Agri Chief introduces New Fishing Technology; Distributes assistance

Agriculture Secretary Manny F. Piñol introduced new fishing technology to the Siquijodnons during the Awarding Ceremony of the 2018 Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) in Siquijor, Siquijor on July 19, 2019.

The modern technology called Floating Solar Farm, is a kind of 2-in-1 technology since it will attract fish while producing electricity.

He committed to have this technology in Siquijor province, since the island is a remote area and has a high cost of electricity. The floating solar farm can produce electricity enough to power the post-harvest facilities like ice-making and cold storage equipment, which in turn could sustain the production of agri-fishery products. The technology will also help the fishermen to catch fish easily since it serves as a fishing ground or “Payao”.

Aside from introducing this technology, the secretary led the distribution of the agri-fishery livelihood assistance to the farmers and fishermen of Siquijor.

For livelihood, he distributed more than 100 Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boats, livestock (1 female cattle, 1 female carabao, 4 male turkeys, 8 female turkeys, 4 male native pigs, and 8 female native pigs) and planting materials. Among the recipients of the assistance are the five farmer associations of Lazi, Siquijor, namely; Hugpong sa mga Siquijodnung Nagpakabana, Hugpong Bakahan sa Capalasanan, Hugpong Baboyan sa Capalasanan, Hugpong sa Kauswagan sa Katawhan sa Poo, and Hugpong sa Makugihong Taga Kinamandagan.

The agri chief also awarded 2 Million pesos worth financial assistance through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) to its conduit Rural Bank of Rizal. The financial assistance is loanable to the farmers and fisherfolk for their different livelihood projects.

Piñol said during his speech that fisheries and agriculture are not only about producing food for today but also in ensuring food for the next generation.

The event was attended by Usec. for Fisheries and National BFAR Director Eduardo B. Gongona, Department of Agriculture-7 Director Salvador D. Diputado, BFAR-7 Director Alfeo G. Piloton, a representative from ACPC, Siquijor Gov. Zaldy S. Villa, and municipal mayors of Siquijor province, among others.

The MMK awarding ceremony was hosted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7 (BFAR-7) and the provincial government of Siquijor.