DAVAO CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-11 (Davao region) donated on Wednesday, January 17, a commercial fishing vessel and other fishing equipment worth around P8 million to a fisherfolk association in Mati City, Davao Oriental at the Mati City Fishport Complex.
A GROUP of fishermen in Mati City receive fishing equipment on Wednesday, January 17. (FB)
Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat thanked the bureau for giving the Don Enrique Lopez Small Fisherfolks Association equipment they can use to catch fish for profit.
Aside from the commercial fishing vessel, the BFAR and the Mati City government also provided six small boats and other fishing equipment.
The government recognized that fisheries contribute to the value of fish production in the country.
“Di na kinahanglan bayaran kundi inyoha na para makatabang pud kami sa inyong panginabuhi (It is not necessary for you to pay for these equipment. It is already yours to help support your livelihood as well),” Rabat said.
Rabat urged recipients to take care of them to last and be more beneficial to them and the entire community of Mati City. She said another donation would come from the government for other fisherfolk associations in the city.
The Mati City government hopes a bountiful catch for various fisherfolk cooperatives which would significantly contribute to the city's and the country's economic development as well, Rabat said.