SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — To empower those in vulnerable sectors, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Provincial Office recently granted ₱2.9 million worth of livelihood packages to three fisherfolk associations in the municipality of Paluan.
Each association, namely Mariil Power Fisherfolk Association, Marikit Fisherfolk Association, and Paluan-Harrison Fisherfolk Association, received 60 pieces of styrofoam buoy floats, 60 rolls of 16mm rope, 15 rolls of 10mm rope, 40 pieces of plastic drums (200-liter capacity), 80 bags of cement, and 75 pieces of used tires for the construction of five units of payao and other materials required in the construction of 45-foot wooden fishing boats.
Gener Francsico of DOLE Occidental Mindoro said these associations are certified by the local government unit as skilled fishermen.
The intervention, in partnership with the local government as its accredited co-partner, aims to boost the productivity and income of 140 local fisherfolk through the construction of fishing boats and fish aggregating devices.
“These projects are not just about providing our fisherfolk with materials but about creating opportunities for them to become self-sufficient. We hope this assistance will significantly improve their fishing productivity and overall well-being,” said DOLE Provincial Director Peter James D. Cortazar in a press release.
The beneficiaries are thankful to DOLE as the materials will help them expand their fishing activities and better support their families. In turn, they promised to use the grant effectively to ensure sustainability.
Mayor Michael Diaz, Public Employment Service Office Manager Jessica B. Gupilan, and DOLE representatives were present during the awarding. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA-Occidental Mindoro/Photo from DOLE Occidental Mindoro Provincial Office)
