Senator Cynthia A. Villar served as the guest speaker in the recent groundbreaking ceremony of the Fish Landing and Trading Facility in the Municipality of Orani, Bataan, Barangay Pantalan Bago.
The facility is a project under the Department of Agriculture Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), which aims to promote value-chain oriented, and climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries sector.
The PRDP is a program initiated by the Department of Agriculture to support the development of the country’s rural areas through sustainable agriculture and fisheries practices.
With this project, the PRDP aims to improve the local fishery industry’s supply chain and ensure its competitiveness in the market. It is also designed to increase the income of small fisherfolk and promote their involvement in the value chain.
In her speech, Senator Villar expressed her full support for the PRDP and its mission. She emphasized the importance of creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the rural communities and protecting the country’s natural resources, particularly in the fisheries sector.
The senator also commended the local government of Orani headed by Mayor Efren Pascual Jr. for taking the initiative to prioritize the development of the fishery industry in the municipality. She noted that the fishery industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy and should be given the necessary attention and support.
The Fish Landing and Trading Facility project in Barangay Pantalan Bago is a significant step towards the sustainable development of the local fishery industry. It is expected to boost the local economy and provide employment opportunities for the residents in the area. Moreover, the project aligns with the government’s efforts to promote value-chain oriented, and climate-resilient agriculture and fisheries sector, which is crucial in ensuring food security for the country.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the Fish Landing and Trading Facility was attended by local government officials headed by Governor Joet Garcia, Congresswoman Geraldine Roman, Vice Governor Cris Garcia, Vice Mayor Em Roman and other officials, representatives from the Department of Agriculture, and members of the fishing community.
With the project’s implementation, Mayor Pascual assured, the local fisherfolk can now look forward to a brighter future with sustainable livelihood opportunities and improved access to the market. (MHIKE CIGARAL)