LUBAO, Pampanga – Some 50 fisherfolk from the municipalities of Lubao and Sasmuan received transport equipment from the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and the provincial government in ceremonies held at the Lubao Bamboo Hub on Tuesday, Feb 28.
Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Senior Deputy House Speaker 2nd District Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo represented Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda during the equipment distribution led by DA-BFAR.
The fishermen received 50 fiberglass-reinforced plastic boats worth P 2.2 million. Each 27-foot boat has a complete set of motor engines and underwater fitting/accessories.
According to Wilfredo Cruz, regional director of DA- BFAR 3, the boats were personally crafted by the fishermen who were trained and given raw materials through the help of the “Bangka Mo, Gawa Mo” program of the agency.
Moreover, 10 live fish transport known as “bakulingling” were also distributed to the beneficiaries. Each bakulingling comprises a sidecar, oxygen tank, fiberglass fish tank, and coolers provided by DA- BFAR. The provincial government, for their part, purchased motorcycles for the bakulinglings.
“Ang mga ito ay mga initiatives natin. Tayo lang po ang may bakulingling sa buong Pilipinas,” Cruz added.
The said partnership program with DA-BFAR is part of the 10-point agenda of Governor Delta to maintain food security within the province.
“Ang tagal po nating hindi nagkita. So, kami po nila Gov Delta, Ma’am GMA, BM Mye, ampo reng mayor yu, ngayon po kami magdo-double effort dahil marami pa kaming kailangan maitulong sa inyo,” the vice governor stressed.
DA-BFAR said Central Luzon plays a massive role in the fishery and aquaculture industry of the Philippines. The region is the country’s no. 1 producer of tilapia, shrimp, and shellfish.
