Fishermen in the coastal town of Masantol have received a significant boost to their livelihood through a joint initiative of a national agency and the local government.
Fuel Subsidy and Gear Distributed to Beneficiaries
On December 7, 2025, a total of 167 registered fisherfolk from various barangays in Masantol became beneficiaries of direct assistance. Each recipient was granted a ₱3,000 fuel subsidy, which was facilitated and distributed by the Municipal Agriculture Office. This cash aid is designed to help offset the rising operational costs of fishing.
Fiberglass Boats, Engines, and Fishing Nets Provided
Beyond the financial support, the program also provided substantial equipment to enhance fishing capacity and safety. The distribution included:
- 10 units of fiberglass boats complete with motor engines.
- 3 standalone motor engines for boat upgrades or replacements.
- 8 sets of essential boat repair materials.
- 21 gillnets, a crucial tool for sustainable fishing.
This equipment package is aimed at modernizing local fishing operations and improving catch efficiency.
Strengthening Masantol's Fisheries Sector
Masantol Mayor Danilo Guintu personally oversaw the distribution and expressed his gratitude to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for extending the vital assistance to his constituents. The mayor emphasized that the aid is strategically aimed at strengthening the municipality's fisheries sector, a core component of the local economy and food security.
Guintu also gave assurances to the residents of Masantol, stating his administration's commitment to continue working to provide similar support programs. He highlighted that this effort is part of a broader vision to aid not just the agriculture and fisheries sectors, but to uplift all residents of the town.
The collaborative project between BFAR and the Masantol Local Government Unit (LGU) marks a concrete step towards sustaining the livelihoods of local fisherfolk and investing in the community's primary industries.
