Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes led the awarding of 132 twin plastic fish cages to 111 tilapia fishermen in Lake Sebu under the “Convert Now, Pay Later” (CNPL).program of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO).
The bamboo-to-plastic fish cage conversion program, according to PEMO, aims to reduce the organic load caused by decaying bamboo fish cages, improve water circulation and minimize pollution in the lake.
In her message, Governor Fuentes enjoined the beneficiaries’ cooperation particularly in maintaining the cleanliness of the lake and likewise reminded them of their obligation to pay the ‘affordable” fish cages on installment terms.
“Let us not think only of ourselves but also of the future generations to come, so let us all help one another in making the lake clean,” Fuentes said.
Senior Environment Management Specialist Loida Villa of PEMO – Forest and Inland Water Division revealed that the beneficiaries will pay the total cost of the fish cage on an easy installment plan.
In the first 10 months, Villa added, beneficiaries will pay 40% of the total cost, 30% will be paid in the next 6 months and the remaining 30% for the last 6 months.
80 beneficiaries availed of the 1-twin fish cage with net which cost P22,474, 21 for the 2-twin fish cage with net worth P33,723 and 10 for the 1-twin fish cage with frame only at P13,749.
The total project cost for the 132 fish cages, according to Villa, reached P3.3 million.
Mayor Antonio Fungan, who also attended the ceremony, likewise enjoined the cooperation of the beneficiaries in conserving and protecting the lake environment.
The awarding was highlighted with the presentation of Violeta Selebrado, President of the Lake Sebu Farmers and Fisherfolks Association of the Memorandum of Agreement to Governor Fuentes and Mayor Fungan.
