• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Seven associations of fishermen and two cooperatives in Brgy. 6-A in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, got 26 units of fiberglass boats, amounting to P1 million, through the city government’s Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) Project, in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez led the ceremonial turnover of 26 units of fiberglass to its recipients at the Feeder Port, in Barangay VI-A, Victorias City, on November 12.
Each boat is worth about P70,000, equipped with engines and accessories.
The assistance has extended not only to local fishing communities but also to families heavily affected by the typhoons Egay and Odette, a statement from the city government Public Information Office said.
Benitez, who congratulated the recipients, 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 also revealed that the city government has increased the budget allocation for agriculture in the upcoming year, which the mayor expects to pave the way for more development programs for the local farmers and fisherfolk communities, including livestock production.
Benitez was joined by Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, SP Committee Chair on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources Councilor Deilen Hofileña, Councilors Dexter Senido, Warlito Undar, and Richard Julius Sablan, among others.*
