DA intensifies aid to fishermen in ‘Yolanda’-devastated areas

MANILA, Philippines–Seven months after Super Typhoon Yolanda struck, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is continually providing material aid to fisherfolk in Eastern Visayas who bore the brunt of the tragedy.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala on Wednesday said the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has again deployed its multi-mission vessel to typhoon-ravaged areas to bring in fishing implements.

The vessel M/V DA-BFAR sailed to Tacloban City from the Navotas Fish Port Complex to deliver 19,000 units of gill nets, 7,500 line gears and 70 units of payao (fish aggregating device) and ropes.

Alcala said the latest sortie is still part of the government’s efforts through BFAR’s “Ahon! Rehabilitation Initiative.” “The DA is determined to optimize government interventions in various forms of assistance for the fisheries sector’s full recovery,” he said.

According to BFAR national director Asis G. Perez, more livelihood interventions will be undertaken before the year ends.

Perez said these include the completion of 5,000 units of fiberglass boats that will replace fisherfolk’s boats that were lost to Yolanda.

He said that in the seven months since the typhoon struck, 24,109 fishing boats have been built through the Ahon initiative—representing three quarters of its goal of 32,224 boats.

Also, 18,000 motor engines were also distributed aside from 56,970 units of gill nets and fishing gear.

Since November last year, the Ahon initiative has covered 1,098 coastal barangays in 102 towns in the affected regions.

Further, Perez said BFAR has disbursed an estimated P154.3 million to the local government units (LGUs) in the regions of Mimaropa, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas—all for the rehabilitation of fish and seaweed farming livelihoods.

He said the amount covered expenses for the enhancement of inland fisheries’ production, restoration of mariculture parks and establishment of seaweed nurseries.