DAVAO CITY — To support the fisherfolks and to sustain the marine protection of Davao de Oro province, the Therma Marine Inc (TMI), a subsidiary of AboitizPower Foundation (AFI) recently donated 100 livelihood packages to the residents of two fishing communities in the coastal area of Maco town in the province of Davao de Oro.
Residents of Barangays San Roque and San Juan received fishing nets, diving goggles, nylon, and other fishing supplies and equipment from the company which will help them in their effort to increase their production and generate additional income for their families.
“We are thankful to Therma Marine for the donation. This will really help us with our day-to-day expenses. We will protect the environment, too, as much as we can,” said Wilfredo Vegafria, head of the San Roque fisherfolk.
The new fishing materials benefit almost 100 fisherfolk whose only source of income comes from the sea.
“TMI has become an integral part of Barangay San Roque for over 12 years now. I am happy to say that we have been partners for many projects that were not only beneficial for our community, but also promote the common good,” said San Roque Brgy. Chairman Mario Sapilan.
As custodians of the sea, it is important for the fisherfolk to have proper fishing equipment to help them exercise and maintain sustainable fishing practices.
Aside from providing livelihood assistance, TMI and AFI also donated two buoys to the municipality of Maco.The buoys are placed to ensure that no harmful human activity takes place within the municipality’s Marine Protected Area which measures around five hectares.
Marine protected areas are spaces where human activities are constantly monitored and regulated for species conservation and natural resource management.
“We are happy to receive items that protect our environment here in Maco. We will make sure that we continue to do our part for our marine environment,” said Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office HeadAllan Olaguer.
Therma Marine, Inc. operates two 100-MW oil-fired power barges in Maco, Davao de Oro (Mobile 1) and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte (Mobile 2).
