TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – DA-BFAR 2 Regional Director Angel B. Encarnacion personally received a cheque worth approximately ₱9 million for the Project Sustaining Batanes Waters through Fisheries Livelihood Program. This collaborative initiative between DOLE and BFAR aims to benefit the fisherfolk of Batanes. The turnover ceremony was spearheaded by DOLE Region 2 Regional Director Jesus Elpidio B. Atal, Jr., MNSA, on January 6, 2025, at the DOLE Regional Office 2 in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

The program will support 11 fisherfolk associations in Batanes through livelihood projects, including:

• Provision of motorized boats and gears

• Distribution of fish processing equipment & paraphernalia, and

• Aquaculture assistance through tilapia fingerlings and feeds.

This initiative was developed through collaboration of the DOLE Provincial Office and the Provincial Fishery Office in Batanes.

Director Encarnacion expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the DOLE Region 2 family, under the leadership of Regional Director Atal, for their unwavering support to the fisheries sector.

Also present during the awarding were Batanes Provincial Fishery Officer Ritchie Rivera, DOLE Provincial Director Ramoncito Liggayu, and other DOLE RO2 staff. | JAC