Bangka ng Pag-asa: Fishing Boat Donation Supports Fisherfolk in Lucena City
Fishing families in Barangay Talao-Talao, Lucena City, rely on the sea as their primary source of livelihood. Many fishermen begin their day before sunrise, heading out to coastal waters in hopes that their catch will provide enough income to support their households.
The Challenges of Ordinary Fisherfolk
For some fishermen in the community, access to fishing boats has been a challenge. Those who do not own a boat often join trips operated by others or rent space, which can reduce their share of earnings after costs such as fuel and equipment are divided.
In response, members of the Talao-Talao fishermen’s cooperative developed a community-based rental system to improve access to fishing vessels. The cooperative, led by Noel Andrade, Antonio C. Acero Sr., Jose Cabrera Sr., and Reggie Villas, allows fishermen to rent a boat for ₱100 per day. According to cooperative members, the fee contributes to maintenance and equipment costs while enabling fishermen without boats to participate in daily fishing activities.
Donation of the Bangka ng Pag-asa
The initiative expanded with the donation of four fiberglass fishing boats known as Bangka ng Pag-asa from Bell-Kenz Pharma. Each vessel is equipped with a motor and can accommodate six to seven fishermen.
Volunteer physician Dr. Angelito Erwin Reyes said the idea for the donation emerged after a medical mission in Barangay Talao-Talao, where he learned that some fishermen did not own boats. Through Bell-Kenz Pharma, the boats were later provided to the cooperative to support local livelihood efforts.
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Impact on the Local Fishing Community
Jose Cabrera Sr., president of Purok Talisay, noted that many residents in the community have long depended on fishing as their primary livelihood. He said improved access to boats may help fishermen work more safely and regularly. Barangay Captain Rail Briones expressed appreciation to Bell-Kenz Pharma for the donation and its support for the community.
Local cooperative members say the program aims to strengthen fishermen’s livelihoods while allowing the cooperative to maintain the vessels and expand its resources over time.
