PALUAN, Occidental Mindoro -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Mimaropa, through the Occidental Mindoro Provincial Office, recently awarded a total of ₱3,586,416 million livelihood fund to LGU Paluan as DOLE’s Accredited Co-Partner (ACP) held at Paluan Municipal Hall.
Three fisherfolks associations within the municipality, namely, Mariil Power Fisherfolks Association with 37 members, Paluan-Harrison Fisherfolks Association with 51 members, and Marikit Fisherfolks Association with 52 members have been granted the amounts of ₱997,928, ₱997,110, and ₱997,110, respectively.
The funds will be allocated for the provision of one (1) unit fishing boat and five (5) units of fish aggregating devices (payao) for each association which intendeds to improve the fish catch of the associations and enhance the efficiency and productivity of their fishing operations.
Further, to empower women engaged in agriculture, the Marikit Women’s Livestock and Farmers Association has also been granted ₱594,350.00.
This funding is earmarked for the fish processing project of the association, focusing on the production of smoked, dried, and half-dried fish products. With 59 individuals set to benefit from this project, the association is expected to receive saltwater fish, iodized salt, two units of smokehouse fireboxes, rack organizers, vacuum sealers, freezer, digital and mechanical weighing scales, steamers, aluminum basins, stainless mixing bowls, five units of industrial single burner stove, LPG tanks and two units of mechanical fish dryers.
Gracing the ceremony, DOLE Mimaropa OIC-assistant regional director Nicanor V. Bon expressed, “We are pleased to grant these livelihood opportunities to our hardworking fisherfolks and women associations in Paluan. As soon as you receive your fishing boats, payaos, and materials for fish processing, may these be your substantial source of sustainable livelihood and help uplift the lives of your entire community.”
The beneficiaries of the livelihood grants expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to the DOLE, vowing to utilize the assistance not only for personal benefit but also for the holistic development of their communities. With heartfelt sincerity, they demonstrated their eagerness to put in the necessary effort and assured each opportunity would translate into tangible success.
Also present in the awarding were DOLE provincial director Peter James D. Cortazar, Mayor Michael O. Diaz, labor and employment officer III Mylene Lleno, PESO manager Jessica B. Gupilan, and LGU Paluan officials and employees. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA - Occidental Mindoro)
