For Angelica Beni Flores, a 50-year-old tuna processor from Malapatan, Sarangani Province, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent visit to General Santos City wasn’t just another government activity—it was a moment of recognition.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay President Bongbong Marcos na binigyan n’yo po kami ng halaga bilang isang mandaragat,” Flores said, beaming with pride.
“Thank you kaayo (Visaya phrase for thank you very much), binigyan mo kami ng atensyon dito. Proud po kami bilang isang mandaragat,” she added.
Flores helps process tuna products at the port and says the support they’ve received gives her hope for a daily source of sustenance.
“Salamat po sa lahat-lahat, binigyan mo po kami ng atensyon. Wala na po kaming mahihiling. Maipagpapatuloy po namin ang aming buhay bilang isang mandaragat. May maihahain na po kaming pagkain sa aming hapag-kainan araw-araw,” Flores said.
For Mohalidin Ondong, a fisherman, it was the tangible support that made all the difference.
“Masaya kami na may binigay sa amin. Hindi nagpabaya ang gobyerno sa amin. Sa aming mahal na Pangulo, maraming-maraming salamat po sa suporta at kabuhayan na ibinigay din po ng BFAR,” Ondong said.
Patriotismo Hernisi Jr., chairman of the Sarangani Fish Cage Association, emphasized how essential support for small-scale fishers is to sustaining their way of life.
“Unang-una, nagpapasalamat ako sa ating Presidente, lalong lalo na sa BFAR sa tulong sa ating maliliit na mangingisda,” Hernisi said.
“Itong mga payao ay malaking tulong sa amin—para makahuli at masustena ang aming araw-araw na pangangailangan,” he added.
Hernisi called for non-stop support and continued investment for over two million small-scale as well as protection of municipal waters, which refer to the area extending 15 kilometers from the coastline of a city or municipality.
“Mayroon tayong mahigit dalawang milyong maliliit na mangingisda sa buong Pilipinas. Kailangan talagang dagdagan ang mga proyektong ibinibigay sa kanila. Idagdag ko na rin—protektahan natin ‘yung ating municipal na karagatan, lalo na ‘yung 15 kilometers,” Hernisi said.
Mercy Ong, president of the SARGEN Fishport Tuna Handliner Association Inc., expressed her group’s collective gratitude.
“Maraming salamat from SARGEN Fishport Tuna Handliner Association, His Excellency President BBM, na mayroon kaming natanggap na tulong. Sa lahat ng BFAR family at sa lahat ng government na nagtulong sa amin, maraming maraming salamat po,” Ong said. | PND
