Led by Mayor Denver Reyes Chua and Vice Mayor Raleigh Rusit, along with City Council members Marian Pinzon, Mau Lu, Emily Tirona, Daryl Solis, Bam Urubio, and Jun Novero, as well as DOLE Provincial Director Marivic Martinez, Fishing Livelihood Packages were distributed under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.
Through the initiative of the City Government of Cavite—headed by the City Social Welfare and Development Office under department head Rowena Andrade, the Public Employment Service Office with the assistance of Rhoann Olavario and Jaycee Ricafort, and in cooperation with Agriculture Office head Engineer Frederick Sierra—the beneficiaries received fishing boats, engines, propellers, and various fishing supplies to support their livelihood. The fishing boats are made of fiberglass to ensure durability while sailing at sea, regardless of the weather conditions.
A Collaborative Effort for Fisherfolk Empowerment
The distribution of fishing livelihood packages to the fisherfolk of Cavite City represents a significant collaboration between the City Government of Cavite, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO). DOLE Provincial Director Marivic Martinez, who has been actively involved in similar initiatives across Cavite, has consistently encouraged beneficiaries to maximize their assistance and use it as a foundation for sustainable income-generating opportunities . The program not only addresses immediate livelihood needs but also serves as an investment in a more stable and prosperous future for fisherfolk families and communities .
The initiative aligns with the broader goals of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), which aims to provide marginalized workers with sustainable livelihood opportunities . As noted in recent program rollouts, the assistance serves not only as support for immediate needs but also as an investment in a more stable and prosperous future for families and communities .
Fiberglass Boats for Durability and Safety
The distribution of fiberglass boats is a key feature of the program, providing fisherfolk with durable and reliable vessels that can withstand varying weather conditions at sea. Fiberglass boats are designed to be more durable than traditional wooden bancas, offering better protection against the elements and reducing maintenance costs over time . Unlike their wooden counterparts, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) hulls are one continuous piece, preventing water from seeping in and ensuring longevity even in rough seas .
This emphasis on durable equipment reflects the broader strategy of government agencies like BFAR and DOLE to "build back better" and provide fishing communities with the tools they need for long-term resilience . The motorized boats, equipped with engines and propellers, enable fisherfolk to venture farther out to sea, increasing their catch potential and income opportunities. The program aims to strengthen the livelihood capacity of Caviteño fisherfolk and sustain the fishing culture in the city, a heritage that has long been part of Cavite's coastal communities .
