Carles: A community fisherfolk organization in the municipality of Carles in Iloilo province received PHP2 million worth of fiberglass boats through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Pag-Abot Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD turned over 22 units of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boats, amounting to PHP2.03 million, to 43 fisherfolk families, all members of the Barangay Granada Fisherfolk Organization (BGFO). Of the beneficiaries, 14 families received motorized fiberglass boats, eight households received motorized fiberglass boats with fishing implements, and 21 households were provided with fishing tools, including crab nets and squid pots.
DSWD 6 (Western Visayas) OIC Director Joselito Estember highlighted the agency’s commitment to supporting returning families through sustainable livelihood initiatives under the program. “The support will help them rebuild their lives in the community and reduce the likelihood of needing to migrate back to Manila,” Estember stated.
Carles was identified as a beneficiary following the assistance extended to the family of Telly Arigo last year. Estember emphasized that the program benefits multiple families in the island-barangay, not just the Arigo family. The BGFO will be responsible for managing the operation, maintenance, and sustainability of the community project.
The turnover ceremony on Wednesday was led by DSWD Area Coordinator Russell Lowell Albano; Community Development Officers III Reyky Pelonia and Evone Pendon, representing the KALAHI-CIDSS Program; along with Mayor Arnold Betita II and officials of the municipal government of Carles.
One of the beneficiaries, Bernard Degusman, expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the fiberglass boat would assure them of a higher income. Barangay Granada, located approximately 26 km from the Poblacion, is one of the 18 island barangays of Carles and part of the Gigantes Group of Islands, known for its rich fishing grounds within the Visayan Sea Triangle. Fishing is the main source of livelihood for residents, with common activities including squid fishing, crab fishing, and hook-and-line fishing.
