Fishermen in Davao City have received a significant boost to their livelihoods as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI, through its DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), granted 17 motorized bancas (boats) to a fishermen association in Brgy. Tibungco on January 30, 2024, with the aim of fostering sustainable livelihoods and generating employment opportunities.
Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Sonia M. Delfin, representing DOLE-Davao City Field Office (DOLE-DCFO), handed over the motorized bancas, valued at Php 970,780.00, to the Tibungco Fishermen Association, consisting of 29 members. These members, families of fishermen residing in the coastal areas of Purok 14 in Brgy. Tibungo, were grappling with insufficient income due to market competition and a lack of technology-driven means to address fishing challenges.
The inauguration of the bancas marked a turning point for the association, as their initial fishing expedition resulted in a successful catch of approximately 200 kilograms of fish, promising a substantial improvement in their livelihoods.
Officers of the Tibungco Fishermen Association, Mr. Elver Dinagat and Mr. Joepet Alcalal, expressed their gratitude on behalf of the group, acknowledging the government’s intervention as pivotal in supporting their efforts to meet their families’ basic needs and provide for their children’s education.
During the turnover ceremony, beneficiaries were reminded of the importance of maintaining daily financial records for project monitoring purposes. DOLE XI Regional Director emphasized in a statement that continuous support and education efforts will be initiated to enhance the association members’ skills, connect them with buyers, and stimulate economic activity in the community.
The ceremony was attended by DOLE-DCFO Livelihood Focal Person Iza Beth Villareal, Mr. John Necor from the City Agriculturist Office Fisheries Division, and Barangay Kagawad Gary Espejon of Brgy. Tibungco. The collaborative efforts of these stakeholders underscore the commitment to the long-term success and sustainability of the project.
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