THE Department of Labor and Employment recently helped some 672 crisis-hit fishermen from the different coastal towns in Cagayan province to keep them afloat amid the continuing onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III led the distribution of 224 mechanized motorboats worth more than P20 million to fishermen in Cagayan.

A total of 672 crisis-hit fishermen in the 12 coastal towns of the province received the mechanized fishing boats, through the Department of Labor and Employment’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), during separate awarding ceremonies in Claveria, Aparri, Sta. Praxedes, Sanchez Mira, Pamplona, Abulug, Ballesteros, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Sta. Teresita and Gonzaga.

The motorboats were distributed during separate awarding ceremonies in Claveria and Aparri.

The DILP is one of DOLE’s many assistance programs aiming to support the country’s fishermen by providing them the necessary tools to boost their income.

Bello inspired the beneficiaries to continue fighting the pandemic. He said the new motorboats should help the fishermen survive the challenges posed by COVID-19.

“The government is here to extend assistance to our needy people and to keep your hopes alive. It is battling the virus at all fronts, including Cagayan province. Use the boats given to you by the government to earn income. Take care of them so you can continue providing for your families even during these challenging times,” he said.

Insured by the Government Service Insurance System, the motorboats are made of fiberglass material. They were purchased through the P20,160,000 fund released by DOLE Regional Office II.

Joining Bello during the special occasions were Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade, Gov. Manuel Mamba, and DOLE executives led by Regional Director Joel Gonzales.

Last year, a group of 300 fishermen also received 100 new motorboats through the implementation of the DILP.

Meanwhile, Bello spearheaded the distribution of financial assistance in Tuguegarao City to help its workers affected by the pandemic.

A total of 786 COVID 19-hit workers received P2.9 million in financial aid from the DOLE at the Cagayan State University Carig Campus through the “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers” program.

The payout ceremony was attended by Cagayan 3rd district Rep. Joseph Lara and Cagayan Vice Gov. Boy Vargas.