POOR FISHING TOWN RECEIVES
FISH PORT, ICE-MAKERS, TRUCKS
By Manny Piñol
Malimono, Surigao del Norte – The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources today turned over a Community Fish Landing Facility to this poor fishing town, fulfilling a promise made to fishermen 18 months ago.
In addition to the CFLC, the DA also committed an additional loan fund of P15-M so that two fishermen’s groups could acquire ice-making equipment, cold storage and trucks.
The ice-making equipment and trucks are expected to be delivered by February next year.
On June 23, 2017, the DA marked its 119th founding anniversary in Malimono town, considered as one of the areas in the country with the highest poverty incidence.
Fishermen did not have enough fishing boats and had to borrow money from local lenders for their operations.
Farmers did not have the money to buy seeds or start livestock projects.
During the event, the DA turned over P15-M for an Easy Access Credit Program called Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) which offers loans withour collaterals at 6% interest per year.
The repayment rate ranged from 95% to 100% monthly while many of the fishermen paid back their loans before maturity.
Because of the success of the program, the DA pledged an additional P15-M in loan funds.
Nexy year, the fishermen of Malimono are expected to make their own ice with cold storage and deliver their catch to the market using their own trucks.
(Photos were taken during the turn-over ceremonies of the CFLC and the forum whicj followed.)
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