For the continuous environmental protection campaign and assistance to local fishermen and farmers, the Pangasinan Provincial Government distributed more than P1.5 million worth of mangrove seedlings and fishery paraphernalia held on January 28 at the Bolinao Provincial Nursery and Information Center in Barangay Arnedo.

Beneficiaries of the program are the various farmer and fisherfolk associations at civic society organizations from the local government units of Agno, Alaminos City, Anda, Bani, Bolinao, Burgos, Dasol, Binmaley, Labrador, Sual, Bugallon, Dagupan City, and Calasiao.

The distribution forms part of the Abig Pangasinan Program, a brainchild program of Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III, under the environment protection and food support program of the Provincial Government.

In her message, 1st District Board Member Orange Humilde-Verzosa extended Governor Espino’s message that the Provincial Government will continue to assist local fishermen and farmers throughout the province.

“Ang ating Gobernador ay patuloy na mag-iisip ng mga magagandang programa at proyekto na makakatulong sa ating mga asosasyon, LGU lalong lalo na sa inyo. Ang kapakanan at pag-unlad ninyo ang pinakaunang inaalala at pinaghahandaan ng ating Gobernador,” BM Verzosa said.

Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya added that Governor Espino instructed the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist to continue and further expand agricultural programs to further assist the province’s agri-fishery sector.

“Tuloy-tuloy iyan na ginagawa ni Governor Espino. We do not end here. Under the administration of Governor Pogi Espino ay tuloy-tuloy ang implementation ng aming programs. We have a standing order na lahat ng pondo sa agriculture ay uubusin para ibigay na proyekto sa agri-fishery sector,” said Ms. Moya.

A total of 23,000 mangrove tree seedlings were distributed which will serve as breeding ground for fish in the province. Mangrove trees will also serve as the province’s protection against tidal surge and soil erosion and can also mitigate the effects of climate change.

Local farmers and fisherfolks also received 300 gill nets, 2 units of pond seine nets, 4 units of engine pumps with axial flow pumps, and 2 cast nets to further sustain the livelihood of farmers and fisherfolks.

“Sana ay makatutulong ang mga bigay na kagamitan sa ating mga magsasaka at sa ating mga kababayang mangingisda dito sa lalawigan,” said Former Bani Councilor Richard Camba.

Beneficiaries of the program expressed grateful response to the Provincial Government mentioning that the inputs they received will be of great help in their livelihood.

“Nagpapasalamat kami kay Gobernador Espino dahil sa gitna nang pandemya ay may mga ganitong tulong na natatanggap kami,” said Rodelio Caguioa, one of the beneficiaries.

Also present during the program were Bolinao Vice Mayor Richard Celeste, Bolinao Municipal Administrator Blesilda Domagas, some municipal agriculturists, and members of various farmer and fisherfolk associations.

/Paula Jhea Sison