LUBAO -- Fisherfolks from the second district of Pampanga and other parts of the province received P7-million worth of assistance and programs from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Recourses (BFAR) at the Lubao Bamboo Hub, Wednesday, May 10.
The assistance included 135 units of 20-footer motorized fibreglass boats, fishing paraphernalia and community fishing landing center (CFLC) projects and a recently inaugurated monitoring and control station.
Leading the distribution were BFAR Regional Director Willy Cruz, Governor Lilia Pineda, Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Officer Art Punsalan and former Representative Mikey Arroyo, who represented Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Fisherfolk from Masantol, Macabebe, Minalin, Candaba, Apalit, San Simon, Guagua and Sasmuan received interventions like 135 units of fibreglass boats worth P4,225,500; 135 pieces life vests (P35,500); 100 sets of gillnets (P190,000); 30 units of lantern lamps (P117,000); eight tri-bike with coolers (P120,000) and CFLC (P3,000,000).
According to Cruz, the assistance is part of the continuing program of the national government to professionalize the fisherfolk sector and promote sustainable and environment-friendly fishing practices.
“We are urging our fisherfolk sector to help in promoting safe and environment-friendly fishing practices. Also, these interventions should be handled with care to maintain their good condition,” Cruz added.
Cruz said that the fibreglass boats are eco-friendly as these were made from materials that do not require the falling of trees. Also, the boats are sturdier and stronger than the conventional boats used by fisherfolk.
Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab lauded the efforts of BFAR and the national government in giving help and support to the fishery sector in Pampanga. She added that the province has been enjoying so much assistance and projects from the National Government.
“We are thankful to President Duterte for always giving attention to the needs of the people of Pampanga,” Pineda-Cayabyab said.