TABUK CITY, Kalinga – On June 16, 2022, the city government distributed more than 40 bags of fingerlings to Tabukeño fisherfolks through the Office of the City Agricultural Services (OFCAS), in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), to help their livelihood.
The fourth distribution since January, according to Evelyn Orsit, OFCAS agriculturist, this year she estimates that they have distributed over one hundred bags of fingerlings, mostly tilapia, with some catfish thrown in for good measure.
Future beneficiaries must register with the FishR or fisher folk registration at the OFCAS, and their fishponds must be validated, according to the agriculturist.
“Ma-validate pay dagijay fishponds da tapnu maammuan nu manu ti maikabil nga fingerlings. Adda gamin dagijay dadduma nga mangibaga nga nalawa diay area da ngem nu mapan kami ket makita mi nga bassit, isu masapul talaga daytuy,” she said.
She went on to say that due to the tiny size of the fisherfolks ponds in the city, they usually only give out 500 fingerlings.
The OFCAS is still accepting registrations for free fingerlings, and this program is available to everyone who own a fishpond.