Senator Cynthia Villar, together with representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), led a livelihood and clean-up caravan in Tondo. The activity is part of her commitment to provide Filipinos livelihood opportunities to help improve their lives and contribute to the country’s economy.
“By giving them means to earn a living, we are affording them the opportunity to be able to change their lives for the better. If they want to get out of poverty, they must work hard to realize this goal,” said Senator Villar.
Villar and BFAR representatives joined community members in harvesting tilapia from the fishpond provided by the agency. BFAR representatives also conducted a demonstration on how to smoke fish using the equipment provided by the agency. To complete this package of assistance, the veteran legislator turned over 10 trike bicycles to members of Care for Women Organization to help entrepreneurs move their products to the market.
In coordination with DENR, the seasoned lawmaker also handed out seedlings of fruit-bearing trees like guyabano, rambutan and kalamansi, as well as vegetables seedlings like tomato and eggplant. They were given to the community groups present during the caravan including the Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran ng Baseco Manila, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) and the beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare 4Ps in Barangay 649, Gasangan, Baseco. In addition, the lady senator distributed organic fertilizer to help ensure a productive yield for the communities.
As chair of the Senate Committees in Agriculture and Food and Environment and Natural Resources, Villar continues to pursue legislation and activities to support the government’s goal of poverty alleviation. In Baseco and other parts of the country, she continues to organize livelihood and clean-up activities to engage communities and empower them to improve the quality of their lives.