Manila Water Foundation, through its environmental sustainability program, Likas, recently handed over fishing gears and equipment to enhance and enable the livelihood of fisherfolk under Project Katig.
“Katig” is the Filipino term for the boat outrigger: the part that supports the vessel, keeping it steady and balanced above the water. Project Katig aims to provide holistic and sustainable community development interventions to watershed and coastal communities in need.
The ceremony was led by Manila Water Company President and CEO, and MWF President, Jocot de Dios. In the event, a ceremonial MOA signing was held to signify collaboration between the local government unit of Cardona, Rizal and Manila Water Foundation.
Municipal Mayor Bernardo San Juan Jr. of Cardona, Rizal and Municipal Vice Mayor Gil Pandac together with Cardona Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC) Chairperson Sonny San Jose and MWF Executive Director Reginald Andal were present during the MOA signing.
The ceremonial turnover of fishing gears and equipment followed, to the delight of the fisherfolk. 30 bundles of 300x14m Super G fishing nets, 120 rolls of Rope #10, #8 and # 2, 420 pieces of bamboo and 8 units of motorized fishing boats were given to the fisherfolk.
“Ito pong ginagawa namin ngayong araw na ito ay maliit na bagay lang, isang paraan nang pagpapasalamat sa mga taga-Cardona dahil po sa pagtanggap ninyo sa amin. Naisipan po namin dahil nasa baybayin kayo ng Laguna Lake na makatulong po sa mga mangingisda dito,” said De Dios.
In his message, FARMC Chairperson Sonny San Jose, representing the fisherfolk families, expressed his gratitude to Manila Water for the livelihood support given to their community. “Ang Cardona ay isang bayan na mas malaki ang bilang ang umaasa sa lawa, ang mga bagay na ibinigay ninyo sa amin ay napakalaking bagay dahil ang mga kasamahan nating mangingisda ay matagal nang nangangarap pero ang problema nila ay kanilang punuhan pero ngayon ay nabigyan ninyo ng tugon.” said San Jose.
Serving as subject matter experts and resource agencies, representatives from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region IV-A were also present to signify their support and assistance for Project Katig on capacity-building activities, fingerling provisions and water quality testing.
Before the milestone ceremony, Manila Water Foundation facilitated a community visioning activity to map out and prioritize the societal issues and gaps that need solutions through water access, sanitation and hygiene or WASH and environmental sustainability projects.
