TINOC, Ifugao– Strengthening livelihood support to conflict-affected areas here, 20 units of complete techno-demo livelihood projects to include (17) rice + fish and (3) pond demo culture were given to fisherfolk in barangays of Binablayan, Danggo, Luhong, Tukukan, and Wangwang.
According to Ifugao Provincial Fisheries Officer Eumic C. Culimay, the said project is part of the Bureau’s regular target for the year 2021 which amount to almost P910,000. Each livelihood package includes fingerlings and feeds needed for the entire culture period helping about 29 fisherfolk-recipients.
“We are glad not only to deliver fisheries projects but also to visit your areas here in Tinoc, we hope that through the rice + fish techno demo you will be able to have a balanced diet especially that fish is a good protein source”, RD Lilibeth L. Signey said. In return, I suggest that you provide us the production data as a result of the project so the bureau may know how the project goes through the entire cropping period, so we can claim that fish farming is viable in Tinoc.
“Fisherfolk have great contribution to increasing fish supply in our area especially in those conflict-affected barangays. This is the effort of the government to intensify the fight against insurgency”, said Municipal Agriculturist Pedring P. Manghi.
In lieu of Tinoc Municipal Mayor Samson C. Benito, Engr Cesario C. Bahiwag, Municipal Administrator, attended the activity. “We are grateful as we really feel your desire to visit our town, and augment livelihood interventions for the welfare of our fisherfolk.”
“There are 211 registered fisherfolk in Tinoc, but only few are given with this kind of projects. So, I challenge you to show-off the result of this effort to inspire your fellow fisherfolk that fish farming is possible and good source of food for the table, too”, added Engr Bahiwag.
Fisherfolk recipients were likewise trained on aquaculture management for them to appreciate the importance of pond preparation, feeding and biology of tilapia to name a few.
Marcelina Balinggan, 61, one of the project recipients in barangay Luhong, said she believes that fish farming is way better as it entails light work than growing vegetables.
“It is really hard to engage in vegetable farming because of the bad effects of pesticides on our health. This is my first time to grow fish and hopes to have a good yield so we can sell some since a kilo of tilapia here ranges from P160-180.00,” Balinggan added.
This ELCAC initiative is based on Executive Order No 70 series 2018 institutionalizing the “whole-of-nation” approach to end local insurgency towards the attainment of sustainable and inclusive peace.**
