SIX of the 14 Community Fish Landing Centers (CFLCs) provided and built by the national government for Bohol has been rendered “useless” or “non-operational” that the expected beneficiaries like the fishermen described them as “white elephants.”
The Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said that the non-operational CFLCs are Gaus island, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia; Suba, Anda; Poblacion, Baclayon; Sta. Cruz, Calape; San Francisco, Talibon; and Macalingan, Lila town.
The CFLCs considered as “fully-operational” are situated in Poblacion, Ubay; Poblacion, Bien-Unido; Poblacion, Inabanga; and Población Maribojoc.
Those tagged as “partially-operational” are located in Moto Norte, Loon; Poblacion, Getafe; and Poblacion, Panglao is still “on-going.”
Each of the CFLC is worth P3 million apiece. BFAR said that the said amount may not be the actual expenses as the bidding may result to lower than what is being budgeted.
But the common question is that why some of the CFLCs are being constructed far away from the supposedly landing area adjacent the common areas where fishers bring their catch. Take for instance, the CFLC is constructed within the market area in Loon town. Another one is in Lila built far from the sea.
BFAR said that this may be justified as the CFLC is built, not only for landing, but also for trading purposes. Hence, such in Loon, where the CFLC is built within the public market site. (Ric Obedencio)
