Mayor Ronald Aquino today led the Turn-over Ceremony of Payao and Gill Net Project in Brgy. Bantian, Tinambacan District, Calbayog City. The event was attended by Mr. Teodolfo Castañas (Bantian Barangay Captain), Engr. Rolando Ay-ay (Samar Provincial Director of the Department of Agriculture) and Ms. Adela Ocenar (City Agriculturist), among others.
Barangay Bantian the first beneficiary of the said project. The said Barangay was given 80 pieces of gill net and materials to be used in the making of payao. Payao or arong is a floating structure topped with coconut fronds or some other materials that attract fish to stay under it. Payao can be set both in shallow water and deep sea areas.
This help was given by the government to encourage those illegal fisher folks to stop their illegal fishing activities that destroy the fish industry. They are expected to do their part in giving care and attention for the betterment of the fish industry in Calbayog. This is also one step for the restoration of what was once the good fishing industry of Calbayog City.
In his message, Mayor Aquino asked the fisher folks to ponder as to where the fish of Calbayog has gone. He also noted that 20 years ago, Calbayog City was the number one supplier of fish for Manila. 20% came from the other parts of the Philippines and 80% from Calbayog. He also left a very promising statement that he would help the small fisher folks in every way he can. He also mentioned that in 2013, the local government will give a 1.5 million-peso budget for the purchase of boats and a long nylon line with multiple fish hooks, an implement locally referred to as “kitang” that will be given to the small fisher folks that would be a great help in their living. (Fidel C. Cagomoc / CTIO Intern)
