Sunday, March 16, 2008 [ sunstar.com.ph ]
By Bong Garcia
[ Basilan ] THE local government of Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province, through its agriculture office is establishing a coconut-based project integrated with coffee, fishpond, and hatchery demo farms in two of the city's 45 villages.
Isabela City agriculturist Gina Alberto said the two projects would be established with the assistance from the regional offices of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Alberto said a government-owned fishpond located in the coastal village of Tabiawan is being developed to serve as the fishery demo farm.
She said bangus fingerlings and hybrid tilapia could be stocked at the demo farm, which will serve as the center or source of fingerlings for Isabela City fishpond owners in the future.
The women's association in the village of Balamban has signified interest to avail of the coconut-based project integrated with coffee in their locality, according to Alberto.
She said the City Government of Isabela is all out in supporting the fisher and agriculture programs to help the farmers and fisherfolks cope up with the current economic situation and generate jobs.
Alberto said they are activating and retraining all existing women's association in Isabela City to make them responsive to the development of their respective villages and ultimately help increase the family's income.
Isabela City Mayor Cherilyn Akbar is encouraging the farmers and fisherfolks to take advantage of the free training on farming, fishing and for livelihood program available.
Alberto said the top regional officials of DA and BFAR have assured to provide them the needed assistance like inputs and technical assistance.
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