FISH BE WITH U: UnionBank Volunteers Equip Fishing Community with Upgraded Gear
By: Martina Lucero
Last December 9, 2023, UnionBank volunteers from the BCM-Luzon South Puerto Princesa Branch spearheaded a heartwarming GoBeyond Communities initiative for a fishing community, titled “FISH BE WITH U”. This aimed to equip small-scale fishermen from Brgy. Tagburos with proper gear to enhance their fishing capabilities and boost their household income.
The beneficiaries were chosen as they are highly reliant on fishing as their primary source of income. Hence, volunteers focused on providing the fishermen with upgraded tools for their trade. They were given new flashlights, goggles, and spearguns. They were also given new fishing gears designed to catch fish weighing between 10 to 30 kilograms, ensuring better yields and improved market prices.
To launch the initiative, a short program was organized, featuring representatives from the 4th Air Reserve Center of the Philippine Air Force. Sgt. Jomar Biscocho worked with locals to produce handmade spearguns. Under the guidance of Col. Eulogio Nabua (GSC) PAF, the officers and staff of the 4th ARCEN ensured the safety of all involved during the distribution of donated equipment.
Grateful for the support, one of the fishermen expressed his gratitude, stating, “May magagamit na ako na maayos na flashlight at goggles sa pangingisda, hindi na yung improvised lang na PVC pipe. Kapag nakahuli po kami, bibigyan po namin kayo. Pasasalamat na din po sa binigay n’yo sa amin.“
Truly, it is the smiles and heartfelt gratitude that drive UnionBankers to continue their commitment to initiatives like GBC, inspiring hope and fostering positive change in underserved communities.