12,000 Davao City fishers receive Christmas food packs from Dutertes
By Ivy Tejano
PHOTO courtesy of Katrena Verona Legacy FB)
DAVAO CITY — Close to 12,000 fishermen from the first district here received Christmas food packs from the Dutertes during a two-day distribution held on Dec. 22 and 23, providing assistance to coastal communities experiencing lean fishing conditions this season.
The distribution was conducted through a joint initiative by Rep. Paolo Z. Duterte, PPP party-list Rep. Harold Duterte, and acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte II as part of their annual holiday outreach for fishing and coastal communities in the district.
Organizers said the activity aimed to help ease the daily burden of fisherfolk whose incomes have been affected by reduced fish catch in recent weeks.
Fisherman Mario Dablo said the food packs came at a crucial time for the beneficiaries like him. He thanked the organizers for the support, saying it was a significant help amid limited fishing yields.
“Thank you for the food packs because they are a big help, especially now that fish are scarce. Every year, the Dutertes never forget us,” Dablo said.
Fisherman Jesus Canoy said the assistance helped their families prepare for the Christmas season.
“This came at the right time because Christmas is near. It adds to our simple family gathering. Merry Christmas to us fisherfolk and to all Dabawenyos," Canoy said.
Organizers said the activity is part of ongoing efforts to support fisherfolk and other vulnerable sectors in the district, particularly during periods of economic difficulty and seasonal downturns in livelihood.