Dubbed Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yields and Economic Gains from the West Philippine Sea (LAYAG-WPS), the new project aims to improve the lives of Filipino fishing communities facing the West Philippine Sea by unlocking the potential of the resource-rich fishing ground and stirring fisheries livelihood opportunities, specifically in the regions of Ilocos, Central Luzon, and MIMAROPA.

“Sa ating lokal na mangingisda, ipinaaabot ko ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat sa inyong pagsusumikap na i-angat hindi lamang ang inyong kabuhayan kundi pati na rin ang antas ng seguridad sa pagkain ng ating bansa. Bukod dito, kayo po ang nagsisilbing haligi sa pagtatag ng ating blue economy o ang likas-kayang paggamit ng mga yamang katubigan para sa pagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya at maging sa pangangalaga ng saribuhay at ekosistema ng ating mga karagatan,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in his message.

During the project launch, DA-BFAR National Director Atty. Demosthenes R. Escoto awarded livelihood inputs such as gillnets to about 100 fisherfolk, while 50 women fisherfolk underwent post-harvest training and received post-harvest implements.

The event was also attended by Senator Cynthia Villar, National Security Council Deputy Director General Nestor Herico, Agriculture Undersecretary Drusila Esther E. Bayate, and Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns National Coast Watch Council Secretariat Secretary Andres Centino.

The DA-BFAR also turned over 62-footer Fiber Reinforced Plastic (RFP) vessels with modernized fishing equipment to select fisherfolk associations from Central Luzon and the Ilocos Region.

Fausto Alpay, one of the fisherfolk leaders and beneficiaries, expressed appreciation for the LAYAG-WPS program.

"Kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa ating pamahalaan sa pangunguna ng DA-BFAR at lokal na pamahalaan ng Zambales sa kanilang suporta para sa gaya naming mangingisda. Malaking tulong ito para sa aming kabuhayan,” he said.

Also present during the launch were AFP Western Command Commander VADM Alberto Carlos, PCG Commandant CG Adm Ronnie Gil Gavan, Zambales Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Zambales Congressman Jefferson F. Khonghun (1st District), Zambales Congresswoman Doris E. Maniquiz (2nd District), and Subic Mayor Jonathan John F. Khonghun.