Updated on August 17, 2026 • 4 min read
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 1 has turned over a 62-foot fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) handline fishing boat and additional fishing equipment to fisherfolk in Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
The turnover took place on August 13, 2026, in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, with more than 100 fisherfolk witnessing the ceremony.
The initiative forms part of BFAR’s efforts to improve fishing capacity, strengthen local livelihoods and support food security in coastal communities.
62-Foot FRP Boat Supports Handline Fishing Operations
At the center of the assistance package was the 62-foot FRP handline fishing vessel.
Unlike traditional wooden fishing boats, FRP vessels use fiber-reinforced polymer construction, typically combining glass fiber reinforcement with a polymer resin matrix. The material is widely used in marine structures because it can provide structural strength while resisting the corrosion associated with the marine environment.
The larger vessel was accompanied by six 15-foot FRP motorized catcher boats and 15 sets of tuna handline fishing gear.
BFAR also provided training covering boat operations, mechanics, fish handling and catch reporting. This means the program extends beyond supplying the vessels themselves to include operational knowledge needed by the beneficiaries.
Additional FRP Fishing Boats Awarded
Two additional 24-foot motorized FRP fishing boats were awarded to beneficiaries from Badoc and Paoay.
Safety equipment was also included as part of the assistance.
According to BFAR Regional Director Remely B. Lachica, the program is intended to strengthen fisherfolk livelihoods and food security by improving their fishing capacity.
For the composites sector, the delivery provides another example of FRP’s established role in small and medium-sized marine vessels, where durability in wet and corrosive operating environments is an important consideration.
Fisheries Assistance Extends Beyond Boats
The August 13 program also included several other livelihood initiatives.
BFAR distributed 150,000 tilapia fingerlings to the local government unit of Pinili. Three cooking structures were also provided to salt producer groups operating in Badoc and Paoay.
A memorandum of agreement covering the livelihood interventions was signed, while materials were awarded under the Development of Salt Industry Project.
The combination of fishing vessels, equipment, aquaculture inputs and salt-production support reflects a broader approach to strengthening fisheries-related livelihoods in the province.
Government Officials Attend Ilocos Norte Turnover
The ceremony was led by BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig and Regional Director Remely B. Lachica, together with officials from the Department of Agriculture Region 1.
Representatives from the provincial and local governments also attended, including Second Congressional District Representative Eugenio Angelo M. Barba.
The delivery highlights a practical application of fiberglass reinforced plastic composites in the fisheries sector, extending their use beyond recreational and high-performance marine applications into working vessels supporting coastal communities.
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Bruce Zhou is the Founder of Jota Machinery, where he leads the development of equipment for flexible packaging and advanced composite materials. With experience in composite processing since 2011, his work is centered on practical engineering, product reliability, and building long-term value for manufacturing customers worldwide.
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