TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, May 6 (PIA) – Various fishery projects cum paraphernalia for distribution to island municipalities and Pacific coast areas of Cagayan Valley will highlight this year’s Department of Agriculture-led celebration of Farmer’s and Fisherfolk Month.

Director Jovita P. Ayson of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the agency has identified the island barangays of Calayan island including the municipalities of Isabela along the Pacific coast and the Batanes group of islands as beneficiaries.

The areas were prioritized due to their distance to the mainland of the region, thus are less exposed to the projects and programs of the agency.

Thru an annual week-long fisheries caravan, fisherfolk will be given fishing gears, fishing boats, payao projects, fingerling dispersal, training on fish cage design and management and other related technology trainings, post-harvest projects, and distribution of info materials among others.

The month long celebration started nine years ago as provided for by DA Special Order No. 88 which is aimed at giving recognition to farmers and fisherfolk, considered the backbone of the country’s economy.

“They deserve all these assistance as they are our partners in food security and sustainability. The trainings will empower them further,” Ayson said.

The two caravan teams on board the DA-BFAR Monitoring, Control and Surrveillance (MCS) vessel is expected to see action within the month from one coastal municipalities to another in order to reach all areas and distribute the technology.