CITY OF SAN FERNANDO –Gov. Lilia Pineda and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Monday turned over some P800,000 worth of fishing gears and equipment as part of their program to help improve the income of Pampanga’s fish folk.
Pineda and the BFAR represented by Lilian Rusca, officer-in-charge of fisheries production in the province, led the simple the ceremony in front of the provincial Capitol also attended by Vice Gov. Dennis Pineda, mayors and board members.
The distribution is seen to help the boost the incomes and yields of the fishermen as pushed by Pineda. The BFAR gave pieces of fish gears (P528,500), fingerlings (P135,000), marine equipment (P65,000).
“There is always coordination between the BFAR and the Pampanga government to help fishermen,” said Rusca. She added that “this is the first assistance for this year and there will be more in 2014.”
Pineda thanked the BFAR for “sustained support to the fishermen.” Earlier, the two-term governor, Macabebe Mayor Annette Flores-Balgan and the BFAR gave some P330,00 worth of fishing gears to fishermen in the coastal town and nearby Masantol.
Pineda also gave livelihood loan assistance to wives and relatives of fishermen as part her “Negosyo Keng Panyulong” Program. She wanted those left at homes to earn by doing small businesses while their husband or relative is fishing.
The BFAR disclosed that there are at least 4,104 municipal fisherfolk in Pampanga. It added that there are some 4,812 hectares of freshwater fishpond with 3,685 operators and 11,678 hectares brackish water fishpond with 1,609 operators in the province. The BFAR said the major aquaculture commodities in Pampanga are tilapia, bangus, sugpo and mud crab. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Pampanga head Myrvi Favia also attended the event.
By Joey Pavia
