Through the leadership of Jaime Sabillo, the Alcantara Fisherfolk Association has established a nursery where they grow mangrove propagules for their mangrove-planting project. (Contributed)
The Alcantara Fisherfolk Association (AFA) headed by Jaime Sabillo implemented their first project called the Boardwalk to showcase the different species of mangroves, birds and turtles, among others, in Barangay Poblacion, Alcantara town, southwest Cebu.
Sabillo and 20 other fishermen decided to create the project to empower the coastal communities of Barangays Palanas, Poblacion and Polo to be protectors of the environment.
Since its opening in 2010, tourists started to flock to the place. Sabillo said the entrance fees have provided income to the members and funds to the association.
The project was patterned after the Boardwalk in Tudela town.
“Nakatabang gyud nga nibisita mi [sa Tudela] kay didto mi nagsugod og paningkamot (Our visit to Tudela encouraged us to start the project),” Sabillo said.
Volunteers helped in the construction of the Boardwalk as “we didn’t have enough funds to pay for the carpenters and laborers,” Sabillo said.
Through the help of the local government, we were able to buy some materials, he added.
“Abi gani nako og dili mahuman. Nalipay lang gyud mi kay nitabang pud ang ubang mga tawo (I thought the project would not be completed. We were grateful that other people helped us),” Sabillo said.
Of all the fisherfolk associations in Alcantara, AFA is the most successful in terms of project implementation.
Aside from maintaining the Boardwalk, AFA also does regular mangrove reforestation.
Last year, AFA partnered with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. for the project.
The group also has a mangrove nursery that serves as windbreaker along the coastline of Barangay Palanas.
Currently, AFA is repairing the Boardwalk, including its footpaths. The Boardwalk is targeted to reopen late this year.
Sabillo said they are planning to venture into the catering business because the association has big ponds with abundant supplies of milkfish and crabs for their seafood menu.
He said he is contented with what he is doing for their place.
Aside from being head of AFA, Sabillo is also barangay treasurer of Palanas and a municipal peace warden.
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