Cebu Province is stepping up efforts to strengthen local food production and reduce its dependence on food supplies from neighboring provinces through a P22-million aquaculture program benefiting coastal communities in southern Cebu.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro on Friday led the turnover of 30 high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fish cages worth P22 million to fisherfolk associations from 10 southern Cebu municipalities during a ceremony in Barangay Daanlungsod, Oslob.
The assistance, distributed through the Provincial Agriculture Office, also included fish aggregating devices (payao), fish feeds, fertilizers, and 10-kilogram sacks of rice from the Office of the President.
Baricuatro said the provincial government is prioritizing programs that will increase Cebu’s food production, noting that the province still relies heavily on food transported from other areas.
“We need to generate more of our own food here in Cebu so we will not have to depend heavily on other provinces,” the governor said.
She added that increasing local food production could help cushion Cebu from rising fuel prices and transportation costs that affect the prices of basic commodities.
Rather than providing one-time financial assistance, Baricuatro said the province is investing in long-term livelihood projects that would allow fisherfolk associations to sustainably expand fish production.
Provincial Fishery Officer Joel Clapano of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Central Visayas said the HDPE fish cages are designed to last up to 50 years with proper maintenance.
He said the cages are more durable than conventional fish cages, allowing them to withstand stronger waves and currents while helping protect the investments of fisherfolk and ensuring more stable production.
Following the turnover, Baricuatro joined local officials in releasing bangus fingerlings into one of the newly installed fish cages in Barangay Daanlungsod.
Also present during the activity were Provincial Board Members Dr. Stanley Caminero and Raymond Calderon, Oslob Mayor Ronald Guaren, and other provincial and municipal officials.
Baricuatro also underscored the importance of cooperation between national and local governments in delivering services to communities regardless of political affiliation.
“I am just a public servant, ug di pa tungod ninyo wala sab ko dinhi sa akong posisyon karon. Serbisyohan gyud ta mo sa akong makaya. Kay ang among pagka-government official, para nako is about service gyud. Serbisyo gyud na ug di paghatag sa importansya sa kaugalingon,” she said.
Among the beneficiaries was 70-year-old Rolando Castillo of Oslob, who said the assistance would help improve the livelihood of local fisherfolk.
“Hinaot unta nga matuman ug mapun-an pa iyang mga plano nga buligan sa kahitas-an. Kami mga fisherfolk diri sa Oslob ug sa ubang kalungsoran, duyogan namo ang mga kalamboan nga iyang gihatag kanamo,” Castillo said.
Beneficiaries from Badian likewise welcomed the project, saying fish cages would provide an alternative source of income during rough weather when they could not fish at sea.
“Makapamasol ug makapondo ra gyud mi ana didto kay naa man gyuy mohabig ana nga isda tungod sa pagkaon unya di nami kinahanglan mopalayo kaayo,” said Aida Zapanta.
Another beneficiary, Tomas Serenillo, said it was the first time their association had received such assistance from the provincial government.
“Maayo kaayo ug nagpasalamat ko ni Gobernador Pam Baricuatro nga ang iyang gihatag alang gyud sa panginabuhi-an namon mga kabos. Karon pa gyud mi nakadawat og ingon ani sukad sa pagpanagat namo,” Serenillo said.
The program benefited fisherfolk associations from Oslob, Badian, Ronda, Argao, Boljoon, Dalaguete, Dumanjug, Alcantara, Alcoy, and Alegria, which all received fish cages and other fisheries inputs.
Photo courtesy of BFG AIR POWER
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