PCG and BFAR Soft Launch "Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) Program" to Boost Fishing Activities in the West Philippine Sea
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), proudly announces the launch of its pilot project, the “Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) Program.” This initiative aims to enhance the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen while increasing the country’s fish supply.
Today, the government-owned fish carrier M/V MAMALAKAYA was officially launched and deployed to the waters near Bajo De Masinloc. This vessel will interact directly with Filipino fishermen, purchasing their fresh catch at sea and offering crucial fuel subsidies. This initiative supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision of boosting our fish supply while promoting a whole-of-nation approach to fostering maritime activities in the West Philippine Sea.
Many Filipino fishermen currently limit their fishing activities to within the territorial sea due to logistical challenges and costs associated with transporting larger catches to Manila or other major fish ports. The KBBM Program addresses these obstacles by enabling the government-funded fish carrier to buy fresh catch directly from fishermen at sea while also supplying additional ice and fuel subsidies. This initiative is designed to motivate more Filipinos to venture into the West Philippine Sea in pursuit of larger hauls.
During the maiden voyage of the M/V MAMALAKAYA this morning, the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, issued directives to ensure the success of the program. BRP Gabriela Silang and a PCG aircraft have been deployed to provide support and oversight. By 5 PM today, the fish carrier successfully purchased a total of 20 tonnes of fresh fish catch from local fishermen, marking a promising start to the program.
The Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources stand firmly behind President Marcos Jr.'s commitment to ensuring food security and enhancing the welfare of fishermen in the West Philippine Sea. Through the “Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” Program, we aspire to create a sustainable fishing environment that benefits both our fishermen and the nation as a whole.
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