BFAR and Tagbilaran turn over boats and nets
In a significant move to support the livelihood of local fisherfolk, Mayor Jane Yap and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Bohol Provincial Fishery Office, led by Candido Samijon, spearheaded the turnover of boats and fishing nets on February 21, 2025, at the Saulog Gym.
Central to the distribution was the awarding of a 22-foot fiberglass pump boat to the Sr. Sto. Niño Village Fisherfolk Association of Barangay Poblacion I. This boat will greatly aid the association in expanding its fishing capabilities, helping members increase their catch and improve their income.
Additionally, five beneficiaries from Barangays Ubujan, Mansasa, Manga, Poblacion I, and Taloto were each provided with 16-foot paddle boats. These smaller vessels are expected to enhance the mobility of individual fishers, enabling them to access fishing areas more efficiently.
Several fisherfolk organizations received fish nets, crucial tools for increasing daily catches.
The recipients included the Basak Taloto Fishermen Association, Ubujan Fisherfolks Association, Pundok sa Gagmayng Mananagat sa Ubujan, Pag-ugmad sa Mananagat ug Mag-uuma sa Bool, Sr. Sto. Niño Village Fisherfolks Association, Manga Fisherfolks Association, and Manga Fishermen Association.
During the ceremony, Mayor Jane Yap expressed her appreciation to BFAR Bohol for its ongoing partnership with the city. “We are grateful for BFAR’s support in our mission to uplift the lives of our fisherfolk. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that our coastal communities thrive,” she stated.
Mayor Yap also emphasized the importance of empowering local fishers by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to sustain their livelihood. She assured the attendees that the City Government would continue to implement programs aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of Tagbilaran’s coastal communities.
The initiative is also part of the broader efforts of the City Government of Tagbilaran of strengthening Tagbilaran’s coastal communities and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
First Gentleman John Geesnell “Baba” Yap II (standing and holding the mic) addresses the fisherfolk of Tagbilaran City, expressing his gratitude to BFAR Bohol for their partnership in providing vital resources to sustain local livelihoods. The photo captures the moment of the recent boat and fishing net turnover ceremony at the Saulog Gym on February 21, 2025. As representative of Mayor Jane Yap, First Gentleman Yap empowered local fishermen with essential tools to boost their catch and income. This event underscores the City Government’s commitment to supporting Tagbilaran’s coastal communities and promoting sustainable fishing practices. Contributed photo
Tagbilaran City promotes plastic waste reduction with upcycling initiative
The Tagbilaran City Government has rolled out a waste reduction initiative, urging residents to deposit clean plastic cellophane in collection bins placed at the Tagbilaran City Hall and Island City Mall.
The effort aims to reduce waste headed to the landfill while supporting local livelihood programs.
Ms. Adelfa Salutan, head of the City Livelihood and Community Development Office, disclosed that the collected plastic materials will be upcycled into reusable bags and souvenir items.
Women’s groups will be using the collected plastic materials in crafting bags, while the city government’s assisted out-of-school youth (OSY), persons with disabilities (PWDs), and persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) will create items such as fans, coasters, plastic sheets and other souvenir items.
Mayor Jane Yap highlighted the dual-purpose nature of the initiative. “This project not only addresses our waste management challenges but also provides meaningful livelihood opportunities for disadvantaged groups,” she said.
She also expressed her full support for the program, calling on residents to get involved.
“Reducing our plastic waste is essential to protecting our environment. By participating in this initiative, we can create a cleaner Tagbilaran and at the same time, empower and promote financial independence among women, PWDs, PDLs and OSY,” the Mayor emphasized.
Through this plastic collection and upcycling effort, Tagbilaran continues to promote sustainable waste management practices and community empowerment across the city.
A designated collection bin for clean plastic cellophane is now installed at the entrance of Tagbilaran City Hall as part of the city’s waste reduction and upcycling initiative. Residents are encouraged to deposit their plastic waste to support sustainable waste management efforts and provide livelihood opportunities for women, PWDs, PDLs, and out-of-school youth. Contributed photo