Camotes fishermen get new boats

CEBU, Philippines - A non-government organization funded by the Chinese-Filipino community has distributed 48 fishing boats to fishermen in four towns in Camotes Island who lost their livelihood last year after the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda.

Kabuhayan Para sa Kaunlaran  implemented its project dubbed as "Bangkabuhayan" in the municipalities of Pilar, Tudela, San Francisco and Poro.

KAISA past president Ganny Tan led the turnover ceremony last July 31, 2014 at the Tudela Municipal Hall grounds together with Board Member Miguel Antonio A. Magpale as partner.

KAISA project coordinator Eleonor M. Gonzales said the project is just an initial support to the fisher folk of Camotes.

Each 20-foot boat is equipped with a 7.5HP gas engine, shaft, rudder and propeller. The fishermen will make their own wooden outrigger to complete the boat.

The "Bangkabuhayan" project is aimed at restoring the capability of affected fishermen to earn a living.

KAISA partnered with the office of Magpale in the Fifth District where Camotes Island is part of in choosing the beneficiaries, in monitoring their activities, and in providing technical support in installing the motor to the banca, as well as in the maintenance aspect for the next two years.

During the turn-over ceremony, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between KAISA's Tan and Gonzales, Magpale, Mayors Erwin Yu of Tudela, Jesus Fernandez of Pilar, Aly Arquillano of San Francisco and Luciano Rama of Poro who was represented by Vice Mayor Edgar Rama, Rick Jordan Benarao representing Philippine Business Bank, and the beneficiaries.

The agreement stipulates that the fishing boats cannot be sold, pawned, dismantled and bartered. The beneficiaries are also required to not engage in illegal fishing activities.

Magpale thanked KAISA for granting his request and initiating this project.

"We want to include another line where you help the fishermen fish and the whole community gets to eat," Magpale said.  (FREEMAN)