TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) —The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 2 has turned over the P8.98-million livelihood grant to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 2 to help fisher folk and farmers recover from the impact of a series of typhoons in Batanes late last year.
The financial support will bolster the sustainable livelihood of 11 fisher folk and farmers associations composed of 295 workers adversely affected by typhoons Julian in late September 2024, and Leon in late October.
DOLE Regional Director Jesus Elpidio Atal Jr. handed over the check for P8.98 million to BFAR Regional Director Angel Encarnacion, and witnessed by Batanes Satellite Office head Ramoncito Liggayu and Batanes Provincial Fisheries Officer Ritchie Rivera.
Last year, both agencies formed a partnership through a memorandum of agreement to support the project “Sustaining Batanes through Fisheries and Livelihood Programs: Capture, Aquaculture, and Post-harvest.”
Atal said the livelihood assistance aims to equip local fishers and farmers with essential tools, training, and resources to enhance their productivity and income.
He added that the project includes provisions for motorized boats, fishing gear, tilapia culture, and fish processing projects.
“Instead of providing them with emergency employment, we opted for a long-lasting solution to their problem and we are confident that this project will not only uplift the livelihoods of fishermen but also create jobs, improve food security, and boost the local economy in Batanes,” said Director Atal.
For his part, Director Encarnacion thanked DOLE, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing the needs of fisher folks and farmers.
He also assured the beneficiaries of the agency’s commitment to ensure the successful implementation of the program for the benefit of the communities in Batanes. (OTB/PIA Region 2 with reports from DOLE)