The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Provincial Government awarded transport equipment to 50 fisherfolks from the municipalities of Lubao and Sasmuan held at the Lubao Bamboo Hub on February 28.

Vice-Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Senior Deputy House Speaker and Pampanga Second District Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo represented Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda during the distribution of the equipment. Also present during the distribution was Sasmuan Mayor Lina Cabrera and other local officials.

The 50 fishermen received fiberglass-reinforced plastic boats totaling to Php2.2 million. Each of the 27-foot boats is equipped with engines and underwater fittings/accessories.

According to BFAR-3 Regional Director Wilfredo Cruz, the boats were crafted by fishermen who were trained and given raw materials through the help of the “Bangka Mo, Gawa Mo” program of the BFAR.

At the same time, 10 live fish transports known as “bakulingling” bought by the Pampanga Provincial Government were also distributed to the beneficiaries.

Each bakulingling is equipped with a sidecar, oxygen tank, fiberglass fish tank and coolers provided by BFAR.

The provincial government provided the motorcycles for the bakulinglings. “Ang mga ito ay initiative natin. Tayo lang po ang may bakulingling sa buong Pilipinas,” Cruz said.

The partnership program with BFAR is part of the 10-Point Agenda of Governor Delta to maintain food security within the province.

“Ang tagal po nating hindi nagkita. So, kami po nina Gov. Delta, Ma’am GMA, BM Mye, at mga mayor ninyo ay magdo-double effort dahil marami pa kaming kailangan maitulong sa inyo,” the vice-governor stressed.

The BFAR said Central Luzon plays a massive role in the fishery and aquaculture industry of the country. The region is the country’s top producer of tilapia, shrimp and shellfish. (PAMPANGA PIO)