Barbaza MPC furthermore extends help to local fishermen by establishing Six (6) fishing zones in the municipal waters of Tibiao, Antique, Philippines. This project, in partnership with Katahum Tours, BFAR, DENR, LGU Tibiao, MFARMC and Antique Eco-Tourism Association, Inc, aims to provide fishing zones to local fishermen to improve their catch and also food for their families.
In each fishing zones, one balsa or fish aggregating device and five (padugmon) or indigenous artificial reefs were deployed near the shore with the depth that ranges from 15-40 fathoms.
This environment-friendly artificial reef was used by local fishermen during WWII. The design is similar to “tangkal” or pig pen made of dried coconut and nipa leaves which serves as the food and shelter for the small fishes, the smell of the bamboo as an attractant to demersal fishes, and the head size boulders will serve as the natural sinker as home of moray eels or endong.
Each zone has “padugmon” watchers who are assigned to monitor the daily activities of the padugmon and the fishermen.
After a month of establishing these fishing zone, different species of reef fishes and squids have been frequent catch. Truly, Barbaza MPC’s efforts together with its partners in providing sustainable livelihood to the community is very timely especially during this time of pandemic.
Credits: Flord Nicson J. Calawag
