Batanes island gets new fishermen's shelter, fish dryer projects

A multi-purpose shelter and fish-drying facilities built in Mavulis Island aims to offer safe refuge and sustainable livelihood for local fisherfolk.

According to the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), the "Mavulis Project" which started last year in partnership with local government units and other stakeholders is seen to "optimize maritime entitlements within the country's sovereign territory" and "promote safety of life at sea in the northernmost areas of the country."

It was handed over to the local government of Batanes  on Monday for administration, upkeep and maintenance. The LGU was also tasked to "ensure the project's sustainability for continuous utilization for the benefit of the Filipino fisher folks plying that area."

"This fishermen's shelter otherwise known as Mavulis Project is a gesture of shared resources from various stakeholders," Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David, Jr., who was the guest of honor and speaker at the handover ceremony, said.

"This is AFP's gesture of support to the Filipino fishermen and manifest our commitment in protecting our sovereignty and asserting our ownership in this territory,” he added.

Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat expressed confidence that the project would "greatly benefit our fishermen as well as provide maritime protection for our internal waters." —Margaret Claire Layug/LDF, GMA News