Tagbilaran City, Bohol – In a successful collaboration between the FISH Visayas Project, the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and LGU Tagbilaran, thirty-two (32) fishers from Tagbilaran City completed a comprehensive training program on Fishing Net Set-up, Mending, and Patching. The training, held from June 27 to 30, 2023, aimed to upskill fishers and empower them with the knowledge and techniques necessary for effective fishing net maintenance.

Participants of the training were engaged from partner people’s organizations organizations, including the Basak Taloto Fisherfolk Association (BATAFIA), Booy Fisherfolk Association (BOFIA), Ubujan Fisherfolk Association (UFA), Sr. Santo Nino Fisherfolk Association, Bool Junction Fishers, and KISADA. Through this training program, fishers were equipped with the correct techniques, tools, and materials required for various types of fishing nets such as pamasol or pamokot, pamasol-pamukot anduhaw, pamukot pangdanggit, pamukot pangmangsi, and pamana. The training focused on helping fishers identify common issues such as holes, tears, or damaged components, and provided them with the skills to mend and patch their nets appropriately.

One of the significant benefits of this training is its potential to reduce the need for frequent net replacements. By learning how to mend and patch fishing nets effectively, fishers can save costs for fishing operations and minimize downtime in their activities. Repairing damaged nets not only contributes to financial savings but also helps reduce waste, making a positive impact on the environment and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

Mr. Florentino Aying and Mr. Gerry Amolat from the Barangay Guintaboan Fisherfolk Association, Ubay, Bohol, served as facilitators for the four-day training. Their expertise and guidance, along with the support of DA-BFAR, were instrumental in the success of the program. Both fishers, having recently completed the same training in Ubay, were selected as multipliers for the training in Tagbilaran City, ensuring knowledge transfer and further expanding the reach of the initiative.

Notably, the recognition and awarding of certificates on June 30 was honored by the presence of the City Mayor of Tagbilaran, Hon. Jane Censoria Yap; City Vice-Mayor, Hon. Adam Relson Jala; and City Councilor on Committee on Agri-Fishery, Hon. Ody Glovasa. With the ultimate goal of increasing fish catch through additional fishing gear provided by the project, this training is a significant step towards enhancing the income and food security of the fisherfolk and their families in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

***The Training on Fishing Net Set-up, Mending, and Patching aspires to achieve Result Area 1: Training for Fishermen and MSMEs of the FISH Visayas Project.