Sarangani's P5-M payao project for sustainable livelihood

GLAN, Sarangani (March 11, 2007) – The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) conceptualized the comprehensive management plan that piloted the country's largest payao project in Sarangani.

Payao is a fish aggregating device commonly used by fishers to increase fish catch of small pelagic fishes.

The BFAR's lead project for marginal fishers seeks to alleviate their living conditions through the project's sustainability.

"We prepared for them (fisherfolk) a comprehensive management plan in order to make the project more profitable and sustainable," said Alma Dickson, division chief of BFAR's Marine Fisheries Development Center.

The plan incorporates fisheries registration, law enforcement, restrictions and penalties, and continuous capability building for beneficiaries.

Dickson said the DA-BFAR has been helping small-scale fishers with livelihood projects nationwide.

However, the agency has given Sarangani the biggest payao project in order to see the difference it can make to the lives of fisherfolk.

"Masaya tayo kung malaking tulong talaga ang maibibigay natin sa kanila," Dickson added.

"This is a pilot project. Titingnan natin kung ano ang contribution ng payao na ito," BFAR regional director Sani Macabalang said. "Tumataas ang production ng isda sa Pilipinas pero yung maliliit hindi natin napapansin. "

Macabalang said the project is along the tuna productivity enhancement program and "part of managing our resource na dapat lahat na uri ng pangingisda ay ayon sa magandang programa at plano."

With a management plan that includes revenue collection through the issuance of licenses, Macabalang said the system organized can make the project more profitable and sustainable for fishers and local government units.

"These are big, deep-sea payaos that can last even 10 years if properly managed. Maintenance varies on the commitment and improvement of the beneficiaries," Macabalang said.

"We are grateful for our governor's persistence to give us this livelihood," Roberto Tatoy said.

Tatoy said Governor Migs Dominguez's efforts to pursue the project would help thousands of marginal fisherfolk who rely on fishing in Sarangani Bay.

Governor Dominguez collaborated with BFAR national director Malcolm Sarmiento who had earlier given a patrol boat to Sarangani.

Tatoy urged fellow fishers to work together for the protection and maintenance of payaos .

Fisher-beneficiaries assisted the crew of M.V. DA-BFAR during the deployment of 50 payao units in 50 barangays within the municipal waters of the province last week.

The locals pinpointed potential fishing grounds within the pre-plotted location of payaos.
"They are from here so they know exactly where they can find the fish," said Ernaldo Cawaling, skipper of M.V. DA-BFAR. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE/RGP)