BONGABONG, Oriental Mindoro — The local government unit (LGU) of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, distributed approximately 40,000 catfish fingerlings to registered fisherfolk from various barangays on Tuesday, as part of an initiative to boost the local fishing industry.

Bongabong Mayor Elgin Malaluan, alongside Vice Mayor Totoy Candelario and town councilors Mike Malaluan and Jayson Barcelona, spearheaded the program.

The distribution was carried out through the Municipal Agriculture Office, led by Municipal Agriculturist Gary Louie Sapinit and A.T. Fisheries official Demetrio Castro.

The fingerling distribution is part of a broader effort to enhance the livelihood of local fisherfolk and develop the fishing sector in the area. The program aims to increase the income of fishermen through catfish breeding and sales.

In addition to receiving fingerlings, beneficiaries underwent training to ensure proper catfish care and cultivation. The local government expects this initiative to position Bongabong as a primary catfish production center in the province, potentially supplying both local and neighboring markets.

LGU officials hope the initiative will create new opportunities for fisherfolk while contributing to the overall development of Bongabong’s aquaculture sector.

Bongabong LGU’s initiative aligns with broader provincial efforts to enhance food security and promote sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities across Oriental Mindoro, Mayor Malaluan said.