BUTUAN CITY — For decades, Rene C. Prado, a 61-year-old fisherman from Barangay Lumbocan, relied on wooden boats passed down from his father to make a living. Like many other fisherfolk in Butuan, he faced the constant challenge of heavy, slow boats that limited his catch and earnings. That changed when he became one of the beneficiaries of the "Baoto Ko, Hinang Ko" program, an initiative of the City Agriculture and Veterinary Department (CAVD) that provides fisherfolk with the skills and materials to build their own durable fiberglass boats. The program represents a significant step forward in empowering the city's fishing communities, offering them a pathway to more sustainable and profitable livelihoods.
A Hands-On Program That Builds More Than Boats
Through the Baoto Ko, Hinang Ko program, fisherfolk receive free materials and hands-on training on how to construct fiberglass boats. Forty fishermen from various barangays are currently benefiting from the initiative, with the first batch of 15 boats already completed in Barangay Lumbocan. The boats are set to be turned over on July 27, 2026, ready for use by their new owners. Beyond providing a more efficient fishing vessel, the program equips participants with a valuable skill, boat building, that can serve as an additional source of income and help sustain the practice of local boat-making in Butuan.
A Durable and Efficient Alternative to Wooden Boats
Boatmaking instructor Jemuel Madelo highlighted the advantages of fiberglass over traditional wooden boats. Fiberglass is more durable, easier to repair, and can last up to 30 years or even longer with proper care. "Fiberglass, if there are any damages, is very easy to repair, and it takes 30 years before it gets damaged. But if you really take good care of it, it will last even longer," Madelo explained. For fishermen like Prado, the fiberglass boat represents a major upgrade, it can carry more catch and can even be fitted with a motor for faster and more efficient fishing trips.
A Fisherman's Dream Realized
Prado, who has been fishing since childhood, expressed optimism about the positive impact the new fiberglass boat will have on his livelihood. With a more durable and efficient boat, he can venture farther and bring in a larger catch, directly improving his income and quality of life. The Baoto Ko, Hinang Ko program is a clear example of how local government initiatives can create lasting change by providing not just resources but also the skills and knowledge needed for long-term success. By investing in the city's fisherfolk, Butuan is ensuring that its fishing communities are not just surviving, but thriving.
