BUTUAN CITY, July 24 -- Three fisherfolk associations in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands received 62-foot fiber-reinforced plastic hardline fishing vessels worth a combined PHP34.5 million from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) - Caraga Region.

The modern boats under the Capacitating Municipal Fisherfolk Program are designed to support offshore handline fishing operations and expand the capacities of association members, BFAR said in a news release.

"Through this project, we can now venture into the high seas and increase our catch," Christopher Malinao, vice president of the Loreto Fisherfolk Association in Dinagat Islands, said Friday.

Malinao added that the new vessel offers greater safety compared with the ...