BFAR, Aklan gov’t distribute fishing boat equipments to Yolanda-hit areas

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

To help rebuild the livelihood of fisherfolks in Aklan, brand new fishing boat equipments were distributed on Thursday at ABL Sports and Cultural Center in Kalibo, Aklan.

A fisherman starts to repair his motor banca after Typhoon Yolanda
hit the coastal-areas in the province of Aklan last November 8.
 / PHOTO BY BOY RYAN ZABAL

Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores joined Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) officials in awarding to 110 fisherfolk-beneficiaries in 11 coastal towns in Aklan the motor engines, marine plywood, marine adhesives and other accessories to replace or repair their damaged motor bancas.

Provincial Agriculturist William Castillo and BFAR regional  office  6 National Stock Assessment Program project leader Mr. May Guanco also graced the distribution of fishing equipments.  

The BFAR-support under its project Ahon! is expected to benefit the fisherfolk-families in typhoon-hit coastal communities in Aklan.

The fishermen, who lost their motor boats to Typhoon Yolanda, will provide the labor as their counterpart to build their boats.  

Barely four months ago, the coastal areas of Buruanga, Tangalan, Ibajay, New Washington, Nabas, Kalibo, Buruanga, Malay, Batan, Numancia and Altavas and the affected fishermen have been severely hit by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

President Benigno S. Aquino III earlier had instructed Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) to help the fishery sector in calamity-stricken coastal towns in the Visayas.

At least 147,000 fishermen and 21 of 72 provinces in the entire Visayas were affected by the storm.