By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources turned over around P3.4 million worth of livelihood projects to fisherfolks of Sagay, Negros Occidental at the Balay Kauswagan recently.
A press statement from Sagay City Public Information Office said 96 fisherfolk from four associations received various livelihood projects under BFAR’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, National Fishery Program, and Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Kontra sa COVID-19 (ALPAS) Program
The projects under the SAAD Program include Provision of Crabs Pots (P814,040), Fish Gill Net for the year 2020 (P471,280), Fish Gill Net-2021 (P123,240), Packaging Materials in Support to Fishery Value-Adding and Production (P82,700) and Solar Lamp for Fish Cages and Fishing Boats (P200,000.00).
Meanwhile, ALPAS COVID provided Seaweeds Farming Implements Distribution worth P1,230,300 under NFP and Milkfish Distribution worth P538,000.
Sagay City Mayor Alfredo D. Marañon, III thanked BFAR and stressed to the beneficiaries the need to make the livelihood work and ensure its sustainability.
Marañon also emphasized that the fisherfolks must continue to help protect the environment particularly Sagay Marine Reserve as this is their wealth.
Acting BFAR-Negros Occidental Head Marian Jill Abeto, the bureau will not stop capacitating the fisherfolk through training and livelihood assistance that will not increase fishery production but also support families especially during this pandemic.
Also present during the turn-over were Sangguniang Panlungsod Chairperson on Agriculture Perfecto Marañon, Sagay City Environment and Natural Resources and Sagay Marine Reserve Head Mayo Antonio Cueva, City Agriculturist Julie Delima, Northern Negros Aquatic Resources Management and Advisory Council Head Marcel Irisari and agriculture partner in the private sector Sherwin Sy.
