ORANI, Bataan – Bataan 1st District Congresswoman Geraldine B. Roman joined Bataan local officials last Tuesday in welcoming Senator Cynthia Villar for the Manila Bay Coastal Clean-up in this first-class municipality.
“Taking care of our environment and our natural resources is extremely important, and it was a big honor for me to take part in this event,” Roman said.
During the affair, Rep. Roman distributed 25 fishing boats and fishing paraphernalia to local fishermen here. A few months ago, she also distributed fishing boats and fishing gears to Abucay and Morong fisherfolk.
Roman also expressed hope for modernized fish ports in the province during the awarding of fiber reinforced plastic boat and fishery livelihood project in Morong last July of this year.
“Dito po sa Bataan, ang panaginip ko sa ating mga mangingisda ay magkaroon ng matitino at world-class na fish ports; merong fish refrigeration facilities, merong isang magandang lugar kung saan sinusubasta ang mga isda,” she said.
Roman during last Tuesday’s event was joined by Undersecretary Ed Gongona of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), BFAR Regional Director Lilian Garcia, Bataan Governor Abet Garcia, Vice-Governor Cris Garcia, Orani Mayor Bonjong Pascual, Vice-Mayor Godofredo Galicia, and other representatives from concerned government agencies, local media, various students, volunteers and fisherfolk.
“The Manila Bay is, unfortunately, in worse shape now than it was a decade ago. We must do all that we can to raise awareness on this issue and save this cultural and historic landmark known all over the world for its breathtaking sunsets. The Manila Bay is also an important resource of livelihood for our fishermen. A clean, healthy Manila Bay will greatly help our agriculture and fishing industries,” the first-termer lady solon reiterated.