Achas on delayed fisherfolk livelihood programs: Have word of honor

THE year 2024 is ending yet the promise of the city government, especially the City Agricultural Office, to support the 24 fisherfolk associations of the city with a livelihood program remains elusive. 

This was how Councilor Christian Rustico Achas, chair of the committee on fisheries and aquatic resources, expressed his frustration over the local fisherfolk’s concern on the delayed implementation of the promised livelihood government program.

"I have been invited to meetings, turnovers, and functions a number of times to hear the concerns of our fisherfolk. However, their problem persists, and they are constantly promised solutions that never materialize," said Achas. 

"Every time I preside committee meetings, I always respected the positions of resource persons and tried to be patient, but the same issues are discussed over and over again, but to no avail,” the councilor added. 

It was learned that the City Agriculture Office fisheries division had earlier announced that the 24 local fisheries associations would receive ₱80,000 each in financial aid from the City on condition that they secure permits and accreditations.

This prompted the fishermen to secure loans to pay for the processing of their permits and registrations, which will soon expire even before the promised aid is released.

For Achas, the delay in delivering the livelihood assistance raises critical questions about the transparency and accountability of the local government.

With this, he urged the City Agriculture Office and all involved agencies to honor their commitments to the fisherfolk. 

"To APOO and City Agriculture, … give your words a substance of truth and not elements of false hope,” Achas stated, challenging them to disclose the status of the livelihood program. 

Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, who presided over the 104th regular session of the 20th City Council, referred the matter to the Committee on Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of Councilor Achas for appropriate action.