Agusan del Norte – The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP)-Caraga turned over starter kits intended for the Fresh Water Bangus and Tilapia Production of Pantawid Pamilya Fisherfolks SLP Association and Crossing Orange SKA of San Roque, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.

In a brief turn-over ceremony held at San Roque Fish Port on October 1, 2015, SLP regional coordinator Roy Serdeña led the turnover of three (3) units of pump boats and four (4) fish cages to 30 SLP participants of the abovementioned associations.

Serdeña encouraged the participants to take care and nurture the assistance given by the Government.

“For CY 2016, I am encouraging all SLP participants to come up with more proposals that will surely uplift their socio-economic status,” he added.

Also present during the turn-over were Punong Barangay Merlina Cebrian, Mr.Romeo Dizon from the Mayor’s Office, and Mr.Nestor Magbanua from the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office (MSWDO).

Through its partner Marginal Fisherfolks Association (MAFIA), the association was provided with a six (6)-day leadership training and skills training on Tilapia/Bangus Production. The training primarily focused on production, feeding and fish cage making.

Further, the group had “bayanihan” or voluntary service during the preparation. With combined efforts, the group was able to build four (4) fish cages (6x6x5 meters) that can store 4,000 fishes.  They extended help without expecting in return.

In a quick interview, 41-year old Johnny Piodena, president of Crossing Orange SKA, shared his joy after the most awaited turn-over ceremony. “Dako among pasalamat ani nga proyekto nga maoy mahimong susi sa tarong na panginabuhi (We are very grateful for this project that will serve as a key for a better living),” says Johnny.

“Among paningkamutan na palambuon pa ni na proyekto (We will try our best to develop this project),” he added.

The group is also willing to start and engage business on fish processing to expand their business operations, thus, creating more income.

SLP, one of the anti-poverty programs implemented by DSWD, has two (2) tracks namely Microenterprise Development and Employment Facilitation.  The latter is a provision of capacity-building program that focuses on micro-enterprise development, skills enhancement, networking, and partnership building, and provision of capital assistance to poor families. ###(MARY CARMELLE C. JUMAWAN/Social  Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga)