THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is seeking to reduce poverty incidence in the fisheries sector by 5 percent in 2028.

In a statement, BFAR said that its goal is to lower the poverty rate to only 26 percent.

Data collected by the bureau showed a 30.6 percent and 26.2 percent poverty incidence in the fisheries sector in 2021 and 2018, respectively.

In 2015, the sector posted a 36.9 percent poverty rate, 39.2 percent in 2012, 41.3 percent in 2009, and 41.2 percent in 2006.

"BFAR's Strategic Plan also envisions empowered, competitive, and resilient fisherfolk as active partners in the country's sustainable development," it said.

In order to elevate the livelihood of Filipino fisherfolk, BFAR announced plans to increase production and achieve 100 percent food-fish sufficiency by 2028. It was noted that the Philippines' food-fish sufficiency level was at 92.5 percent in 2022.

"Committed to steering our nation towards a sustainable future, we at BFAR are confident that our concerted efforts will lead to a bountiful harvest and secure a self-sufficient future for all," said BFAR National Director Atty. Demosthenes Escoto.

Through its Strategic Plan, BFAR aims to distribute interventions such as new fiberglass-reinforced plastic boats, fishing gear and paraphernalia; the establishment of mariculture parks; the reassessment and maintenance of existing mariculture parks; and the development and recommendation of supplemental guidelines for the operation and management of legislated hatcheries.

"Food-fish sufficiency is more than just sustenance on our tables; it embodies a nation's inherent resilience in the face of challenges and serves as a bedrock for prosperity and the overall well-being of our people," said Escoto.

BFAR will also strengthen partnership with the private sector, establish a coordinated and direct linkage between fisherfolk borrowers and financing institutions, and maximize the use of government assets, especially in terms of logistics, to boost the fisheries sector.