Manila: Government and non-government organisations (NGOs) have launched a programme to provide boats to fishermen affected by typhoon Haiyan in Philippines.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has launched ‘Ahon! Sampung Libong Bangka para sa Dalawampung Libong Pamilya’ (recover, 10,000 boats for 20,000 families) initiative aims to build 10,000 fishing boats or ‘bancas’ in Tagalog, within three months for 20,000 fishing families in the Visayas.
Haiyan hit the country on November 8. Powerful winds and storm devastated communities in several central provinces of the archipelago.
“Thousands of boats and fishing equipment have been lost to ‘Yolanda’ [as Haiyan is referred to locally]. Our main concern now is to help our fisherfolk get back to their livelihood,” BFRA director Asis Perez said.
The bureau has already allocated P50m (Dh4.15m) for building boats. Most of it will be spent on building 3,000 boats initially, while the rest will be used to make 350 payao (floating artificial reed), which will be installed in the fishing areas, he said.
The bureau has sought the support of government agencies, NGOs, private sector and individual volunteers to help achieve its goal.
“We are very happy with the influx of support the public is coursing through us. We have already been receiving pledges of commitment for this initiative. They are most welcome to join us,” Perez said.
In Negros, an island in Central Philippines, a similar initiative by an NGO has been initiated just after the typhoon struck.
The Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation (NVC) said about 9,500 fishermen lost their boats in the province.
The NVC said some many people have lost their family members while others have no roof to protect themselves. It has initiated the Peter Project to garner private sector help to rebuild boats.
“The Peter Project started off as an initiative to provide motorised fishing boats. It is named after St Peter the Apostle, who was a fisherman,” the NVC said. A typical wooden outrigger costs around P20,000 ($1,662) to construct, it added.
“P20,000 provides a fisherman with a motorised banca fitted with outriggers. A portion of the donation also goes to environment conservation training for fishermen,” the NVC said.
According the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 6,057 people dead in nine regions of the country with 1,779 still missing more than a month after the storm.
