Santa Marcela – Fisherfolk from three (3) farmer associations in the province were the beneficiaries of a generous aid package valued at P716,256.00 from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Cordillera (BFAR-CAR) which were awarded during a the distribution ceremony held January 30 at Bacut Lake in Santa Marcela.
Each of the three associations, namely the Anninipan Swip Association, Ilocano-Igorot Upland Farmers Association Inc., and Marcela Weavers Association, received assistance in the form of 21,600 tilapia fingerlings and 147 sacks of various feeds (frymash, pre-starter, starter, grower, and finisher feeds). The total monetary worth of the aid amounted close to a million.
As part of the stock enhancement initiative, the recipient associations likewise contributed to the distribution effort by releasing approximately 45,000 fingerlings of tilapia and common carp into Bacut Lake and Tacang Swip.
This initiative aligns with BFAR's overarching goal of achieving fish sufficiency in Apayao and ensuring the sustainable availability of food fish for the local population.
Municipal Tourism Officer Rose Lily Ramos expressed gratitude on behalf of Mayor Evelyn Martinez, acknowledging BFAR-CAR's steadfast support to the associations. Despite previous challenges, Ramos emphasized their enduring faith in the support provided, stating, "We are very grateful that even if a previous association did not achieve success, there is still assistance provided to us." She added, "We hope to maintain collaborative efforts with the associations in the future."
In response to BFAR-CAR's substantial support, the president of the Ilocano-Igorot Upland Farmers Association, Inc. conveyed their appreciation, stating, "We express our utmost gratitude to the bureau and the government for such an exemplary project. We will ensure that these provided inputs are managed effectively."
Others present during the ceremony were PGA LEDIPO head Philip Uba, Flora Mayor Rodolfo Juan, presidents of the associations, and other officers of BFAR-CAR.
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