The Cabuloan Fish Producers Association in Barangay Cabuloan in Urdaneta City has received PHP700,000 in livelihood assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to jumpstart their freshwater catfish farming project.

The group, composed of 30 farmer-members, will use the grant to acquire equipment and fingerlings needed to begin operations.

Association president Narciso dela Cruz, 67, expressed gratitude during the Kalayaan Job Fair in Rosales town, saying the support from DOLE offers sustainable livelihood, not just temporary relief.

“Hindi ito isang beses lang. Malaking tulong ito para sa aming kabuhayan (This isn’t just a one-time help. It’s a big boost to our livelihood),” he said.

Dela Cruz said together with their barangay officials headed by Danny Ildefonso, they chose freshwater catfish production because of the demand in the market and its sustainability.

“It is easier to produce, which is within three to four months and we can harvest already,” he said.

Jenny Gemino, barangay administrator, said the association has two fish pond boxes that can grow around 15,000 fingerlings.

She said the fingerlings are sourced from a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources recommended supplier.

DOLE Eastern Pangasinan officer-in-charge Mary Jane Hufano, in a separate interview, said the grant given to the association is under DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, focused on providing livelihood assistance to vulnerable groups, as it aims to enhance skills and provide opportunities for individuals and communities to start or expand their own businesses.

“Though this is a grant, we encourage them to grow their business so that they may also avail of the livelihood enhancement program,” she said.

Eight other individual micro establishments from the fourth, fifth, and sixth districts of the province also received grants from DOLE. (PNA)