Pascual highlights local support, fisheries ordinance at APOO anniversary

City Councilor Juancho R. Pascual underscored the importance of sustained local government support, community participation, and interagency cooperation in advancing Cagayan de Oro’s agriculture and fisheries sectors during the 65th founding anniversary of the City Agricultural Productivity Operations Office (APOO), on October 16.

Pascual, chairperson of the City Council’s committee on agriculture, fisheries and aquatic resources, attributed the sector’s achievements to local government support, active participation from farmers and fisherfolk, and collaboration among partner agencies.

He also cited the approval of the Comprehensive Coastal and Fishery Resources Management Ordinance after more than two decades of efforts, describing it as a significant milestone in protecting the city’s coastal and fishery resources and sustaining the livelihoods of fishing communities.

Meanwhile, City Agriculturist Engr. Bernie A. Daba Jr. reaffirmed APOO’s commitment to providing efficient, quality services to local farmers and fisherfolk.

As part of the anniversary celebration, APOO distributed agricultural equipment and inputs to farmer-beneficiaries, including plastic drums, ube plantlets, 11,000 mushroom fruiting bags, high-density polyethylene pipes, and solar-powered water pumps.

The celebration was attended by members of the 21st City Council, including Councilors Gigi Go and Christopher George Goking, representatives of farmers’ and fisherfolk’s cooperatives and associations, city government officials, and national government partner agencies. (PGU/SP)