BFAR-CAR led the inauguration of the three million pesos worth Community Fish Landing Center (CFLC) last August 8, 2018 at Calaba, Bangued, Abra.
Along with BFAR-CAR is Hon. Dominic B. Valera, municipal mayor of Bangued, Hon. Allan Seares, vice mayor, and Hon. Joel B. Mailed, punong barangay of Calaba. The establishment of CFLC aims to support the national program on poverty reduction in the fisheries sector. The project is under the Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation (TARGET) program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) which was launched in 2014.
This rounds up the 253 units of CFLCs established nationwide. BFAR-CAR Regional Director Milagros C. Morales said the province of Abra was selected to be the fish landing center in the region since this is traversed by the largest river in the region which is the Abra River. There is an abundance of water resources here where different fish species are caught. Moreover, being a non-coastal region, fish are produced in freshwater like ponds, cages, rice paddies, in rivers and other bodies of water. These will be traded at the landing center for whole sale buyers. The facility will help other provinces in CAR and nearby areas to be fish sufficient.
The regional director also explained that aside from the facility, post-harvest equipment were also provided such as fish stalls and freezers to maintain sanitation and freshness of the fish displayed. Director Morales then asked LGU and the fisherfolk to support the bureau in sustaining the project. She hoped the facility will be used properly. “We need your support to sustain our aim to protect the environment and the health of the people.”
Hon. Dominic B. Valera, Bangued municipal mayor, thanked BFAR-CAR for the project which will provide another income generation to the residents. He also ensured that an ordinance will be passed stating that all fish caught and fish from aquaculture production will be delivered to the fish landing center prior to disposal.
The CFLC will be initially operated by LGU-Abra and later by organized fisherfolk. **Cristifan A. Toring, BFAR-CAR
