ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)– Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program here delivered livelihood support to 477 fishermen from seven associations (FAs) in Cajidiocan, Romblon recently.
The distributed inputs included 67 units of marine engines, five generators, boat repair materials, gill net materials, fish aggregating devices (payao), fish traps, fishpond area improvement materials, 10,000 bangus fingerlings, farm inputs and food processing equipment.
“We are deeply thankful for being included and benefiting from the SAAD program. For the first time, we have received interventions that significantly help our association,” said Isidro Gutierrez, president of the Samahan ng mga Mangingisda ng Danao.
During the turn-over program, Mayor Marvin Greggy Ramos highlighted the unique opportunity provided by the SAAD program, noting that out of Romblon’s 17 towns, only nine, including Cajidiocan, are part of the initiative.
He encouraged the organization’s members to spread awareness about the program, maintain accounts for sustainability, and take care of the projects.
He also underscored that this was the first time for fisherfolk to receive funds ranging from P100,000 to P500,000.
Meanwhile, Provincial Fishery Office Officer-in-Charge Luisito M. Manes urged beneficiaries to use the interventions properly to increase their income and benefit their community.
He discouraged selling the received equipment for profit, stressing that the recipients should use the equipment. (PJF/PIA Mimaropa-Romblon)
