As part of the government’s effort to curb illegal fishing, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has commenced with the construction of two new units of steel hulled offshore vessels that will boost its presence at sea.

In a launching program in Navotas City, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) Undersecretary Jose Luis Alano along with other government officials led the ceremonial laying of keels for two units of 50.5-meter multi-mission vessels, which will soon be part of DA-BFAR’s inventory of floating assets intended to guard Philippine waters against illicit fishing practices.