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Lubao, Sasmuan fisherfolk get fishing gear from CGMA, Nanay

LUBAO, Pampanga – Some P800,000 worth of fishing gear were distributed by 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to 205 fisherfolk from Lubao and Sasmuan towns, held at the Bamboo Hub here on June 17.

The distribution was made possible after Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda’s request to the BFAR to provide support to coastal residents, whose main source of income is fishing.

“Upon assessing na kailangan na talaga ito ng mga mangingisda para sa kanilang kabuhayan, binigyang aksyon kaagad ng ating BFAR Director Eduardo Gongona, para maibigay na itong mga lambat, para magamit nila sa kanilang araw-araw na kabuhayan,” BFAR Central Luzon Director Wilfredo Cruz said.

Assisting Arroyo and Vice Governor Pineda in the distribution of 200 gill nets, five motorized fiberglass boats, and 2 motorcycle side car fish transports (bakulingling) were Gongona, Cruz, and Lubao Mayor Esmeralda “Esmie” Pineda.

“Nagpapasalamat kaming mga taga-Pampanga kay Dir. Gongona para rito. Actually, may kasunod pa ito na 40 fishing boats, 62-footer fishing boats na pwede sa malayuan, at karagdagan pang bakulingling,” Vice Governor Pineda, for her part said.

Aside from the fishing gears, the provincial government also distributed cash and food assistance to the beneficiaries during the event.

Marcelino Espares, one of the beneficiaries, expressed his gratitude, especially to the Pineda administration.

Napakalaking tulong po nitong ipinagkaloob nila sa amin, lalo na’t ito ang pangunahing pinagkukuhanan namin sa araw-araw. Talagang napakababait nila, matagal na natin silang kasama, kaya hindi na natin sila dapat bitawan pa,” he added.

With the assistance of the BFAR, the provincial government is also eyeing to put up fish processing and landing centers, as part of its efforts to boost the income of local fishermen.

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