SOME 600 fisherfolks in Davao City are benefiting from fuel subsidies provided by the Fishery Resource Management Services Division of the Davao City Agriculturist's Office (Cagro) in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Davao Region (Bfar-Davao Region).
Aimee Evora, acting head of the Fishery Resource Management Services Division at Cagro, revealed in an interview on Monday, September 18, that 80 percent of the initial group of 600 fisherfolks have already received their fuel subsidy, which amounts to P3,000 each.
She said that the remaining fisherfolks are waiting for Bfar's official announcement regarding the distribution of their subsidies through their designated financial services shop. Processing for this nationwide program takes time before the funds are disbursed.
Last Friday, September 15, the division assisted several fisherfolks in validating their records and issuing fuel subsidy cards.
For the second tranche of beneficiaries, the division has already submitted the details of approximately 200 fisherfolks to Bfar.
The local government unit (LGU) has provided free fishing boats and equipment to support the fisherfolks of Davao City.
Meanwhile, the agency distributes fingerlings of hito and tilapia to upland fish farmers.
In Punta Dumalag, small-scale fish farmers are receiving bangus fingerlings. Technical training programs have also been included to enhance the skills and capabilities of the local fisherfolks.
The division, in collaboration with the City Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (CFARMC), is celebrating the 60th Fish Conservation Week from September 18 to 22, with the theme "Masaganang Pangisdaan, Maunlad na Ekonomiya."
Various activities are planned this week, including a Seaborne Patrol Operation on September 19 in the city's coastal waterways.
On September 20, the Tilapia Harvest Festival will take place in Barangay Biao Joaquin, Calinan District, in support of the Sustainable Livelihood Project on Tilapia Production, along with the distribution of hito fingerlings by Bfar at the Cagro district offices.
Another batch of tilapia fingerlings will be distributed, and an aquaculture training session will held at the Bfar-City Fishery Office on September 21.
In Tambongon, Barangay Lasang, a mangrove planting activity is scheduled, and the culminating program for Fish Conservation Week is slated for September 22. RGP
