SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga —The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources distributed 55 Fiberglass Reinforce Plastic (FRP) fishing boats to the fishermen of 12 coastal barangays of Lubao to boost their catch and improve their means of livelihood.
The 22-footer fishing boats complete with water fittings and 6.5 horse power engines and life vests were received by 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries and National Director of BFAR Eduardo Gongona.
This was witnessed by Regional Director Wilfredo Crus and Lubao Mayor Mylyn P. Cayabyab at Barangay Sta. Catalina, Lubao during a simple ceremony here.
Rep. Arroyo, the former President, said the fishing boats were distributed among the 12 coastal barangays namely Bankal Pugad (eight); Sta.Teresa (eight); Bankal Sinubli (seven); San Jose Gumi, (eight); Sta.Catalina (six); San Rafael (four); Balantacan (four); Calangain (four); and two each to Ramedios, Sta.Monica and Sta Lucia, all in Lubao.
Gongona said the distribution of boats is a national policy of the government as part of its sustainable food production program. He urged the fishermen to take care of them because their means of livelihood will depend on them.
On the part of Congresswoman Arroyo, she filed a bill that seek to further protect, support and help fishermen in the country.
“I believe that the needs of the fishermen and farmers are two different things that will need further legislation,” Arroyo said.
This does not mean that the farmers will receive less help, but their needs are presently addressed by existing legislation, Arroyo added.