Mt. Province fisherfolk receive P1M livelihood aid to boost Japanese fish production

Tadian, Mt. Province –The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Cordillera continue to support the Mountain Province Farmers and Fisherfolk Association (MPFFA) to boost the production of Japanese Weather Loach, locally known as yu-yu in Mt. Province.

On August 10, 2021, the MPFFA received P1 million worth of fishing equipment consisting of 130 rolls of fine mesh nets and 50 units Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) fish tanks from the agency through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD).

The 130 rolls of fishnets cost P850,000 while the 50 units of FRP tanks amount to P160,000. These fishing paraphernalia, BFAR-CAR said, will be utilized to breed the ‘yu-yu.’

Last year, the group also received from the agency several fishing equipments in support of the same livelihood program.

BFAR CAR Regional Director’s message to the recipients

BFAR CAR Regional Director Lilibeth L. Signey commended the efforts of the association for the success of their livelihood project and for meeting the agency halfway for their project to become a reality.

“We are happy to see the result of your eagerness to propagate loach not only here in Tadian but also in Besao, Bauko, and Sagada. I commend the group for meeting us halfway with what they can provide to make this effort materialize,” the Regional Director expressed.

The fisherfolk groups were also advised to organize themselves as a cooperative to make “yu-yu” fish industry in the Cordillera region.

Signey likewise underscored the importance of their partnership, saying that while government agencies provide assistance, a “sense of ownership” should also be observed among the beneficiaries through their counterpart for the project to succeed.

“Ditoy Mountain Province, nakita mi ti willingness yo a sumabet. Daytoy diay makunkuna a PPP or Public and Private Partnership,” she said.

Provincial government support

Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., on his part, committed the provincial government’s support to the loach program through the Provincial Veterinary Office and the Provincial Agriculture Office.

“Production of loach has already depleted, but because of your interest and efforts we can restore the existence of this species in the rice paddies, the provincial government is very willing to help in propagating more of this in the province,” the governor said.

Response of the beneficiaries

As a response, members of the association through its President, Alex Cadio expressed gratitude to the agency and the provincial and municipal local government units for assisting them right from the start and now that they are reaping the project’s success.

On behalf of the group, he also expressed their commitment to provide their counterpart, including labor and other expenses which will be met throughout the program’s implementation.

OTHER NEWS

DA-CAR's assistance helps farmer cooperatives, enterprises profit P4.6M

Follow Guru Press Cordillera on Facebook for more News and Information