Over 3,000 families in Bacolod City are expected to benefit from a significant boost to their livelihoods, with the deployment of 400 artificial reefs in the coastal waters of Barangay Tangub July 25.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, together with the City Agriculture Office (CAO) and City Engineer’s Office, led the deployment of the artificial reefs that will serve as vital fish sanctuaries, promoting marine biodiversity and restoring vital ecosystems.
CAO officer-in-charge Maricar Quiro said the project directly impacts coastal communities in barangays Tangub, Pahanocoy, Sum-ag, Punta Taytay, and Singcang-Airport.
This long-awaited project addresses a crucial need identified by local fisherfolk organizations, the city said in a press release.
“This is the city’s commitment to improving the lives of our fishing communities,” Gasataya said at the deployment ceremony also attended by councilors Jason Villarosa, Homer Bais, and Celia Flor, City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo, Henry Sison, co-founder of Agri-Fishery Digital PH, and representatives from local fisherfolk groups.
“This will strengthen our fisherfolk organizations as recipients of the project. What we would like to ensure is that through this initiative, our food security and sustainability initiative will be enhanced along with our environmental protection and preservation efforts,” Quiro said.
The CAO anticipates a significant harvest of threadfin bream (lagaw) and shrimp within six months.
Joaquin Malacad, chairman of the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, expressed his gratitude to the city. “This is more than just a project. We’ve been waiting for this for too long and this will serve as a frontline defense for our livelihood and our seas.”
Another 300 artificial reefs will be deployed in the coming weeks, the city added. ||
