Independent senatorial candidate Bam Aquino will propose for a fuel voucher program for fisherfolk to alleviate the fuel expenses for their motorized boats.
Former senator Bam Aquino speaks to fishermen during a dialogue meeting in Sapian, Capiz. (Bam Aquino Media Bureau)
This, Aquino said on Monday, April 14, will be one of the issues he will be focusing on if he wins another seat in the Senate in next month’s midterm polls.
“Iyong voucher program para sa krudo, kasi noon mayroon na iyan. Basta may tulong sa mga makina para makamura tayo ng konti (The voucher program for the fuel, there was one like that before to help the machine and lower the expenses a bit),” he told fishermen during a meeting in Sapian, Capiz.
Aside from the fuel vouchers program, the former senator also expressed hope that the Department of Agriculture (DA) will provide more aid for the fisherfolk, particularly during calamities and red tide.
"Dapat may assistance kapag may red tide kasi ilang buwan kayong mawawalan ng hanapbuhay (There should be assistance during red tide [season] because you lose livelihoods for months),” he added.
He is also supportive of the calls to create a Department of Fisheries to address the problems and issues of the fisherfolk.
Aquino promised the fisherfolk community as well that he will help solve the problems brought by dredging and illegal structure that impact the livelihoods of the community members.
The former senator is running on the platform of free education and guaranteed jobs.
He is currently in the Magic 12 of pre-election senatorial surveys.