(PHOTO BY DOLE-NCR)
QUEZON CITY (PIA) – The Department of Labor (DOLE) turned over motorized bangkas (boats) to Muntinlupa fisherfolk on 4 August 2022 at the Bayanan Baywalk.
This is in connection to the “Bangka Project for the 8 Barangays in Muntinlupa” led by its city government.
Eight barangays, including Barangay Buli FARMC, received package of assistance worth over 1.4 million livelihood grant in total that came with eight 30-feet fiberglass boats, eight 23-feet fiberglass boats, eight 7.5-HP marine engines, eight 20-HP marine engines, 24 pieces life jackets, and forty pieces raincoats.
For the Munti fisherfolk, a new motorized ‘Bangka’ also means improved productivity—hoping for a faster, better catch and increased in earnings.
Lawrence Protacio can finally break free from the boat rental fees.
“Bumabayad ako sa halagang 300 pesos kada lingo pang-upa sa bangka,” said the 33-year old father of four children and a member of a local fisherfolk council in Barangay Buli, Muntinlupa City.
He, together with his 14 comrades, have been fishing in Laguna de Bay to put food on tables for their families.
The City of Muntinlupa, being situated on the southwestern coast of Laguna de Bay, also shares responsibility in preserving the lake’s ecosystem and aquatic life, alongside other barangays bordering the lake such as in Taguig City that is also in Metro Manila and the provinces in the CALABARZON Region.
Considering the lake’s significant contribution towards economic progress of their City, the local government unit (LGU) of Muntinlupa, through its Public Employment Service Office (PESO), Lake Management Office (LMO), and Municipal FARMC, have sought the assistance of the Department of Labor and Employment through its regional office in the National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) to help improve the livelihood of their fisherfolk.
The LGU’s request to the labor department began in October 2021 during an awarding ceremony of various DOLE assistance for their constituents at the Muntinlupa City Sports Complex. Then Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, who led said activity, asked the LGU officials of any DOLE-specific aid for their communities.
And so the first boat project for the Munti fisherfolk was born.
Upon go signal from the former labor chief, DOLE-NCR Director Atty. Sarah Buena S. Mirasol led the procurement of the boats and other related equipment.
Before receiving the government assistance, Protacio’s group and other Barangay FARMCs also underwent a DOLE social preparation seminar, as re-echoed by their FARMC Federation President Miguel C. Lopeña, Jr.
They were taught on how to operate the boats and the efficient way of how to spend the profit they earn from their livelihood.
The fisherfolk were very much grateful to DOLE and the city government for their new gained knowledge and equipment and promised to take care of the boats. (DOLE-NCR / PIA-NCR)