Albay solon pushes for transfer of BFAR office in Albay

By Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- Neophyte Representative Fernando T. Cabredo of the 3rd District of Albay is moving the mountains to transfer the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources from Camarines Sur to Albay province specifically in Ligao City some 25 kilometers away from the regional center site here.

Cabredo said that BFAR regional director Nelson Bien and Ligao City Mayor Patty Alsua signed an agreement for the donation of 2,000 square meters in Ligao.

“The BFAR regional office will soon open in Ligao City,” Cabredo said.

Last February 20, 2020, BFAR regional director Nelson Bien and the city government of Ligao City headed by Mayor Patricia “Patty” Gonzalez-Alsua signed an agreement for the donation of a property to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for the construction of BFAR regional office in the city of Ligao, Cabredo said.

However, the funding of BFAR for the said project was deferred due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Cabredo said that he consistently pushed to meet the budget requirements of the project for its immediate implementation.

“Fortunately, Cong. Mike Aglipay of DIWA Partylist willingly helped to obtain an amount of P10 million in the GAA FY 2021 for the initial construction of BFAR Regional Office in Ligao City,” Cabredo said.

The solon expressed gratitude to DIWA Partylist for helping him obtain the P10 million budget for the construction of the BFAR building within the 2,000 square meters lot donated to the BFAR office.

He said that the transfer of BFAR regional office in Ligao City will serve as a strategic hub to accommodate its clientele from all over the Bicol Region.

“Given the many services that BFAR provides for fisherfolks, it is going to be more accessible to them once BFAR Ligao City is established,” Cabredo said.

BFAR Bicol is the second national government agency to be put up in Ligao City after the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Albay province is the most accessible among the six provinces of Bicol as it is located in the center of the region specifically for the provinces of Sorsogon, Masbate and Catanduanes.

The Bicol region has five major fishing grounds such as Albay Gulf, Burias Pass, Ticao Pass, Lagunoy Gulf and Ragay Gulf.

Lagonoy Gulf is the largest fishing ground (3701 km2) along the northeastern side of the Philippines. The gulf is bordered by 15 coastal municipalities from the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes in the Bicol Region.