An inshore ‘payao’ project extended to a fisherfolk association in Samal City, Davao del Norte, is projected to earn around PHP90,000 a week, the Department of Labor and Employment in Davao Region (DOLE-11) said Monday.

“Payao” is a bamboo raft used in fishing to attract fish. It is left in deep waters with weighted coconut fronds suspended from it, on which algae develop and attract fish which can then be caught with a net.

In a statement, DOLE-11 Director Randolf Pensoy said the use of “payao” as an alternative fishing method, especially during the off-season, will help some 80 households in the area that are entirely dependent on fishing and aquaculture.

“This traditional concept of fishing is commercialized to increase the catch of pelagic fish species like tuna in the rich fishing ground of Sitio Pigasaan,” he said.

The 60-member Pigasaan Fisherfolk Association (PFA) situated in Barangay Tagbay received the fishing materials and equipment worth PHP942,000 from DOLE-11 last week.

Pensoy said the materials that included ropes, solar panels, batteries and floaters will be used for the installation of 14 fish aggregating devices or “payao” within a 15-km area in the sitio.

“We are looking forward to helping more fishermen and the fishing industry by providing sustainable livelihood programs and interventions as well as supporting their well-being,” he said.

Currently, the fishermen are engaged in deep-sea fishing along Davao Gulf. Due to the increasing competition and lack of technology, however, their income often fails to meet their basic needs and other living expenses.

Brian Arajain, the PFA president, said the government aid “will be of great help and we vow to take care of this project to thrive.” (PNA)