Fishermen get ‘kikay’ livelihood kits

HAGONOY, Philippines – Why would fishermen need livelihood kits containing manicure sets?

Residents in the coastal town of Masantol in Pampanga are asking this question after learning that a government livelihood program implemented in February 2010 supposedly released the livelihood kits to 200 fishermen.

“It’s too much of an insult when they say manicure sets were given to 200 men here in Masantol, when we’re all fishermen here,” Bajun Lacap said in an interview with Radyo Bulacan on Wednesday.

“When my town mates see me, they ask if I’ll do home service,” he noted in jest.

Lacap, former Masantol vice mayor, said they were only informed about the “mysterious” project when representatives from the Office of the Ombudsman came to investigate.

However, he said these Ombudsman personnel neither disclosed the source of funds for the project nor the implementing agency.

Lacap said the project is anomalous considering that their signatures were forged and even the dead, including his brother who passed away in 2009, were among those listed as beneficiaries.

Masantol residents learned that each beneficiary supposedly received manicure and pedicure sets, training videos and training workshop amounting to P2,000.

Bernardo Guevarra, president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in Masantol, said they would need livelihood projects that would suit their needs.

“Almost all of us are fishermen here and they would give us kikay kits,” he said.

Target of scams

Lacap said their town appears to be a target of scams.

He recalled that when he was mayor in 2009, they were also informed that the town received funds from the Malampaya gas project.