Navoteño fisherfolks got an early Christmas gift from the Navotas City Government.
Some 253 registered fisherfolks received 20 meters of 28- and 30-millimetre fine mesh nets which is commonly used in “sakag,” a sweeping type of fishing gear with a triangular net mounted between two poles.
In his speech, Mayor John Rey Tiangco commended all beneficiaries for their dedication to provide for their family and, at the same time, practice responsible fishing.
“As fisherfolks, your earnings greatly depend on the season and your daily catch. Oftentimes, several hours of hard labor do not even yield enough to feed your family. But you still abide by the laws and follow the rules of sustainable fishing, showing values that are true to Navoteños,” said Tiangco.
The mayor also told beneficiaries that qualified Navoteño fisherfolks will soon be given their own solo piston boats under the NavoBangka program. The construction and assembly of these boats are already on its finishing stages.
Moreover, Tiangco recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the first batch of beneficiaries of the NavotaAs Ulirang Pamilyang Mangingisda Scholarship Program, g ranting educational assistance to children and other family members of recognized Top Ten Outstanding Fisherfolks.
In September, the city government also gave 287 registered fisherfolks with 200-meters bottom set gillnets with different mesh sizes.