By PR | 01:04 AM June 05, 2024
The Provincial Government of Bohol, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 7 (BFAR7), handed over the third batch of motorized fiberglass pumpboats to fisherfolk beneficiaries at the Calape Complex on Tuesday, June 4.
A total of 28 units of 22-foot pumpboats were successfully distributed to fisherfolk from Dauis and Calape towns.
Acting Governor Dionisio Victor Balite, a proud grandson of a farmer, led the ceremony with a heartfelt message, urging the recipients to take care of the boats and expressing hope that the provincial government can continue to support more fishermen and farmers, strengthening the province’s agricultural sector.
Balite emphasized that the Aumentado-Balite administration is tirelessly seeking cost-effective and efficient strategies to improve the lives of Boholanos.
Joining Balite were OPA officer-in-charge Dr. Larry Pamugas, executive assistant on agriculture and fisheries Nila Pinat, Salvio Madanguit, fish buy-back executive assistant, Calape Mayor Julius Herrera, Dauis Mayor Roman Bullen, and municipal
agriculture officers and fish technicians from the beneficiaries’ LGUs.
The guests and beneficiaries were warmly welcomed by Calape Municipal Agriculturist Ma. Teresita Pentecase who in her speech quoted the popular proverb, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Pentecase expressed hope that the fisherfolk would prosper, viewing the pumpboats as vessels of prosperity toward a future filled with abundance.
Pamugas highlighted the program’s progress and improvements in the government’s fishery assistance to the fisherfolk. Instead of purchasing ready-made boats, the provincial government crafts these pumpboats, each costing approximately P100,000.
Fiberglass boats are easier to clean and maintain compared to those made from other materials. With proper handling, a fiberglass boat can last 10 to 25 years, and a well-maintained one can even surpass 50 years.
The beneficiaries, affected by Typhoon Odette and the COVID-19 pandemic, represent the provincial government’s successful distribution of 100 boats across Bohol. An additional 130 boats are planned under the current administration.
Pinat emphasized Governor Aris Aumentado’s dedication to the agriculture sector, viewing it as a key economic driver for the province.
She also addressed the issue of illegal fishing, urging fisherfolk to support the conservation and protection of the marine ecosystem, stressing that our resources will be depleted if we continue to fish without safeguarding them.
Herrera also underscored the essential role of fisheries in the lives of Filipinos, noting that fishermen and farmers are the backbone of the economy.
