CAPIZ – In a continuing effort to alleviate poverty and boost local livelihoods, the provincial government, under the leadership of Gov. Fredenil H. Castro, turned over P1 million worth of livelihood assistance to the Olotayan Fisherfolks Community Association (OFCA) in Barangay Olotayan, Roxas City on May 22.
The grant, which comes in the form of a fishing supply and general merchandising store, was provided through the Sustainable Livelihood Project of Project Castro and facilitated by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).
The initiative aims to provide alternative income sources for coastal residents who have long sought additional livelihood opportunities beyond fishing.
Provincial Agriculturist Raoul Perez and former Provincial Agriculturist Sylvia dela Cruz led the ceremonial turnover of the livelihood package on behalf of the governor. They were warmly received by the OFCA, led by its president, Norwill Arilla, who expressed gratitude for the government’s support.
Gov. Castro also appeals to the fisherfolk association to manage the project and to sustain the undertaking of the program. He emphasized that the provincial government is attending to the needs of the coastal areas by organizing the fishermen and their families into a cooperative or association as a qualification for a livelihood project grant.
“The provincial government has funded alternative livelihood projects for our fishermen to sustain their income,” said Castro.
In 2024, the provincial government also extended livelihood support to various fisherfolk groups in coastal barangays such as Barra, Libas, and Cogon in Roxas City./PN
