Reinforcing the government’s campaign on inclusive growth and sustainable fisheries development, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the turnover of PhP22.85 million worth of livelihood support for fisherfolk in General Santos City and nearby coastal communities.
President Marcos distributed the various assistance worth PhP22,852,941 from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) during the Ugnayan with Fisherfolk town hall meeting held in Barangay Tambler, where the President engaged directly with port stakeholders, local fishers, and industry representatives.
Joined by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and BFAR officials, President Marcos said the interventions are part of the administration’s broader effort to empower grassroots fisherfolk, boost productivity, and ensure food security.
The activity was held in conjunction with the inspection of tuna unloading and auction operations at the PFDA-General Santos Fish Port Complex (GSFPC), which is undergoing major modernization to meet global standards.
The port currently supports around 200,000 workers and remains a vital hub for the country’s tuna industry.
The aid packages include 11 units of fish aggregating devices, known as payao, given to the SARGEN Tuna Handliner Association, the Unified Tuna Handliners Association, and the SARGEN Aquatic Fisherfolk Cooperatives.
In support of salt production, the President handed five sets of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) elevated solar salt bed dryers to Asinan Buayan Fisherfolk Association, Kanipaan Salt and Fisherfolk Association, Barongis SRI Farmers Multipurpose Association, Barongis Agri-Aqua Producers Association, Namat-Masla Fishing Association, and Big Brothers Fishermen Association.
Additionally, the Chief Executive provided one set of solar salt production equipment using the cooking method to Barongis Agri-Aqua Producers Association.
For fishing operations, six 21-foot fiberglass boats with engines and accessories were awarded to the Bayanihan Fisherfolk Association. In contrast, ten 17-foot motorized boats were distributed to the Kawas Multi-Purpose Cooperative, the Alabel Deputized Fish Warden Association, the Sapu Masla Manambanay Fisherfolk Association, and the Sapu Masla Fisherfolk Association.
Meanwhile, 30 6.5HP marine engines went to Kulasi Labangal Small Fisherfolk Association, and 20 10HP marine engines were granted to Sto. Niño Community Fishworkers Association, Baybay Kawas Fisherfolk Association, Strollers Farmers and Fisherfolk Association, Tuyan Malapatan Small Fisherfolk Association, Lun Masla Small Fisherfolk Association, Malapatan Payao Management Association, and Lun Padidu Fishing Boats Operator Association.
In support of aquaculture, President Marcos distributed a set of marine fish cage inputs—including milkfish fingerlings, feeds, and nets—shared by Asnalang 6 Fisherfolk Association, Tinoto Fisherfolk Association, Kawas Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and Alabel Deputized Fish Warden Association.
Tinagacan Inland Fisherfolk Association received 10,000 pieces of hito fingerlings. To support postharvest development, a village-type fish processing center was awarded to Bangon Syco Kauswagan Organization, while fish processing equipment and marketing supplies were provided to Asnalang 6 Fisherfolk Association.
Meanwhile, the Guardian Brotherhood Seaweed Association received complete seaweed farm implements and maintenance support for six nurseries, amounting to PhP8.6 million. | PND
