Therma South Inc. (TSI), a subsidiary of AboitizPower, turned over seven fishing boats to the fishermen of Barangay Binugao in Toril, Davao City last October 27, 2016, in a bid to support the community's livelihood aspirations.
The donation of fishing boats is the second component of the Community-based Fisheries Livelihood Assistance Project, which was born out of a collaboration between TSI and the barangay officials of Barangay Binugao during the joint barangay annual planning held last 2015.
“This project aims to support the barangay’s livelihood program intended for the fishing communities of Barangay Binugao in Toril, Davao City. As fishing remains to be one of the main sources of livelihood for our host community, TSI and the barangay council devised a way to help increase our fisherfolk’s income by doing what they know best: fishing,” said Jason C. Magnaye, TSI CSR, and Corporate Communications Manager.
The donation consists of 6 units non-motorized fishing boats, 1 motorized fishing boat, and 5 fishing nets to be shared among the members of the fishing communities in Binugao.
Magnaye said aside from the donated assets, TSI also implemented last month the first project component of the livelihood assistance program which is a series of training to help ensure the safety of the fishermen at sea.
“This project is a continued demonstration of TSI’s sincere commitment to help uplift the living conditions of the communities where it operates. Aside from the aim to help improve the lives of the Binugao Fishermen, this project also seeks to promote responsible fishing,” said Engr. Valentin S. Saludes III, TSI Plant Manager.
For his part, Binugao Punong Barangay Antonio Saniel said the donation of the fishing boats and the training will definitely help the local fishermen improve their incomes.
“To our fishermen please take care of the donated items just like how you take care of your family. Also, through these donations, let us help one another in taking care of our seas,” he said.
