Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar awarded a total of P40.30 million fishery projects and livelihood assistance to fishers and fishers’ groups of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands on September 17, 2019.
The assistance, distributed at the Masao Fish Farm of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Butuan City, included inputs for grow-out production of bangus in cage project, grow-out production of tilapia in pen project, polyculture of bangus and mangrove crab in pond project, and seaweed farming, among others.
The interventions form part of the efforts and initiatives of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to attain its vision towards a food-secure Philippines with prosperous farmers and fishers.
Dar, now on his 42nd day in office, has launched twin goals ANI and KITA, stressing that production should always come with income.
“We should adopt an inclusive agribusiness approach, at laging magkasama sina Ani at Kita,” he said.
In simple ceremonies, Dar also awarded to individual fishers Breeder Quality Molobiscus Saline Tilapia and Bangus fingerlings.
Highlighting his visit in Caraga region, the Secretary, together with officials of the regional offices of BFAR and DA dispersed giant freshwater prawn in Masao River, Butuan City as part of the government’s livelihood program.
Aside from providing extra income, the project will also benefit the environment as the species released are intended to help eradicate Schistosomiasis or river fluke.
“Sana marami po ang makinabang sa mga pinakawalan nating ulang,” Dar said.
The Secretary congratulated the officials and staff of DA and BFAR in the region for implementing programs and projects to benefit local farmers and fishers.
“Please continue to do much more work for the communities around here,” he said. ### (Adora Rodriguez, AFID)
