IBA, Zambales — The provincial government of Zambales turned over two 45-foot boats to help local fisherfolk sustain their livelihood and improve fishing operations.
This P10 million worth of assistance forms part of the province’s effort to modernize the local fishing industry as fish catch continues to decline in traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea.
Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said the new vessels will help local fisherfolk remain competitive and sustain their livelihood amid tensions.
“The provincial government will continue to support you. We will continue to help develop the fishing sector in Zambales, which is a priority of this administration,” he assured.
The boats, named FV Zambales III and FV Zambales IV, will be operated by the Zambales Provincial Fisherfolks Association, which is composed of 10 local fisherfolk cooperatives.
They will serve as ancillary boats to gather catch from payaos, or fish-aggregating devices anchored in the open sea to attract fish.
The two fiberglass-hulled boats were built by Stoneworks Specialist International Corporation in General Trias, Cavite.
They have 125-horsepower engines with a maximum speed of 18 knots.
Meanwhile, MV Province of Zambales was also launched during the ceremony for patrol operations in waters off Zambales.
These three vessels were procured through a livelihood assistance program of the Zambales Maritime Development Council, which was organized in late 2024 to address fisherfolk’s concerns in the West Philippine Sea, and promote sustainable local fish production.
Under the same program, the council provided about P10.6 million worth of payaos to fisherfolk cooperatives over the past two years and facilitated training on modern fishing vessel operations and maritime safety.
Zambales Maritime Development Council Head Domingo Mariano said two larger boats, to be named FV Zambales I and FV Zambales II, will be delivered this year.
These 92-foot and 100-foot vessels will serve as mother boats that can store more fish and carry ice to support smaller fishing boats.
