As part of the 118th Navotas Day celebration, the city government of Navotas awarded the Top 10 Most Outstanding Fisherfolk during the annual Araw ng Mangingisda.
Orlando Dela Cruz from Barangay Tangos South was hailed as the Most Outstanding Fisherfolk. He and the other awardees received a plaque of recognition, cash prizes, and NavotaAs Ulirang Pamilyang Mangingisda Scholarship grants for one of their family members.
To qualify for the Top 10 Fisherfolk, they must be registered Navoteño fisherfolk nominated by their respective barangay and barangay fisheries and aquatic resources management council chairperson, upstanding citizens of their community, without pending or ongoing cases or conviction of any crimes, and must have created milestones that are worthy of emulation and inspiration of their fellow fisherfolk.
Among the nominees were Rowena Faina from Brgy. Tangos South; Hilario Encierto Jr., Brgy. Navotas West; Efren Abad, Brgy. Tangos North; Corazon Bayrante, Brgy. Tanza 1; and Joseph Barlan, Brgy. Navotas West.
Also awarded were Teotico Taruc from Brgy. Tanza 2; Angelina Abad, Brgy. Tangos North; Patricio Manzano, Brgy. Tangos South; and Analyn Letegio, Brgy. Tanza 2.
Meanwhile, Navotas also awarded fiberglass boats and fishing gears to 20 registered Navoteño fisherfolk through the NavoBangkabuhayan program.
The fiberglass boats were equipped with 16-horsepower marine engine, as well as fishing equipment which includes underwater fittings. The beneficiaries also received fishing nets, ropes, and buoys.
NavoBangkabuhayan was an initiative launched in 2018 to help the local fisherfolk gain access to sustainable livelihood by having their own fishing boats.
“Fisheries is the pillar of our city. Navotas would not have reached its current success if not for its hardworking fisherfolk,” Mayor John Rey Tiangco said.
Aside from the recognition of the outstanding fisherfolk and NavoBangka turnover, Araw ng Mangingisda also featured competitions in boat racing and net mending.