Petron Foundation gives P3 million for SEAFDEC/AQD's project in Guimaras
Almost a year after the disaster that was the Petron Solar I oil spill off Guimaras, assistance is still pouring in.
In the presence of no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Petron Foundation Inc. and SEAFDEC/AQD signed an agreement to collaborate on a Pilot project on milkfish cage culture as livelihood option for affected Guimaras fisherfolk.
The signing took place June 13 in conjunction with the inauguration and turnover of the Petron Library Hub in San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.
Signatories to the agreement were AQD chief Joebert D. Toledo; and Petron Foundation Inc's chairman and CEO Nicasio Alcantara and its president Khalid Al-Faddagh.
Under the terms of the agreement, Petron Foundation will provide funds for the construction and operation of three fish cages for milkfish culture and one boat, which will cost around P3.059 million. Aside from this, a total of P168,000 has been earmarked for the allowance of a technician and feeders selected from the community. Moreover, around P300,000 was further allotted as logistical support to AQD for the training of feeders, technology transfer to beneficiaries, and for the management and supervision of the project.
AQD on its part will, among other things, provide an area in its Igang Marine Substation for the project; help source out beneficiaries and provide on-site training on the culture of milkfish in floating cages; and administer the technical, administrative and financial aspects of the project. AQD is expected to complete this endeavor within a twelve-month cycle from the agreement signing.
This venture is a good match for both institutions: on one hand, Petron Foundation is committed to provide assistance to rehabilitate the coastal resources of Guimaras and provide livelihood opportunities in aquaculture to the stakeholders affected by the oil spill. On the other, AQD has the science-based technologies, manpower resources and experience in organizing and implementing aquaculture and coastal resource management projects.
The collaboration is just one of the many assistance given to the island province after the August 11, 2006 oil spill.