Nolcom hands over project to help fishermen to Batanes province

May 28, 2019

The Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) formally handed over a project to help fishermen to Batanes province in a ceremony on Monday.

Major Ericson Bulosan, Nolcom spokesman, said the ceremony which was led by Nolcom chief Lt Gen. Emmanuel Salamat and Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David Jr. was held at Mavulis Island in Batanes.

Bulosan said the Mavulis Project includes construction of fishermen's shelter and fish dryers.

"Last March 23, 2018, Nolcom with its objective to optimize our maritime entitlements within our country's sovereign territory and promote safety of life at sea in the northernmost areas of the country, in close coordination with the local government unit of Batanes and other stakeholders, spearheaded a project to build a multi-purpose shelter which can cater to the needs of the fishermen of Itbayat and outlying islands of Batanes," he said.

"Aside from the fishermen’s shelter, fish dryers were also constructed to support the same objective," he noted.

"All these projects will be properly turned over to the Batanes LGU for administration, upkeep and maintenance to ensure their sustainability for continuous utilization for the benefit of the Filipino fisher folks plying that area," he added.

Bulosan said during the ceremony Salamat also "highlighted Nolcom's intent to support the fishermen of Batanes through the construction of a shelter for their livelihood fishing ventures while at the same time, promoting safety of life at sea."

He said Salamat thanked partners and stakeholders who helped to ensure this project will be completed.

“I would like to recognize and extend our heartfelt thanks to the local government and community of Batanes as well as our partners and other stakeholders for their significant contribution in making this project a reality that would greatly benefit our fishermen as well as provide maritime protection for our internal waters," Salamat said.

"I know it was a difficult task to execute but with the collaborative efforts of everyone, we were able to achieve another significant milestone for our country and the Filipino people," he added.

Bulosan said the "Nolcom will continuously focus its efforts to further enhance interoperability and inter-agency cooperation and stay true to its mandate of safeguarding the interests of our nation and its people may they be on land, air or maritime areas".

"In so doing, our country's sovereignty and territorial integrity in the northern frontier will always be protected and maintained," he added. Robina Asido/DMS