Urdaneta City: The Cabuloan Fish Producers Association in Barangay Cabuloan, Urdaneta City, has been awarded a significant PHP700,000 grant from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to initiate a freshwater catfish farming project.
According to Philippines News Agency, the association, which consists of 30 farmer-members, plans to utilize the grant to purchase essential equipment and fingerlings to commence their fish farming operations. Association president Narciso dela Cruz, 67, expressed his gratitude during the Kalayaan Job Fair in Rosales town, emphasizing that the support from DOLE provides a sustainable livelihood rather than just temporary relief. "Hindi ito isang beses lang. Malaking tulong ito para sa aming kabuhayan (This isn't just a one-time help. It's a big boost to our livelihood)," he noted.
Dela Cruz explained that the decision to focus on freshwater catfish production was made alongside their barangay officials, led by Danny Ildefonso, due to the high market demand and sustainability of the endeavor. "It is easier to produce, which is within three to four months, and we can harvest already," he added.
Jenny Gemino, the barangay administrator, highlighted that the association has access to two fish pond boxes capable of nurturing around 15,000 fingerlings. These fingerlings are sourced from a supplier recommended by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
DOLE Eastern Pangasinan officer-in-charge Mary Jane Hufano stated in a separate interview that the grant is part of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, which aims to provide livelihood assistance to vulnerable groups by enhancing skills and creating opportunities for them to start or expand their businesses. "Though this is a grant, we encourage them to grow their business so that they may also avail of the livelihood enhancement program," she remarked.
In addition to the Cabuloan Fish Producers Association, eight other individual micro-establishments from the fourth, fifth, and sixth districts of the province have also received grants from DOLE.
