Fisherfolks get rigid training

LAOAG CITY, July 18 – A group of marine conservation experts have begun a four-day training program that will bring added-value to fisherfolks on top of their fishing skills.

Project REEF or Rehabilitating the Environment and Ecosystems for the Future seeks to teach fisher folks on how to capitalize on their natural marine resources without destroying them. The training began on July 16 in Currimao town.

Erika Atienza, project coordinator, said the project will harness the potential of marine resources as a driver for economic growth through tourism.

The project also upgrades fishermen’s skills as they go through a basic life saving course training where they are taught on the basics of search and rescue operations which they can apply during calamities. Fishermen will also undergo basic training on scuba and skin diving.

Through the coral propagation and nursery techniques training, the Department of Science and Technology will educate the fishing communities on how to maintain, protect and propagate life underwater for a more sustainable fishery.

On the last day, trainings on coastal resource management and customer service enhancement will be conducted so that fishermen can become agents of tourism by developing their customer service skills.

“It will educate fisherfolks on how to deal with tourists and give the country a good representation,” Atienza said. (ARIEL PAOLO A. TEJADA)