Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando, through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), distributed livelihood assistance to Bulakenyo fishermen on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the Bulacan Sports Complex in the City of Malolos.
A total of 233 gill nets and 65 marine engines were distributed to 300 Bulakenyo fishermen from the City of Malolos and the towns of Hagonoy, Calumpit, Paombong, San Rafael, and Obando.
According to Fernando, agriculture plays a significant role in Bulacan’s development and it is important to always be prepared and alert for natural disasters as they will affect the fishermen’s livelihood. He also advised them to remain responsible and to keep their strong spirit when unexpected natural disasters occur in the province.
“Mamamayang Bulakenyo, sa pagdating ng pag-unlad, be responsible. Sa pagdating ng development sa atin, kailangang handa tayo sa mga pagbabagong magaganap sa ating lipunan. Ang hiling ko lang po ay magdasal tayo, ipagdasal natin na walang bagyong dumating na matindi, ipagdasal natin na maging maayos ang taon na ito para tuluy-tuloy ang pagnenegosyo ng ating mga mangingisda, at panatilihin din ang pangangalaga sa inyong mga kalusugan," (Bulacan citizens, when progress comes, be responsible. When development comes to us, we need to be prepared for the changes that will occur in our society. My only wish is that we pray, let us pray that there will be no severe typhoon, let us pray for this year to be smooth so that our fishermen can continue doing business, and also to maintain their health)," Fernando said.
The governor also gave additional cash assistance worth P1,000 for each fisherman as additional aid to their families.