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).

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), according to a news release on Thursday.

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 said the community project in Barangay Granada underscores 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 said in a statement.

Carles was identified as a beneficiary following the assistance extended to the family of Telly Arigo last year.

“It’s not just the Arigo family that benefits from the program. Several other families in the island-barangay are also gaining from it,” Estember said.

He said the BGFO would manage the operation, maintenance, and sustainability of the community project.

Wednesday’s turnover ceremony 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, said he was thankful for the support, especially because they could hardly earn enough for their daily needs working as extra.

“With our own fiberboat, we are assured of a higher income,” he said in the vernacular.

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 serves as the main source of livelihood for residents, with common activities including squid fishing, crab fishing, and hook-and-line fishing. (PNA)