• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Seven associations of fishermen and two cooperatives in Barangay 6-A in Victorias City, Negros Occidental have received 26 units of fiberglass boats amounting to P1 million.
The assistance is being implemented through the city government’s Bottom- Up-Budgeting Project in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez led the ceremonial turn-over of the fiberglass boats to the recipients at the Feeder Port in Barangay VI-A on Nov. 12.
Each boat, equipped with engines and accessories, costs about P70,000.
The assistance has been extended not only to local fishing communities, but also to families heavily-affected by typhoons Egay and Odette, a statement from the city government said.
Benitez emphasized the city government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing its agriculture sector, which is crucial to maintaining food security and sustainability in the locality.
He added that the city government has increased the budget allocation for agriculture next year for the implementation of more development programs for farmers and fisherfolk communities and in livestock production. | GB