INTEGRATED energy company Semirara Mining and Power Corporation, with its commitment to support the livelihood of its host communities, turned over fishing supplies and solar kits to 75 fisherfolks from barangays Semirara, Alegria and Tinogboc in Semirara Island, Caluya, Antique.
Each fisherman received fishing nets, nylons, pamato (sinkers) and pamataw (rubber floats), and a solar kit which contained a solar panel, high-capacity battery, and LED bulbs. Prior to obtaining fishing implements, each of the beneficiaries had also received a fiberglass boat from the company.
The fishing supplies were distributed during a turnover ceremony held at the SMPC gym in Barangay Semirara. Also present were Romeo Malixi and Modesta Pionello, barangay captains of Alegria and Tinogboc, respectively.
With fishing as the main source of income on the island, this livelihood boost proves to be a major advantage since it would reduce costs on fishing tools purchase or rental. In addition, the solar kits would allow the fishermen to be out in the sea during nighttime or dawn to generate a bigger catch.
Expressing his gratitude to the company, Malixi remarked, “Nagpapasalamat tayo sa SMPC dahil tayo ay patuloy na nabibiyayaan. Kaya pagbutihin natin ang ating ginagawa at nang ma-ipakita natin sa kanila na ang ibinigay nila sa inyo ay malaking tulong (We are thankful to SMPC for continuing to bless us. That’s why we need to work hard to show to them that their support is a huge help).”
Additionally, Dennis Brabonga, one of the beneficiaries from Alegria, stated, “Malaking pasalamat po namin sa SMPC dahil hindi lang kami nabigyan ng fiberglass banca, kundi pati na rin ng mga lambat, solar kits, mga gamit sa pangingisda. Dahil dito, may panghanap-buhay na kami sa araw-araw (We are very thankful to SMPC for giving us not only the fiberglass boats, but also fishing nets, solar kits, and other fishing supplies. Because of this, we now have a source of daily income).”
Aside from the support to local fishing, throughout the years the company had also provided livelihood assistance to other sectors in Semirara Island such as sewing and dressmaking to women’s organizations and concrete hollow blocks production to other island residents./PN
