Press Release

BFAR-7 AIDS 1.4M TO FISHERFOLK AFFECTED BY OIL SPILL

It was on a fatal night of August 16, 2013 when two vessels collided at Lawis Ledge in Talisay City, Cebu. The sunken M/V St. Thomas Aquinas of 2GO Group Inc. contained at least 140,000 liters of oil which caused the spill in Cordova, Cebu.

Regional Director Andres M. Bojos of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 7 (BFAR-7) was among the first to assess the damage caused by the oil spill. He created a team led by the provincial fishery officer, Mr. Edgardo Delfin. RD Bojos ordered to provide assistance to the affected fishermen. BFAR 7 spared 1.4 M in project and livelihood assistance to the fisherfolk and their families. The bureau committed over 30 hectares worth of mangrove-potted propagules in seven severely affected barangays benefitting more than 300 households. The fishermen will take care of the seedlings in preparation for the enhancement of the damaged mangrove sites. Each propagule will cost BFAR a minimum of Php 5.00 as explained by Mrs. Ionne Elena Villagonzalo, BFAR 7 Chief, Finance and Administrative Division.

The other project for the immediate support to the fisherfolk and his family was the nine (9) liters of gasoline in a week’s time. This assistance was to be given to about 300 fishermen with registered motorized boats with the LGU.

The third aid was the fisheries livelihood project with one hundred ten (110) identified households in ten (10) affected barangays. This assistance was focused to the gleaners and the wives of the fishermen. Selling of tempura, fish balls and squid balls helped them start the small business to support their daily sustenance. The officeprovided the processed fishery products including the cooking oil and other ingredients for the sauce.

BFAR 7 is continually underway for more assistance to the fisherfolk of Central Visayas.

Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Regional Office No. 7
Arellano Blvd., Cebu City
Website: www.bfar.da.gov.ph