₱8.6-M fishing vessel to benefit 600 Jomalig fishermen

By Rowena T. Cruz An ₱8.6-million deep-sea fishing vessel is turned over to the Jomalig Fisherfolk Federation in Real, Quezon, under a l...

By Rowena T. Cruz

An ₱8.6-million deep-sea fishing vessel is turned over to the Jomalig Fisherfolk Federation in Real, Quezon, under a livelihood project expected to benefit 600 island fishermen. (Quezon PIO)

JOMALIG, Quezon - Offshore fishing in Jomalig received a ₱8.6-million boost following the recent turnover of a deep-sea fishing vessel to the Jomalig Fisherfolk Federation (JOFFED). The project, undertaken by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in coordination with the Quezon provincial government, is expected to benefit approximately 600 local fishermen.

DOLE CALABARZON Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Atty. Nepomuceno A. Leano II led the agreement signing, project launching and turnover ceremony held in Barangay Ungos, Real, Quezon, on October 27. JOFFED Chairperson Juan V. Romero formally received the vessel alongside Jomalig Mayor Nelmar T. Sarmiento, Vice Mayor Dalia T. Manalo and members of the fishing community.

The vessel is intended to expand the federation's access to deep-sea fishing opportunities and strengthen the earning capacity of its members. The assistance also seeks to support island fishermen whose livelihoods are affected by seasonal weather conditions, including the southwest monsoon or habagat and northeast monsoon or amihan.

Representing Quezon Governor Helen Tan were Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Head John Francis Luzano and Livelihood and Enterprise Unit Head Lawrence Joseph Velasco. Representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard, DOLE Quezon and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources also joined the agreement signing to support the project's implementation.

The provincial government identified stronger fishing livelihoods and improved income opportunities among the project's main objectives for Jomalig's fishing community. Continued cooperation with DOLE is also intended to extend livelihood assistance to families dependent on the island's marine resources.

“Ang pagkakaloob ng bangkang pangisda ay isang mahalagang hakbang upang mapalakas ang kabuhayan ng ating mga mangingisda at mabigyan sila ng mas malawak na oportunidad na madagdagan ang kanilang kita. Sa pamamagitan ng patuloy na pakikipagtulungan sa DOLE at iba pang ahensya, layunin nating matiyak na ang proyektong ito ay maghahatid ng pangmatagalang benepisyo sa mga pamilyang umaasa sa sektor ng pangisdaan,” Velasco said.