in-Charge Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension for DA RFO 6 and designated Institutional Development Unit Head of the DA-PRDP, Maria Teresa Solis urged the full utilization of the Magpag-ong Fishport and suggested the fisherfolk association from the town to seek trainings from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on value adding to improve their income.

“Strategically, you have an array of markets to sell your produce. You have Boracay and even Iloilo where your oysters are widely popular. With that, we look forward that with the help of your PLGU, you will identify more interventions for your livelihood and actively employ these initiatives to your advantage,” Solis added.

Meanwhile, Engr. Edelzon T. Magalit, Aklan Provincial Engineer and PPMIU I-BUILD Component Head took pride in the realization of the port which complements another I-BUILD subproject, Lalab to Bay-ang to Magpag-ong Farm-to-Market Road (FMR). The said FMR provides ease of transport to residents along the road influence area which leads to the Value Chain Rural Infrastructure Support (VCRI)—Magpag-ong Fishport.  

Aklan’s former Vice Governor, Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo reminded that while the intervention is ready to serve the residents of Batan, their duty to maintain a green environment in the area is encouraged to protect the marine life that gives them their livelihood. 

“This is one of the richest fishing grounds of Aklan and it is a critical need to protect this area. If we do not implement new ways to protect our marine resources, we will be left with damages and losses,” said Calizo-Quimpo.

Ipil Fisherfolks Association, Camaligan Fisherfolks Association, Bay-ang Fisherfolks Association, Magpag-ong Poor Movement Fisherfolks Association, Ambolong Fisherfolks Association, Lalab Fisherfolks Association, CENAG Fisherfolks Association, LIMBAK Fisherfolks Association, Lupit Fisherfolks Association, Mambukyiao  Fisherfolks, Farmers and Women’s MPC,  Mandong Fisherfolks Organization, and Napti Multi-Purpose Cooperative joined the milestone in hopes of better catch and produce through the new intervention.### Text and Photos by: Eunice L. Gregorio, InfoACE Writer, DA-PRDP RPCO 6