Banca ni DV project turns over 20 to augment fishermen’s livelihood in Lian, Batangas

Businessman Dexter Villamin, owner and CEO of DV Boer Farm International Corporation, turned over 20 bancas to the fishermen in Lian, Batangas. Recipients of Banca ni DV will have the bancas, with 7.5 horse power, measure 20 x 27 inches and equipped with two life vests, dash camera, paddle, net (lambat pangawil), cooler, compass and flashlight.

The formal turnover ceremony held at Matabungkay Beach Hotel, November 23, 2018 was attended by AFP, PAF and DSWD officials along with media attendees, mostly from national dailies and news networks.

Pastry Chef turned farming mogul Dexter 'Dex' Villamin through his company DV Boer Farm International Corporation donated turns over 20 to augment fishermen’s livelihood in Lian, Batangas, together with partners in the newly launched Oplan Pamamalakaya initiative such as LTC Engelberto A. Nioda Jr., BGEN Edward Libago, ASEC Jose Antonio Hernandez of DSWD and Magsasaka Inc’s Ariel Camarillo, Congresswoman Eileen Ermita-Buhain and Atty. Argel Joseph Cabatbat.

The bancas, produced by workers from Barangay Hukay in Calatagan, are part of a total of 50 “Banca ni DV” to be distributed in Lian, Batangas in line with Oplan Pamamalakaya. The other 30 will be given out soon to fishermen residing in Brgy. San Diego.

Recipients of Banca ni DV are former NPA rebels who have turned to fishing for livelihood. The bancas, with 7.5 horsepower, measures 20x27 inches and is equipped with two life vests, dash camera, paddle, net (lambat pangawil), cooler, compass and flashlight.

An orientation seminar last Nov. 12, attended by around 30 of the fishermen-recipients was held where DV (Dexter Villamin) shared his advocacy on providing livelihood for fishermen and farmers. This project is being undertaken by the Special Project Department of DV Boer Farm International Corporation in cooperation with banca workers headed by G. Narciso Aleroza and Rolando Gomez.

Oplan Pamamalakaya is primarily intended to offer profitable and sustainable livelihood opportunities for members of MAGSASAKA Inc., a legitimate non-governmental organization (NGO) whose main purpose is to contribute to the country’s overall agricultural progress and development not only in terms of livestock farming but crop productions and fisheries as well.

LTC Engelberto A. Nioda Jr.

"Oplan Pamamalakaya shall serve as a model for both national and local government to replicate it on a nationwide scale if only to ensure enough supply of cheaper fish and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for many of the country’s fishermen," said Lt. Col. Nioda.

Dexter Villamin

"It has been my dream to help the fishermen and farmers in Batangas where I was born. I want them to dream big just like what I did. If I can be successful, they too can,” said Dexter, who also hosts a show on PTV-4 titled “Magsasaka TV.” 

Also known as “The People’s Farm” DV Boer is fast becoming the foundation of modern farming in the country. To know more about DV Boer Farm, visit their website at www.dvboerfarm.com