The Upsilon Sigma Phi turned over thirty sets of gill nets and underwater fishing lights to the fishermen of Barangay Binuangan in the coastal municipality of Obando, Bulacan on November 12, 2022.
Some fishermen said that their livelihood has been affected by the on-going construction of the airport here. “Nung nagsimula ang construction dyan (airport), lumiit nang lumiit ang area namin na pwede pangisdaan. Dahil lumiit ang pwedeng pangisdaan, lumit din ang huli at ang aming pang-araw-araw na pantustos sa sa pamumuhay”, said 54-year old fisherman Jun Capistrano.
Barangay Chief Regina Rivera admitted that there were some livelihood programs that have been launched here, however these failed because of geographic constraints and the usual programs’ disconnect from their livelihoods.
“Napili natin ang komunidad sa Barangay Binuangan dahil sa kanilang sitwasyon at sa hanapbuhay na naapektuhan dahil umano sa paggawa ng airport. Sa ginawa nating immersion sa barangay kung saan nakasalamuha natin ang mga residente, nakita natin na ang pangunahing kailangan nila ngayon ay pang-hanapbuhay lalo na at pangingisda ang pangunahing source of income rito. Marami sa kanila ay nanghihiram lang ng gamit pangisda dahil wala silang kapital pambili dala na rin ng hirap ng buhay,” said Project Head Justin Hapa.
Aside from the fishing equipment given to fishermen, youths, and residents, three basketball balls, one volleyball net, three volleyball balls, and five badminton sets were given to the Sangguniang Kabataan of Binuangan to be used for sports development. Hygiene kits were also given to families and residents.
“Labis po kaming nagpapasalamat sa Upsilon Sigma Phi dahil naisip nila kaming tulungan kasi kulang-kulang talaga ang mga gamit namin. Malaking tulong itong mga binigay ninyong tulong para makadagdag sa mahuhuli namin dito,” said Kapitana Rivera. The community project is part of the Upsilon Sigma Phi’s 104th anniversary celebration that aims to support and develop communities as part of building a stronger nation
