Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III led the distribution of 224 motorboats worth more than P20 million in Cagayan Province to keep local fishermen afloat amid the continuing onslaught of the pandemic.
A total of 672 crisis-hit fishermen in 12 coastal towns of the province received the mechanized fishing boats through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) in separate awarding ceremonies in Claveria and Aparri.
Aside from the two localities, fishermen from Sta. Praxedes, Sanchez Mira, Pamplona, Abulug, Ballesteros, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Sta. Teresita, and Gonzaga also benefited from DILP.
DILP is one of DOLE’s many assistance programs that support the country’s fishermen by providing them the necessary tools to boost their income.
In his speech, Bello inspired the beneficiaries to continue fighting the pandemic. He said the new motorboats should help the fishermen survive the economic challenges posed by COVID-19.
“The government is here to extend assistance to our needy people and to keep your hopes alive. It is battling the virus at all fronts including Cagayan Province,” Bello said.
“Use the boats given to you by the government to earn income. Take care of them so you can continue providing for your families even during these challenging times,” he added.
Insured by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), the motorboats are made of fiberglass material. They were purchased through the P20,160,000 fund released by DOLE Regional Office II.
With Bello were Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade, Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba, and DOLE executives led by Regional Director Joel M. Gonzales.
Also present at the events were local chief executives Mayor Bryan Dale G. Chan of Aparri, Mayor Nelson P. Robinion of Sta. Ana, Mayor Esterlina A. Aguinaldo of Sta. Praxedes, Mayor Asela Sacramed of Sanchez Mira, Mayor Digna Puzon-Antonio of Pamplona, Mayor Lloyd Antiporda of Buguey, Mayor Angelica Dela Cruz of Camalaniugan, Mayor Rodrigo De Gracia of Sta. Teresita, and Mayor Marilyn S. Pentecostes of Gonzaga.
Echoing the message of Bello, Tugade called on the beneficiaries to use the government assistance as a way to make another “fresh start.”
“Capitalize on this opportunity to enhance your livelihood and sustain it for years to come,” Tugade said.
Last year, a group of 300 fishermen also received 100 new motorboats through the DILP.
Meanwhile, Bello spearheaded the distribution of financial assistance in Tuguegarao City to help its workers affected by the pandemic.
A total of 786 COVID-19-hit workers received P2.9 million in financial aid from DOLE at the Cagayan State University (CSU)-Carig campus through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
The payout ceremony was attended by Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Joseph Lara and Cagayan Vice Gov. Boy Vargas. ### (DOLE) – jlo
