About P745,000 worth of livelihood aid was turned over to 10 fisherfolk associations in Sagay City affected by the Visayan Sea closed season during a ceremony at the City Agriculture Training Center in Brgy. Rizal on Thursday, January 11.
The City Agriculture Office turned over 50 shellfish rafts worth P745,000 to the 10 fisherfolk associations from barangays Bulanon, Taba-ao, and Plaridel.
The project, funded by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, was initiated to help, promote and support the development of shellfish farming and culture as an alternative livelihood for fisherfolk affected by the closed fishing season, a press release from Sagay City said.
City Agriculturist Julie Delima said that the project aims to increase their production of shellfish that can help boost their livelihoods.
She also hopes that each of the associations will maximize this opportunity and take care of the project that was turned over to them.
During the program, vegetable seeds were also given to the fisherfolk who were urged to engage in urban or container gardening.
The event was attended by Councilor Perfecto B. Marañon, SP Committee on Agriculture chairman.*