LUBAO, PAMPANGA – The provincial government of Pampanga in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) distributed 55 fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boats to the fisher folk of this town.
The distribution of the 22-footer FRP boats with complete underwater fittings and 6.5 HP marine engine and 110 life vest held at Bamboo Hub, Sta. Catalina was led by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Lubao Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, DA Undersecretary for Fisheries and BFAR National Director Commodore Eduardo Gongona and BFAR Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz.
According to Gongona, the distribution of boats is part of the fisheries livelihood support program of BFAR that aims to ensure sustainable fish production.
“The boats are part of the Christmas gifts prepared by the BFAR and the provincial government. May you (fisherfolk) use these boats to improve your lives. We want to continue recognizing your efforts because the sustainable fish production depends on you,” Gungona said.
Provincial Agriculturist Ed Salenga said eight units of boat were given to the fisherfolk in barangay Bancal Pugad, eight in Sta. Teresa 2nd, seven in Bancal Sinubli, eight in San Jose Gumi, six in Sta. Catalina, and four units each for San Rafael, Balantacan and Calangain, and two units for Remedios, Sta. Monica and Sta. Lucia respectively.
Former President Arroyo said a bill separating the fisheries from the Department of Agriculture was filed in Congress.
The former president underscored the needs of the fishermen are far different from the needs of the farmers.
“The farmers have different needs from the fisherman. I have a bill that seeks to create the Department of Fisheries that will take care of your needs,” Arroyo said.
Mayor Cayabyab for her part thanked BFAR for the boats allotted for the fishermen in Lubao. The mayor added that the municipal government will continue to support the fishermen in their town.