Patnongon fisherfolks support 'Balik bangus, Balik similya' project

The fisherfolks in the northern town of Patnongon in Antique Province are fully supportive of the new project “Balik bangus, Balik similya” to be launched in a fish sanctuary there.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Director Sonia V. Seville, who expressed her elation, said that the mayor of the town Johnny Bacongallo himself is making coordination with her office for this project that will revive the once rich fishing ground in his town.

“He feels concerned with the dwindling of Bangus in their coastal town because of over-fishing and the lack of people’s awareness on the conservation of species that he is eager to help,” the lady director contended.

Seville said that the seawater in Patnongon, a fourth class municipality, used to be abounding with Bangus, but now it’s almost gone affecting the livelihood of the almost 1,000 fisherfolks.

BFAR, learning the dwindling of Bangus in Patnongon, worked out with the town mayor for the launching of this project. “We also interviewed randomly about 100 fisherfolks in that town and they are happy and willing to become our partners,” the lady director quoted.
She said that because of the optimistic attitude of the people they plan to soon disperse 500 juvenile Bangus in the sanctuary with the hope that after 5 years these will become mother species that will ensure income to the fisher folks there.

Aside from BFAR dispersing juvenile Bangus, the residents of Patnongon themselves are encouraged to also disperse juveniles as their donation the project. (PNA)