Mindanaotoday.com | Lugait fisherfolk conduct harvest over 4 tons of fresh bangus
By: Christine Lyn Viajante
LUGAIT, Misamis Oriental – The Poblacion Fisherfolk Association of this town harvested 4,754 kilograms of cultured milkfish (bangus) through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-10’s (BFAR-10) fisheries intervention to increase production and income program, today.
After four months since the fingerlings were stocked last May to their harvestable size, the said association sold the bangus with a gross income of over P670,000, thanks to the inputs and projects provided by the bureau.
“We are beyond thankful to the BFAR 10, our MAO, and the Luga-it’s LGU for giving us the attention and the appropriate help. From the beginning, they did not neglect the support that we, mere fishermen, need. Thank you so much,” expressed Arnold Ranes, president of the aforementioned association.
Bridging the provisions to the beneficiaries was the Provincial Fisheries Office of Misamis Oriental (PFO MisOr) headed by the Provincial Fishery Officer, Arlene Novo together with her diligent technicians in the field.
“We are always here to listen to your requests. We are your instruments in order for your voice to be heard by the ones who have the capability to give the help that you all needed. Our chief is here, your MAO is here, and your mayor is here, so grab your chance and voice out,” motivated, PFO Arlene Novo.
With the Mindanao Development Authority’s (MinDA) initiative, Republic Act No. 11321 or the “Sagip Saka Act” was strongly carried out in the implementation of the program thus requiring the government to buy directly from fisherfolks to do away with middlemen.
Furthermore, BFAR-10 also formally turned over the P1.2 million-worth HDPE Norweigian fish cage, FRP boat, caretaker’s hut, and fishing supplies to the local government unit of Luga-it, which was then rewarded to the Poblacion Fisherfolk Association’s care.
“I hope that this is not the end, but a brand-new start for you (fisherfolks). You owe this to yourselves because you are the government. We are the channel that gives back what every Filipino family deserves — a decent livelihood, a decent life,” said Marlou N. Fernandez, BFAR-10 fisheries production and support services division chief (FPSSD). (CLV | BFAR-10)
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