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

Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III led the distribution of 224 mechanized motorboats worth more than P20 million in Cagayan Province to fishermen from Claveria, Aparri,

A total of 672 crisis-hit fishermen in 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.

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.

In his speech, 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, Governor Manuel Mamba, and DOLE executives led by Regional Director Joel M. Gonzales.

Also present in the events were local chief executives Mayor Bryan Dale G. Chan of Aparri, Mayor Nelson P. Robinion of Sta. Ana, Mayor Esterlina A. Aguinaldo of Sta. Praxedes, Mayor Asela Sacramed of Sanchez Mira, Mayor Digna Puzon-Antonio of Pamplona, Mayor Lloyd Antiporda of Buguey, Mayor Angelica Dela Cruz of Camalaniugan, Mayor Rodrigo De Gracia of Sta. Teresita and Mayor Marilyn S. Pentecostes of Gonzaga. Last year, a group of 300 fishermen also received 100 new motorboats through the implementation of DILP.

Meanwhile, Bello spearheaded the relentless 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 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 Representative Joseph Lara and Cagayan Vice Governor Boy Vargas.