BFAR-CAR gives P6.26-M to folks in insurgence towns

By Susan Aro

BAGUIO CITY -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the Cordillera Region poured in financial assistance for fish production in identified insurgency conflict areas in the region last past year.
    A total of P6.26 million was earmarked for tilapia production benefiting 759 fisherfolks in the identified  conflict-affected barangays  in  Tubo, Tabacda, Lacub, Malibcong, and Sallapadan in Abra; Flora in  Apayao; Tinoc and Asipulo in Ifugao; Tabuk, Balbalan, Lubuagan, Pinukpuk, and Pasil in Kalinga, and Bontoc, Besao, Sagada, and Bauko in Mountain Province.
    Mt.  Province was granted the most assistance amounting to a total of P3.12M millioin benefitting 370 individuals.  
Kalinga was allotted P1.96 million for 283 individuals, Ifugao with P0.88M for 57 individuals, Apayao with P194, 500 for 23 recipients and Abra with P98, 400.00 for 26 individuals.
    BFAR-CAR fishing regulations officer Dennis de Vera said the assistance were in the form of fish fingerlings including feeds, inputs for pond and rice-fish culture in some areas, fishing gears, and boats.
    Labor and maintenance were fisherfolks’ counterpart to ensure ustainability of the project.
    BFAR’s intervention was part of the whole of nation approach under President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70 to end local communist armed conflict for inclusive and lasting peace (ELCAC).
    De Vera, who is the ELCAC focal person, said some regular projects were shifted to the CTG areas.
    Moreover, BFAR also provided cash and goods to beneficiaries in conflict areas under the cash and food subsidy for farmers and fisherfolks program (CFSMFF).
    Funds came from the Bayanihan II or Recover As One Act.  
    Under the CFSMFF, 303 fisherfolks each received P3, 000 cash and P2, 000 worth of commodities such as rice, chicken and eggs.
     De Vera said for   this year, funding will be increased by about P4 milion or a total of P10M for all ELCAC barangays in the region. – PIA Cordillera