CITY OF SAN FERNANDO- The provincial government formed yesterday the Pampanga Federation of Fishpond Operators to address their needs and help the fishery industry through comprehensive and effective delivery of services to their respective members and consumers.
This came as Gov. Lilia Pineda convened in the Executive House of the Capitol all the leaders of fishermen and fishpond operators in the whole province.
Subsequently, Benerito Aldana, president of San Fernando Fishpond Operators was elected president of the newly created federation.
The governor instructed the officers to be actively involved and participate in the government’s decision making intended for the growth and development of aqua culture industry.
“The Capitol will coordinate all its plans to the officers of the federation. They will be the one to disseminate the information and deliver the services down to the smallest fishermen in the barangay,” Pineda said.
She also instructed the Provincial Public Employment Services Office (PESO) and the Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCEDO) to help them organize their groups and register in the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Security and Exchange Commission SEC and be accredited in the provincial government.
Mamerto Gatus, PCEDO officer said they will give capability workshop and training to the fishpond operators for proper management of their organization.
Based on the data of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Pampanga has 32, 541 hectare of aqua culture farm; 5, 338 fishpond operators and 8, 554 fishermen.
Crispin Guinto, provincial agriculturist said the province has the biggest aqua culture farm in Central Luzon and has been the number one supplier of tilapia in the region for the past seven years.
Also present during the creation of the federation were 3rd District Board Members Ferdinand Labung and Rosve Henson, chairman and vice chair of the committee on agriculture and 2nd District Board Member Anthony Torres, chair of the committee on trade and industry.
They vowed to support the programs of Gov. Pineda through the enactment of enabling resolutions and ordinances that will serve as legal basis to all the assistance of the provincial government to the fishermen and farmers.
BY JENNA LUMBANG
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