BFAR allocates P42M for 15 CFLCs in Davao Region in 2016.

MATI CITY– The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has allocated P42M for the establishment of at least 15 Community Fish Landing Center (CFLCs) in the Davao Region for  2016.

“The CFLCs will be established in strategic areas nationwide particularly in fisherfolk communities with high poverty incidence with the goal of promoting inclusive growth in one of the country’s poorest sector,” BFAR Davao Region Director Fatma Idris said.

The CFLC, which aims to reduce post-harvest losses in the fisheries sector to 18% from the present 25% is part of BFAR’s umbrella program known as Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation (TARGET). Among the three programs under TARGET are the fisherfolk registration, Boat Registration and the CFLC.

Fishermen usually bring their abundant fish catch along the shores and make use of what’s available including large stones to cut the fish before selling them to the community.This practice is however far from ideal under Republic Act 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013 which was enacted to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country to protect consumer health and facilitate market access of local foods and food products.

But with the establishment of the CFLC will allow the fisherfolk to bring their fish harvest in a clean facility where the fish will be kept clean and fresh.

The Center will be equipped with 10 stainless steel tables and two chest freezers to ensure that the fish harvest is properly preserved so the fisherfolk can sell them at a higher price.

The CFLC in Mati City is the first in the Davao Region. It has a construction cost of P2.85 Million. Four more CFLCs in the region are undergoing construction in Lupon, Banaybanay, Boston and Governor Generoso all in Davao Oriental but this one will be a model CFLC for all. Two CFLCs were turned over to two municipalities in Oriental Mindoro last month.

Up to 252 CFLCs all over the country have been included in last year’s budget and majority are in the construction stage. Up to 271 more Centers will be built this year and almost the same number by 2017 to achieve BFAR’s target of putting up CFLCs in strategic areas along the 928 coastal cities and municipalities across the country including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.