Capitol distributes PHP1.2-M in assistance

BACOLOD City – A total of PHP1,298,790 worth of sustainable livelihood, marketing fund assistance and fishing paraphernalia were distributed to agri-fishery organizations and rural women groups from the different cities and municipalities of the province on Monday.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson led the turnover of checks and projects to the chairpersons of the beneficiary organizations, at rites held at the Capitol Building lobby in Bacolod City.

The recipients were Buluangan Fisherfolk Association, Inc. and Caimito Marginal Fisherfolk Association of San Carlos City, Washington Coastal Protectors and Seaweeds Farmers Associations of Escalante City, Guiwanon Small Fisherfolk Association of Sagay City, Small Fishermen Association of Brgy. IX of Victorias City, Yubo Women and Farm Workers Association of La Carlota City, Can-itom Integrated Fisherfolk Association of Bago City, Barangay Robles Farmers Association of La Castellana, and Punta Batang Grower Association of Himamaylan City.

They received projects such as rice and fish trading, fishery-based livelihood project, fishing boat livelihood project, agri-fishery retailing store, and fishing supplies retailing store, that will benefit a total of 340 members.

Meanwhile, the Washington Coastal Protectors and Seaweeds Farmers Association of Escalante City, Guiwanon Small Fisherfolk Association of Sagay City, Small Fishermen Association of Brgy. IX of Victorias City, and Punta Batang Talaba Grower Association and Purok Aloe Vera Small Fishermen Association of Himamaylan City received fishing paraphernalia.

Lacson said he hopes the projects will be a big help to the agri-fishery organizations. He also urged them to use the project well for the improvement of their livelihood.

He also advised the chairpersons of each organization to lead with transparency and good management.

The governor also urged the farmers and fisherfolks to be open about Covid-19 vaccine for their own protection, and to move forward towards more economic activities and development.

The activity was spearheaded by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist headed by Atty. Japhet Masculino.