Del Gallego, Camarines Sur – Over 130 fisherfolks of this town benefitted from the RAFC Bicol Multi-Stakeholders Community Outreach for Fishing Community Development on May 24, 2024 at Brgy. Sabang. Each beneficiary received 5-kilogram rice courtesy of the Oragon Farmers Agriculture Coop; garden tools, sprayer, calamansi seedlings, and vegetable seeds from the DA 5-HVCDP; and sardines from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
According to Bernadette delos Santos, RAFC Bicol Chairperson and Farmer Regional Executive Director (FRED), it is their (RAFC) way of giving back to the community what they have received. Last year RAFC Bicol bagged most number of the awards given during the 9th National Volunteers’ Day. “Dahil po sa mga ginagawa namin for the past two years nagkaroon po kami ng awards at nagkaroon din po kami ng cash award. Part ng cash award na iyon ay ginamit namin para ipamahagi sainyo.” FRED delos Santos said.
Meanwhile Arnel V. Bitome, Fisherfolk Director of BFAR 5 emphasized the importance of adhering to the laws being implemented by the LGU for a sustainable fishing environment.
Del Gallego Mayor Melanie Abarientos- Garcia thanked the RAFC, DA, BFAR and Oragon Framers Agriculture Cooperative for sharing their blessings to the community. She also urged the fisherfolks to continue supporting the programs of these organizations and follow the laws and regulations of the government for their own benefit. “Pagtulung-tulongan po nating mapangalagaan ang ating lupang sakahan at pangisdaan. Upang lubos itong makatulong sa ating hanap buhay.” Mayor Garcia said.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the DA Bicol, BFAR 5, Oragon Framers Agriculture Cooperative, LGU Del Gallego and RAFC 5 to help alleviate the condition of the fishing community of Brgy. Sabang.
Joel Benavides of BFAR 5 discussed the benefits of being a registered fisherfolk such as trainings, boats and fuel subsidy that will be given this year.
In his closing remarks Efren S. Fragata, Chairperson of PAFC Camarines Sur hoped that everyone will continue doing good for everybody especially for the needy.
The activity was ushered by a thanksgiving mass. The officers and members of the Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council of Del Gallego also took their oath on the same day, while the Del Gallego Coconut Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (DECFACO) was awarded with CSO accreditation certificate. BFAR 5 demonstrated some value adding processes such as fish lumpia, fish longganisa, and fish nuggets making.
Also present were: Rebecca S. Purisima, Farmer Technical Director for Operations; Benedicto A. Palmares, Farmer Technical Director for Research and Regulations; Roberto N. Diesta, Farmer Division Chief for Amin and Finance; Maria Emily T. Galgal, Farmer Division Chief for Regulatory; and Maria Daisy G. Geolin, Farmer Division Chief for Operation; Aloha Gigi I. Banaria, RAFC Regional Executive Officer and Alvin Milan, RAFC Coordinator. (Vincent Emil Pasumbal – RAFIS 5)