Senator Cynthia Villar on Wednesday expressed high hopes that the Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yields and Economic Gains from the West Philippine Sea (LAYAG-WPS) Project recently launched by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) could address the needs of fishermen, and uplift the lives of their families.

“The LAYAG-WPS Project was the result of dedication of our government led by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to address some of the most important needs of our fishermen particularly in the WPS,” Villar said in a news release.

“DA-BFAR designed this livelihood involvement with the vision of uplifting the socio-economic status of every Filipino fisherfolk and their communities,” she said.

The lawmaker hopes that the livelihood inputs that will be provided through the project will lead to abundant and sustainable fish catch within Philippine territorial waters.

LAYAG-WPS showcases the government’s commitment to equipping fisherfolk with appropriate fishing gears and technology to enhance productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

Ultimately, it seeks to promote sustainable fisheries management and increase fisheries production, contributing to the government’s goal of achieving food security.

Amid challenges, Villar assured Filipino fishermen of continued efforts to prioritize their welfare and improve their living conditions.

“As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I hold on to my goal of crafting laws to help in the fishing sector’s growth. Let us unite to alleviate the living conditions of our fishermen.” (PNA)