THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Pampanga distributed over the weekend equipment to local fisherfolk in Macabebe town as part of a program to assist their livelihood.

BFAR Pampanga Fisheries Officer Lanie Lamyong, together with Board Member Pol Balingit, led the distribution of fishing equipment to several fishing groups in Macabebe. The distribution was held at Representative Juan Pablo Bondoc's district office.

Balingit said at least five registered fishing groups received fishing gill nets, sky labs, and marine engine, which they can use to improve their respective productions and boost their livelihood.

Balingit also said fisherfolk were also awarded tilapia and bangus fingerlings, which they will disperse to ensure the continuous cycle of production in their fishing pens.

"These are some of the aids that we give to our fishermen since fishing is one of the major source of income in Macabebe, it being a coastal town. And we are very much grateful to BFAR for always hearing our requests," he said.

Lamyong, meanwhile, said the equipment and fingerlings amounted to a total of P450,550, funded under the agency's assistance program to local fisherfolk.

"The agency allocated a total of P450,550 of funds for the purchase of equipment and fingerlings which benefitted a total of 81 registered fishermen," she said.

The recipients, for their part, expressed gratitude to BFAR and the local officials for their unwavering support to the fishing sector.

"These materials and the fingerlings are very much needed in our livelihood and we are thankful for not only helping us, but also in easing and modernizing our production process," they said in a statement.