By
Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG
CITY - Farmers and fisherfolks from Zambonga del Norte’s third
district have benefited from a livelihood assistance of the Department of Labor
and Employment (DOLE) recently.
In
a simple turnover ceremony held at Dipolog City Boulevard here, DOLE Secretary
Rosalinda D. Baldoz handed to Al Hadaya Farmers and Fisherfolks Association President
Mr. Benjamin P. Yahiya two fishing boats complete with accessories worth P453
thousand and another fishing boat worth P223,400, also complete with
accessories was given to Balubuan Farmers and Fishing Association through its
president, Bolleng M. Bontong.
The
fishing boat was made of hard wood and powered by a 2-horse engine with 1,800-meter
fishing nets.
Apart
from the fishing boat, Balubuan FFS also received four goats comprising of 1 billy
and 4 nannys for its livelihood from the provincial government of Zamboanga del
Norte.
Al
Hadaya FFS, which has been in operation for two years has more than 50 members.
Both
Al Hadaya FFS and Balubuan FFS thanked the government for the assistance and
vowed to repay it by taking care of the fishing boats and to help in the
maintenance of peace and order in the community by running after illegal fishing
activities. However, no piracy and illegal fishing activities have been
monitored in the area lately, Yahiya reported.
Governor
Roberto Uy, on the other hand, assured Secretary Baldoz that the recipients
would take care of the boats and used these “as an instrument for change.”