The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Cordillera has poured in more than P6 million worth of financial assistance for fish production in conflict areas in the region last year.
A total of P6.26M was earmarked for tilapia production benefiting 759 fisherfolks in the conflict-affected barangays in Tubo, Lacub, Malibcong, and Sallapadan in Abra; Flora in Apayao; Tinoc and Asipulo in Ifugao; Tabuk, Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pinukpuk, and Pasil in Kalinga; and Bontoc, Besao, Sagada, and Bauko in Mountain Province.
Mountain Province received the most assistance amounting to P3.12M benefiting 370 individuals.
Kalinga was allotted P1.96M for 283 individuals; Ifugao, P88,000 for 57 individuals; Apayao, P194,500 for 23 recipients; and Abra, P98,400 for 26 individuals.
BFAR-Cordillera Fishing Regulations Officer Dennis de Vera said the office provided fingerlings including feeds, inputs for pond and rice-fish culture in some areas, fishing gears, and boats.
The beneficiaries rendered labor and maintenance activities as their counterpart to ensure the sustainability of the project.
BFAR’s intervention is part of the whole of nation approach under President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70 to end local communist armed conflict for inclusive and lasting peace (Elcac).
De Vera, who is the Elcac focal person, said some regular projects were shifted to the conflict-stricken areas.
BFAR also provided cash and goods to beneficiaries in conflict areas under the Cash and Food Subsidy for Farmers and Fisherfolks program (CFSMFF). Funds came from the Bayanihan 2 or Recover as One Act.
Under the CFSMFF, 303 fisherfolks each received P3,000 and P2,000 worth of commodities such as rice, chicken, and eggs.
De Vera said for this year, funding will be increased by about P4M or P10M for all conflict-stricken barangays in the region. – Susan C. Aro
April 24, 2024
