A total of 2,400 kilos of good quality seaweed seedlings were distributed by the City Government to farmers affected by typhoon Paeng that hit the city last October.
City Agriculturist Carmencita Sanchez said the activity benefited 240 seaweed farmers from barangays Tigtabon, Arena Blanco, Mampang, Talon-talon, Mariki, Maasin and Sinunuc, held last January 30 and 31.
The Livelihood Input Assistance distribution was spearheaded by the City Agriculturist Office and was in response to Mayor John Dalipe’s directives to provide the necessary support and assistance to farmers affected by the different weather disturbances that hit the city since October last year.
The seedlings were outsourced from seaweed nurseries in Tigtabon and Mampang, thus, giving additional source of income to fisherfolks while helping seaweed farmers in recovering their harvest.
According to Sanchez, the livelihood assistance project is part of the City’s P6M calamity fund intended for the fisheries sector as the Dalipe administration is fully committed in conducting livelihood intervention to help fisherfolks to improve their livelihood, create job opportunities, increase fishery production and subsequently contribute to the city’s economy despite the impediments.
An additional 72,600 kilos of seaweed seedlings and seaweed implements will be distributed to other affected barangays.
Distribution of shrimp and milkfish fry to fishpond operators will be on Friday, February 3.
Registered fishermen will also receive fishing gears such as hook and line, gill nets and fish pots.
(Source: City Government of Zamboanga Facebook page | City Agri Office Press Release)