Just in time for the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City, southern Philippines, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources under the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its chief, Secretary Manny Piñol, distributed 300 fiberglass boats equipped with motor engines, fishnets, and other equipment to 600 fisherfolks, including 120 Badjaos.
This isn’t the first time that the DA under Sec. Piñol released fiberglass boats to fisherfolks for free – and it certainly wouldn’t be the last as there are plans to distribute as many as 2,000 more boats in Davao Region alone within the year!
The distribution of the boats is part of the DA’s program to provide sustainable livelihood to the poor, marginalized members of society as mandated by the president. Aside from giving the boats to these poor folks for free, the DA-BFAR will also provide them with post-harvest equipment such as stalls in the market where they can sell their catch.
Very good action on the part of the government!