1 month ago
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SEN. Francis Tolentino on Sunday turned over motorized fiberglass boats to fisherfolk associations in Cavite whose livelihood was affected by massive oil spill in 2024.
The senator said he fulfilled his pledge to assist Cavite's fishing communities which were affected by a massive oil spill last year.
They work hard daily to bring food to our tables, but our fisherfolk are among the most marginalized and deserve the government's full support," said Tolentino, who led the turnover ceremonies held separately in Naic, Tanza, Rosario, and Cavite City.
In partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the distribution of motorized fiberglass boats is aimed at uplifting the economic conditions of Cavite's fishing communities.
He said the boats are equipped with a transponder to ensure the location and safety of the fishermen when they are out at sea.
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"Last year, when the massive oil spill from Bataan spread out to neighboring provinces, especially Cavite, their source of income was wiped out because of the ban on fishing and selling of marine products," Tolentino said.
He was referring to the oil spill that emanated from the ill-fated MT Terranova, which sank off Limay town in Bataan on July 25, 2024.
"Today we are back to fulfill our pledge to assist our fishing communities, and to help improve their livelihood," Tolentino said.
He filed Senate Resolution 1084, which prompted the Senate to investigate the oil spill's impact on fishing communities and the coastal ecosystem.
In August 2024, Tolentino joined President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in providing financial aid to thousands of Cavite fisherfolk. The senator himself led relief operations for the affected communities.
Aside from the boats provided in the four local government units, Tolentino also facilitated the awarding of Sustainable Livelihood Program assistance to fisherfolk organizations in Talisay, Batangas on Feb. 5, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
A similar program initiated by the senator would benefit fisherfolk groups in Balayan, Batangas on Monday.
