Talisay City farmers, fisherfolk lauded, get aid

By Dolly Yasa

TALISAY CITY — Mayor Rowena “Weng” Lopez Lizares honored the city’s farmers, fisherfolk, and farm workers Monday, citing their vital role in ensuring the community’s food supply.

“Today is not just another Monday for our flag ceremony program,” Lizares said.

“It is a day of recognition, action, and commitment to our farmers, fishermen, and laborers here in Talisay City — those who brave the waves at sea and toil under the scorching sun and heavy rains to make sure there is food in our markets and on every table,” she added.

Lizares said they work for the city’s food security, ensuring no family goes hungry, and called them “modern-day heroes.”

She expressed her solidarity and commitment to uphold the dignity of and empower those who carry the responsibility of feeding the community, especially during challenging times.

During the program, members of accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk organizations received rice subsidies through the City Agricultural Office’s Food for Work program. Coconut farmers also received cash aid for trees affected by coconut scale insects.

Lizares noted that these initiatives, started by former Mayor Neil Lizares under the “Gwapo nga Serbisyo” program, are now continued under her “Gwapa nga Panghimanwa” leadership, anchored on the ASENSO platform for agricultural productivity.

The city’s first woman mayor reaffirmed her commitment to supporting accredited organizations, noting the benefits they gain through formal recognition.

“These measures aim to ensure that your needs are not neglected,” Lizares said. “I have committed to continue assisting associations and organizations because there are significant advantages when they are accredited in our city.”

She added that the city government will sustain programs that go beyond relief, moving toward year-round, sustainable livelihood support.

“I hope these steps show that ‘Gwapa nga Panghimanwa’ truly cares for you. We are with you in the fields, at sea, and in your struggles,” she said.

Lizares led the distribution of PHP73,900 in financial assistance to 59 farmer cooperatives affected by cocolisap infestation, covering 1,779 infested coconut trees.

The Food for Work program also benefited 1,325 farmers, farm workers, and fisherfolk, with 930 sacks of rice distributed to 53 associations.