TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 02 opened a new Community Fish Landing Center (CFLC) in Pamplona, Cagayan on Thursday, February 15.
In a press release on Facebook, the P3-million building was completed under BFAR’s umbrella program called Targeted Action to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation in the Fisheries Sector (TARGET).
BFAR said that the north-western coastal town’s CFLC has facilities such as stainless steel fish stalls and chest freezers which improve the local fishery sector and “maintain the freshness of caught fish.”
BFAR 02 Regional Director Milagros Morales said the facilities and equipment of the CFLC is a big help for farmers, particularly on reducing post-harvest losses which are detrimental to fishermen’s income.
BFAR also said in the release that the CFLC is eyed as a center for trade and fish training, and as a center or bagsakan of caught fish.
The bureau added the center will be operated by local government and will turn over the project to fisherfolks once they have established stronger community bonds.
The CFLC will also serve as fish repository, training facility, and a center of fish trade in the area, BFAR said last year.
BFAR also said that the center is designed “following good manufacturing and hygienic practices and upon full completion, access to safe and quality fish and fishery products is expected to improve.”
Meanwhile, Morales earlier said they will put up 24 CFLCs in Region 02 from 2016-2018. BFAR has already built 12 and inaugurated 10 centers while six centers are currently under construction. Northernforum.net