Tanggol Kalikasan, Inc. through DMMMSU Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG) spearheaded a hands-on training on the construction of 30-footer Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Patrol Boat at the Fisheries Research and Training Institute (FRTI), Brgy. Paraoir, Balaoan, La Union on March 22-30, 2022.

This training aimed to develop the capacity of the participants on Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic boat building and design and the interest among local government units in FRP boats, and to pave the way for IEGs to become local centers for technical assistance on FRP boats to LGUs.

Participants from the University, PGLU, LGUs and fisherfolk organizations were trained by DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) F/B Pagbabago team headed by Mr. Pierre Easter L. Velasco and TK FRP Focal Mr. Raymund Villalon on the following: plug/pattern construction, FRP mould and boat fabrication, FRP lamination, demoulding, painting, repair and finishing – all of which were elaborated during the online FRP Theoretical Training which was held on February 3-4, 2022.

The 30-footer FRP Boat was donated to the Provincial Government of La Union represented by Ms. Agnes Cargamento, Provincial Administrator and EnP Analyn Ayen Rosario – Valdez, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources to support its coastal enforcement program, marine protected area management, disaster response and other water-related initiatives. 

It was turned over by Dir. Kelia Cummins of US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Atty.  Asis G. Perez, Senior Legal Adviser and concurrently the In-Country Representative of US DOI-ITAP; Atty. Ronely Bizquerra-Sheen, Executive Director of Tanggol Kalikasan and concurrently the In-Country Coordinator of US DOI-ITAP; together with University Officials namely Dr. Priscillo Fontanilla, Vice-President for Planing and Resource Development; and Dr. Angelina T. Gonzales, Vice-President for Research and Extension; IEG headed by Mr. Celso Jucutan. The activity was witnessed by BFAR Region 1 representative, participants and other guests.

This initiative is part of Environmental Justice Sector Reform Program 2 (EJSRP) supported by US Department of State – INL and US Department of Interior.

FRP boats are promoted for their being resistant to corrosion, durable, lightweight, stable in terms of dimension, low moisture absorbent, flexible in terms of design, and minimal in terms of finishing requirements. (Celso H. Jucutan)