DENR, CSU award financial aid to fisherfolk group

 

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Cagayan State University (CSU) recently awarded P400,000 financial assistance to the Pasiguit Fisherfolk Association in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

 

The association is a beneficiary of the “Restoration, Establishment, Maintenance and Protection of Nipa Stands for Bioethanol Production” project of the CSU funded by the DENR under the National Greening Program. The financial aid will be used by the people’s organization for the maintenance and protection of 50-hectare plantation of 125,000 nipa propagules.

 

In 2018, Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu signed a memorandum of agreement with eight state universities in the country including the CSU for nipa plantation development and mangrove reforestation.

 

Through the P8M-project, the CSU is mandated to establish 50 hectares of new nipa plantation, conduct enrichment planting in 60 hectares, and build a nursery for the production of quality nipa planting materials.

 

During the awarding held on July 22 in San Vicente, Sta. Ana, DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn C. Bambalan expressed elation over the densed mangrove areas she personally saw in downstream Cagayan. She said mangroves are natural barriers for storm surges.

 

“Isa sa rason kung bakit kailangan natin pangalagaan ang mangrove at nipa ay dahil ang mga ito ay sources ng bioethanol na nagiging alcohol. Napakahalaga nito for our protection lalo ngayong COVID-19 pandemic,” Director Bambalan said. She also urged the association to take care of the terrestrial forests to prevent the effects of natural disasters such as flood and landslide.

 

Dr. Urdujah A.Tejada, CSU president, thanked the DENR for funding the project which provides livelihood opportunities to residents of Barangay San Vicente. She pinned her hopes that the plantations will be maintained even after the project ends in 2021.

 

Jaime Yosores, chair of the fisherfolk association who received the cheque, said: “Ang buhay po naming mga mangingisda, six months nakakapangisda at six months wala. Ang pondo po na ibinibigay ninyo ay sagot sa aming pangangailangan.”

 

“Sana ang ibang kapwa naming mangingisda ay makita ang kahalagahan ng mga bakawan para alagaan din nila ang mga ito para may mapagkunan ng hanap-buhay sa hinaharap,” Yosores added.

 

The awarding and site visit were also attended by CSU Gonzaga Campus Executive Officer Froilan A. Pacris Jr., PENR Officer Ismael T. Manaligod, CENR Officer Aida S. Adap and San Vicente Barangay Captain Eduardo Palor.#