Fisherfolks receive 15 motorized bancas from energy firm

CEBU, Philippines — At least 15 motorized bancas made out of fiberglass were given to the local fisherfolks of Toledo City Cebu on Thursday.

The bancas were turned over by the Therma Visayas Inc., a subsidiary company of Aboitiz Power, intended for the local fishermen whose livelihood have been affected by typhoon Odette in December last year.

The project is part of the livelihood recovery project of the TVI to its host and impact communities, according to Toledo City Public Information Office.

Ginger Tanchi, the vice president for corporate services for the AboitizPower Coal Business Unit, said their company is committed to help the community where they operate.

Noel Cabahug, the TVI facility head, said they are in great gratitude for the support they received from the local government unit of Toledo City. Cabahug assured the city they will be a long term partner in sustainable development.

Mayor Marjorie Perales, the local chief executive, thanked the company for supporting the city and its constituents.

The turnover was in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation Inc., Toledo City Agriculture Department through Bantay Dagat, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 7 and Toledo United Farmers, Fisherfolks, Women and Men Workers (TUFFWOW) Inc.

Officials of Toledo City and Aboitiz Power and Barangay Captain Gerardo Lazarte were present during the said ceremony. — GMR (FREEMAN)