CLAVERIA, Cagayan — Following severe agricultural and economic disruptions brought by the El Niño phenomenon, at least 66 areas across Cagayan Valley remain under a state of calamity, with total losses in the agriculture sector soaring to ₱4.96 billion, according to data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
To cushion the blow on local food producers, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), alongside the TRABAHO Party-List, spearheaded a major relief and livelihood distribution initiative for vulnerable fishing communities.
Thirteen local fisherfolk groups in the Municipality of Claveria were awarded critical marine assets, including 62-foot fiberglass-reinforced plastic fishing boats, a motorized flat-bottom boat, high-grade fishing gear, and safety life vests.
In addition to capture-fishing equipment, beneficiaries received extensive post-harvest and marketing machinery to cut down post-harvest losses and boost market competitiveness. These included commercial freezers, digital weighing scales, fish crates, insulated coolers, meat grinders, vacuum sealers, and motorized cargo tricycles locally known as kulong-kulong.
The turnover ceremony was led by DA-BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig, BFAR Region 2 Regional Director Angel Encarnacion, and TRABAHO Party-List Representative Johanne Bautista. They were joined by Claveria Vice Mayor Fredelino Agpuldo, Provincial Fisheries Officer Jennifer Tattao, Municipal Agriculturist Dante Castillo, and Sangguniang Bayan Members Joshua Salmon, Edson Paul Flores, Reyn Niduaza, and Lincoln Guillen.
Stressing the importance of synergy between national agencies and legislative offices, Representative Bautista reaffirmed her organization’s unwavering support:
”Reaffirmed the TRABAHO Party-List’s ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of local fisherfolk and serving as a steadfast partner in delivering essential support for employment and livelihoods in the agricultural sector, especially during an El Niño phenomenon.”
Salilig likewise echoed the government’s steadfast dedication to shielding vulnerable fishing families from climate-induced crises and uplifting regional food security.