BONTOC, Mountain Province – In a significant step towards promoting agri-fishery growth and economic empowerment, the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) distributed 80 bags of tilapia fingerlings to farmers and fisherfolks in this municipality on May 29, 2024, at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
The funding for the purchase of the tilapia fingerlings was sourced out from the Gender and Development (GAD) Fund of the Bontoc LGU in support of the Fishery Program.
This initiative aligns with the current administration’s roadmap “ENLANGAKHA: Achieving the Vision for A Dynamic,” specifically focusing on Economic Empowerment through the promotion of organic agriculture and local enterprises. This effort aims to not only boost food security but also contribute to the economic upliftment of the residents in the municipality.
In his message, Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., said that this initiative of the Bontoc LGU is in support of food security and urged the recipients to properly grow the fingerlings they received and eventually help their families with food sustenance and economic upliftment.
Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen also emphasized the importance of community collaboration and resilience and highlighted that the success of this initiative depends heavily on the active participation and commitment of the fisherfolks.
Sangguniang Bayan member Dan Evert Sokoken encouraged the beneficiaries to sustain their livelihood program, expressing high hopes for the development of aquaculture areas through the establishment of fishponds and increased fisheries production in the municipality.
Mayor Tudlong, along with Municipal Agriculturist Renato Falag-ey and Administrative Officer IV Ross Kiat-ong reminded the recipients to report to the Bontoc LGU through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAg) the number of fish harvested. The data shall aid the Bontoc LGU in the preparation of Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) that shall benefit the farmers and the fisherfolks. By Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay & Christy Mae C. Pangesfan
