ILOILO City – To address hunger as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic rages, 54,000 kilos of frozen fish from the national government and Office of Civil Defense were handed over to the Liga ng mga Barangay federation president and district presidents by Cong. Julienne “Jam-jam” Baronda for distribution to low-income households in the city.
“Fish is affordable and is a good source of protein and other nutrients. But because of the closure of our fish port and markets due to the spike in COVID-19 cases, access to fish has been difficult,” Baronda said.
She added, “This effort aims to provide nourishment to our fellow Ilonggos who need it the most while we wait for supplies to normalize.”
Homemaker Linda Guarin, a 64-year-old resident of Barangay Alalasan, Lapuz district, was a beneficiary of the distributed fish. She shared the how this pandemic strained their finances.
“Tama ka pigado. Kis-a wala inug kaon, utan lang. Galing mahal man ang utan,” said Guarin.
She went on to express her thanks to Baronda for facilitating the donation.
“Salamat sa isda, Cong. Jam-Jam Baronda kay dako gid ‘ni nga bulig para sa amon. Asta subong wala gid may ginabaligya diri nga isda. Salamat gid kay may pagkaon sa amon lamisa,” said Guarin.
Councilor Irene Ong, president of Liga ng mga Baragay-Iloilo City, likewise stated that this undertaking is of significant benefit to the people.
“Dako ini nga bulig sa mga pumuluyo sang syudad ang isda. May pangsud-an na sa matag adlaw,” she said.
Baronda, in a statement, extended her thanks to Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, Regional Director Evelyn Macapobre of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Regional Director Roberto Nuñez of the Office of Civil Defense, Mayor Jerry Treñas, Councilor Ong, Liga ng mga Barangay district presidents, punong barangays, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for supporting the endeavor.
To maintain the quality of the fish produce, blast chilling or blast freezing was used.
Fist port authorities say this technology keeps the freshness of fish products, prevents bacteria growth and prevents nutrient deterioration.
Two refrigerated vans were used to transport the shipment yesterday./PN
