A pair of reefer vans were delivered to small-scale handline tuna fishers from the Lagonoy Gulf and Mindoro Strait in a ceremony held in Malilipot, Albay, last October 21, 2021.

The reefer vans were procured as part of Sulong Pinoy, a joint program of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, BPI, and BPI Foundation that provided livelihood support to the handline tuna fishers who make up the Philippine Tuna Handline Partnership (PTHP). By foregoing traditional Christmas gifts in 2020, BPI donated P2.5 million under the names of BPI clients, while BPI Foundation added another P3 million to support the fisherfolk communities in Bicol and Occidental Mindoro.

A virtual ceremony was held the following day, October 22, to commemorate the turnover event. In attendance were representatives from WWF-Philippines, BPI Foundation and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Representatives of the beneficiary tuna fishers were also present for the virtual event.

“This is a big deal for our tuna fishers, who need to ensure the freshness of the tuna to gain a higher price in the market. Every extra peso that our partner fishers are able to earn can go a long way towards supporting them and their communities,” shared WWF-Philippines Project Manager Joann Binondo.

“We hope that this will be replicated in other places, so that the distribution of the benefits of the help from WWF-Philippines will reach those who need them,” added BFAR Region V Director Nelson Bien.

Post-harvest losses are spoilage that occur as fishers bring their catch from sea to the marketplace. In 2015, 25% of post-harvest losses were due to fish spoilages, according to BFAR MIMAROPA Assistant Director Roberto Abrera, who was also present at the turnover event.

The reefer vans will help fishers ensure that their catch remains fresh on the way to the market.

“For our esteemed and hard-working fisherfolk, we would also like to thank you for your dedication to your work. Your livelihoods are dangerous, and yet you push through, for your families and for the sake of our country,” said BPI Foundation Director Owen Cammayo.

Sulong Pinoy has delivered a range of different interventions to support fishing communities in Bicol and Mindoro. Through the program, fishers were supplied with transponders and fish coolers in order to improve traceability systems and to help boost their livelihoods. Food sheds were constructed to support local food security.

“We also hope that you will hold many more programs that will reach those who need help, and that you will continue to bring blessings to those in need, like us small-scale fishers,” shared Elizaldy Boboyo, a tuna fisher from Lagonoy Gulf.

WWF-Philippines has supported the livelihoods of handline tuna fishers since 2011. The conservation organization helped establish the PTHP, which was recently awarded Marine Stewardship Council certification - a historical first for the Philippines.