In celebration of the Araw ng Mangingisda and the 113th Founding Anniversary of Navotas, the Navotas City Government awarded 10 Navoteños for being outstanding fisherfolk.
Mayor John Rey Tiangco, Vice Mayor Clint Geronimo, and other city officials led the awarding ceremony Tuesday morning at the Navotas Centennial Park.
Among the top 10 were Manuelito Villanueva from Brgy. Tanza 2; Alexander Gonzales, Brgy. Navotas West; Jodolfo Paz, Brgy. Tangos South; Isagani Miller, Brgy. San Roque; and Jose Billy Garcia, Brgy. Tangos North.
Also awarded were Menandro Tongco from Brgy. Navotas West; Regulo Bacongan, Nomer Aligaya and James Ong from Brgy. Tanza 2; and Roque Lerma, Brgy. San Jose.
As the most outstanding fisherfolk, Villanueva and his family received P8,000, a plaque and an overnight accommodation at Diamond Hotel. Other winners also received cash prizes and plaques.
Furthermore, children or chosen family members of the awardees may avail of the NavotaAs Ulirang Pamilyang Mangingisda Scholarship Program.
Beneficiaries of the said scholarship will receive P16,500 transportation and food allowance as well as P1,500 book stipend per academic year.
“We have deep respect for the Navoteño fisherfolk. The hard work and sacrifice they make to support their family are worthy of emulation. They deserve to be honored and given recognition,” Tiangco said.
Meanwhile, the mayor noted that fishing is seasonal, and thus does not guarantee a steady income. He urged the awardees and their families to take technical-vocational courses which are offered for free at the Navotas Vocational Training and Assessment (Navotaas) Institute.
“Nowadays, it is important to be multi-skilled. Take advantage of the courses offered at the Navotaas Institute. We are currently building two more training centers so we could provide more tech-voc skills for you,” he said.