EU backs marine protection, finances alternative livelihood for antique fishermen

KALIBO, AKLAN — The European Union (EU) is supporting the protection of marine life in the northern part of Antique province by funding alternative livelihood for fishermen and their families, according to PIA-6.

Sebaste town Mayor Juanita Dela Cruz, president of the Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi (LIPASECU) Baywide Management Council, said the EU recently turned over checks to fisherfolks and cooperatives in Antique during the Philippines Ocean Month Celebration themed, “Buhay Dagat, Buhay Natin” (Ocean Life, Our Life).

Also present in the turnover were Antique Vice Governor Rosie Dimamay, forester Dennis Penosa, chief of the Coastal Marine Management of the DENRWestern Visayas, Antique Environment and Natural Resource officer Ildefonso Tulliva; and other local officials.

“The turn-over was personally attended by Eric Galvin, program manager of the operation section for the delegation of the EU to the Philippines,” Dela Cruz said.

The checks given to fisherfolks and cooperatives were start-up capital for alternative livelihood projects to support the council’s food security and poverty alleviation efforts.

For years, the fishermen of LIPASECU faced challenges such as dynamite fishing, which had caused the dwindling of fish catch in the four towns.

Lorna Angor, LIPASECU executive director, said the EU had been helping them with funding as well as technical expertise and training.

LIPASECU was formalized in 1997 through a MOA in response to various issues and problems involving conservation and proper utilization of Pandan Bay, which is the common resource base of the four towns.