Catbalogan, Samar (9 October) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 08 will soon award the last/final tranche to Barangay Bahay Farmers-Fishermen Cooperative (BAFFICO) the amount of P500,170.00 which is part of the P1.340M financial grant under the DOLE's Poverty-Free Zone Program.

In a letter signed by DOLE Regional Director Forter Pugoon, it said that the simple ceremony for issuing the fund is scheduled on October 24, 2006.

BAFFICO is engaged in mussel production, believed to be a sure-fire winner in the fight against poverty. The barangay is banking on the success of Jiabong Mussels Producers Cooperative a big money making venture that has truly helped poor farmers and fishermen in the area.

To recall, BAFFICO in Barangay Bahay, Tarangnan, Samar has been chosen to implement the government's thrust to conquer poverty. The Poverty-Free Zone aims to operationalize a convergence scheme of all programs and services of the DOLE, other government agencies, business and labor groups and the civil society to effectively assist and provide complete support to the Aksiyon ng Sambayanan Communities.

A year ago, a festive launching was held in Brgy. Bahay attended by stakeholders and leading government officials led by Samar Governor Milagrosa Tan and Tarangnan Mayor Emmely Olaje.

In July, BAFFICO President Edgar Solayao declared in a round table discussion with implementation that some three thousand bamboo poles have been posted for mussel production in a 36-hectare mussel farm.

They have also been trained with processing of mussels for added value. DOLE Catbalogan Field Office has also informed PIA that BAFFICO has been producing these days and has even joined the Bahandi Trade Fair in MegaMall, Metro Manila.

Barangay Chairperson Norma Dulay has also committed to allocate some 20% of the barangay development fund for the completion for concreting the stairways path going to Barangay Bahay.