MOA for the operation ofthe 60 – footer FRP Tuna Handline Fishing Boat awaits

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) and The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
Central and Regional Offices are now working for the finalization of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with
the two Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) in Bohol for the formal operations of the two units of 60-
footer FRP Tuna Handline Fishing Boats from BFAR.

Bruna T. Abrinica, Provincial Fishery Officer in Bohol said that the details of the MOA have been keenly and
carefully studied to ensure that all the parties involved would be compliant to their roles and responsibilities in the
operations.

The MOA is executed and entered into by and among: BFAR, a line Bureau of the Department of Agriculture
represented by its National Director Atty. Demosthenes R. Escoto; BFAR – Fisheries Regional Office No, 7
represented by its Regional Director Mario N. Ruinata; PGBh represented by Governor Erico Aristotle C.
Aumentado; MLGU of Guindulman, Bohol represented by Mayor Albino M. Balo and Guindulman LGU Personnel
Multi-Purpose Cooperative referred to as beneficiary; MLGU of Panglao, Bohol represented by Mayor Edgardo F.
Arcay and the Panglao Fisherfolks Federation represented by Crispin Horcasitas as beneficiary.

The agreement seeks to provide support to fisherfolk members of Guindulman LGU Personnel Multi-Purpose
Cooperative and Panglao Fisherfolks Federation, through the provision, operation, and management of two units 62-
footer FRP Handline Fishing Boat including fishing gears and accessories; to capacitate fisherfolk members in the
operations and management of the fishing boats; to operate and manage the project in suitable and profitable
manner, contribute to fish production of about 40 metric tons annually and improve income of fisherfolks;

To develop the capacity of the two associations to engage/expand ventures in the value-chain to optimize benefit
from the Project and improve socio-economic conditions of its members and local community within three rears of
operation of the project; to serve as  platform for implementation of a “One BFAR Program” approach in providing
support to production, post-harvest, marketing and other allied services, and collaboration among relevant
government agencies, institutions, industry and other stakeholders; and, to serve as pilot project to document and
demonstrate as a “Proof of Concept” that the socio-economic conditions of small-scale and sustenance municipal
fisherfolks can be better improved when organized and provided with appropriate support/technologies(upgraded
fishing vessel and fishing gear) and capacity to manage the fishing project and engage in economic activities in the
supply chain.

CONTRAVENTION OF THE TENOR OF THE MOA
In the event that the partner beneficiary cooperative/association fails to comply with the terms and conditions
stipulated in the agreement, BFAR may unilaterally revoke it and thereby oblige the concerned partner beneficiary
cooperative/association to return the fishing vessel/vessel facilities, equipment and fishing gear project package.

The use of the project other than its primary purpose, including changing the fishing vessel’s design, color,
markings, and identification, shall be ground for BFAR to rescind the agreement. Consequently, BFAR may
immediately demand from the partner beneficiary cooperative/association the return of the entire livelihood package
awarded.
LOSS OR DAMAGES OF THE AWARDED FISHING BOAT FACILITIES

CAUSED BY A THIRD PARTY
In the event that the awarded project is lost in part or entirely due to the partner beneficiary cooperative/
association negligence or fault, the lost item/s must be replaced with the same items of the same quality and
quantities. Such loss must also be reported to BFAR immediately.

On the other hand, damages and liabilities, whether intentional or accidental, caused by third party persons other
than the partner beneficiary cooperative/association, shall be borne exclusively by the authorized beneficiary.
According to Abrinica, the LGUs of Guindulman and Panglao are waiting for the 6 units each of Pump
boats (Pakura) to complete the whole project package worth P8M each as she said that BFAR Bohol is not certain on
when the Pakura arrive.

It may be recalled that last January 5, 2024 during the weekly Capitol Report held at the Ceremonial Hall,
4 th  Floor, New Capitol Building, Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado said that he has a high hope that with that
commercial fishing boats to be managed and operated by the fisherfolks’ cooperatives.

The governor added that with Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog they planned that the provincial
government through the “Isda Program” will purchase this kind of fishing vessel that would greatly help in the quest
to increase fish catch, low prices of fish and increase livelihood among Boholano fisherfolks. By Atoy Cosap