Davao Occidental – Two associations in the municipality of Sta. Maria, this province, received livelihood grants from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI.

The project proposal of milkfish (bangus) and rabbitfish (danggit) farming of MAHARLIKA (Magkaisang Harapin ang Liwanag sa Kaunlaran) of Brgy. Tanglad, Sta. Maria get a nod from DOLE XI. The group received a One Million (P1,000,000.00) Pesos grant for the purchase of fingerlings and feeds. The construction of the fish cages which costs Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Nine Hundred Five (P550,905.00) Pesos will be shouldered by DOLE accredited co-partner, Southern Davao Multipurpose Cooperative (SDMC).

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data shows that bangus requirement in Davao Region is at 11,428 metric tons while the producers can only harvest up to 9,180 metric tons. The requirement gap is seen by the association as a promising market share to grab.

In Brgy. Ogpao, Sta. Maria, two 33-footer fishing boats were received by members of OFCA (Ogpao Fishermen’s and Carpenters’ Association). Added to the fishing boats, the association will acquire one (1) big fish shelter (payaw) and five (5) small fish shelters. Part of the close to a million pesos livelihood grant will be used in the repair of the fishing boats which was transferred to them from another association.

When fully repaired, the two boats will be used mainly for fishing tuna and other fish species, and during off-seasons, the boat will cater tourists who visit in the area for beach resorts hopping. (By Eduardo P. Monreal, LCO-Designate, DOLE RO XI)

Grant Recipient. Officers and members of MAHARLIKA (Magkaisang Harapin ang Liwanag sa Kaunlaran) pose for a groupie with DOLE XI personnel and staff from the Governor’s office of Davao Occidental during the awarding of a livelihood grant.

Grant Recipient. Officers and members of OFCA (Ogpao Fishermen’s and Carpenters’ Association) pose for a groupie with DOLE XI personnel and staff from the Governor’s office of Davao Occidental during the awarding of a livelihood grant.

Booster. DOLE XI RD Raymundo G. Agravante said, “Use the grant well. Increase your income for the benefit of your group especially the needs of your families.”

Repaired. When totally repaired, this boat will be recommissioned for tuna fishing and tourist/beach hoppers transportation service.