ILOILO CITY, Philippines (PNA) – Seventy-two fishermen received on Thursday a total of P864,000 financial assistance, or P12,000 each, for them to start an alternative livelihood following the voluntary removal of their fish pens at the Iloilo River.

Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III and city administrator Norlito Bautista distributed the cash aid to the beneficiaries at the city hall.

The P10,000 each came from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Ilonggo Sen. Franklin Drilon who committed to strongly support the river rehabilitation. An additional P2,000 each was provided by the city government.

There were 30 recipients from Sooc, Arevalo; 28 from South San Jose Molo; 11 from Navais, Mandurriao; and three from San Pedro, Molo.

Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who is abroad, initiated the clearing of Iloilo River of illegal structures in an effort to bring back its glory through the implementation of conservation initiatives and development projects.

Acting City Agriculturist Geraldine Hautea said the assistance was released to the beneficiaries after they volunteered to remove their fishpens, after they were found to contribute to siltation in the waterway.

She noted the fisherfolk’s plan to venture into sari-sari store, fish vending or plying pedicabs as their alternative means of living.

“They can still go fishing provided they utilize different gears which are not stationed or permanent structures in the river. They should not use fine nets,” Hautea said.