Indigenous People receives agri-fishery aid

The indigenous people (IP) of Calauit Island of Busuanga, Palawan received more than P8.85 million worth of farm and fishery aid on August 8, 2018.

Led by Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-MIMAROPA Regional Office awarded the IPs with one unit of a four-wheel drive tractor with implements, as well as nine kilograms (kg) of assorted vegetables valued at P2.04 million.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources handed over 24 units of a 30-footer fiberglass boat with 18-horsepower (hp) diesel engine and complete accessories, 20 units of 18-hp marine diesel, 61 units of fiberglass payao, 200 sets of hook and line, 400 sets of bottom gill net, 100 sets of seaweed farm implements, and 5,000 kg of seaweed seedlings — with a total worth of P6.78 million.

Piñol also committed to providing 20 carabaos, which will be shared by the 40 families in Calauit Island.

Additionally, the Agri chief instructed the agency to set aside P5 million for vegetable growing and the improvement of agri learning modules at the Calauit High School. He also donated P1 million for the establishment of a brand new school building.