DAGUPAN CITY - The 37 pilot beneficiaries of the newly-organized Fisherfolk Enterpreneur Program of the city government are now ready to become independent producers of high value fishes after they have completed their pre-membership education seminar and organizational training.

During the seminars, Alan Zarate, who served as the resource person and facilitator of the said training, discussed about the organizational aspects of the cooperative, mechanics of the program implementation as well as “managing the fund” cooperative concept.

“We provided them the necessary inputs for the establishment and profitability of their business,” said Zarate as he assured that the Dagupeño fisherfolk from various island barangays are now fully prepared to start their new business venture as high value fish producers.

The program, conceptualized by Mayor Benjamin Lim and concretized by city agriculturist Emma Molina is seen to increase fish production and generate additional income for the poor fisherfolk in the city.

“Dagupan City is reputed as the Bangus Capital of the World. With this program, the city will truly be a Seafood Basket of the North by 2007,” said Lim as he referred to the marginalized fisherfolk as new entrepreneurs and producers.

Aside from bangus, Molina said that the fisherfolk beneficiaries will rear the high value fishes as malaga, apahap, talakitok, pampano and lapu-lapu in a fish pen that has  a dimension of 10 x 30 meters and these will be ready for harvest in four months. (CIO/Leziel T. Cayabyab)