By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
KALIBO, Aklan — Typhoon-affected fisherfolk from Batan and New Washington towns received brand new fishing boat engines, fishing gears, and cash from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Batan and New Washington were among the six BFAR-identified towns with fishing villages heavily affected by super typhoon “Yolanda.” Others were Kalibo, Numancia, Makato, and Ibajay.
“Since March BFAR provided materials such as marine plywood, marine epoxy, copper nails, and paint to repair the damaged fishing boats,” BFAR provincial director Mae Guanco.
Guanco said the livelihood assistance is part of the agency’s AHON project to help fishermen recover from the devastation caused by the super typhoon.
Eighty-two brand new 5.5 horsepower, 7.5 horsepower, and 12 horsepower boat engines were given to fisherfolk-beneficiaries in Batan.
Fishing gears for 521 fishermen with motorized and non-motorized bancas were also distributed.
About 441 fishermen also received P453,700 cash.
According to Guanco, AHON project is a government-private sector rehabilitation initiative involving four Ps: public-private-people participation.
It aims to restore repairable boats and gears, replace completely ravaged boats and gears, and provide support mechanism to improve productivity in 21 of 72 provinces in Visayas with fishing communities severely devastated by “Yolanda.” (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
