Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol visited the Fisherman’s Center of the newly-completed wharf and causeway in Sual, Pangasinan to meet local fisherfolks and local leaders of Pangasinan and La Union on December 29, 2016 for the last Biyaheng Bukid for 2016.
Piñol announced that the fishery sector of Pangasinan will be tapped as an alternative source of fish supplies for Metro Manila as fish pens in Laguna De Bay will be dismantled by 2018.
“To fill the big gap on the needs from the urban areas Sual and the province of Pangasinan will definitely comes into place because of its strategic location and its reputation for high quality produce,” Piñol said.
“When you say Dagupan Bangus, people love it. Even foreigners look for it because it made its name not only here but also abroad.” the aggie chief added.
Piñol further encouraged the people present in the consultation to come up with a roadmap for the fisheries sector so that the government can provide the assistance needed.
During the consultation titled “Tapatan: Gobyerno at Mamamayan”, fisherfolks as well as local leaders reported to the agri chief the current status of their sectors as well as the challenges they face in agri-fisheries.
“These face-to-face dialogues enable the government to come up with appropriate solutions,” Piñol said.
During the event, DA also granted 70 fiberglass boats complete with fishing equipment.
“This is part of the 700 boats with implements to be granted to the 14 coastal towns of Pangasinan,” Piñol announced.
He added that once fully operational, the P3 million-worth Community Fish Landing Center will also be turned over.
Following the confirmation of illegal fishing activities in the whole of Region I, Piñol offered the fisherfolks livelihood programs and interventions in exchange of a commitment to stop illegal fishing activities.
“We will also set up other income generating activities to compensate for your livelihood during nil season,” he added.
“Its either you take my offer of providing you livelihood programs which will also ensure that good catch will be available for everyone or gamble with illegal fishing activities and suffer the consequences of violating the law,” Piñol added. ### (Carlos Baldosa DA-AFID)
