P1.4 million set aside for mangrove rehab program

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) allotted P1.4 million for the mangrove rehabilitation and assistance of the fisher folks in Cordova who were affected by the oil spill.

The oil slick which resulted from the sinking of passenger ship MV St. Thomas Aquinas after it collided with MV Sulpicio Express Siete off Lawis Ledge, Talisay City has affected over 500 hectares of mangrove plantation and sea grasses in Cordova.

BFAR 7 Regional Director Andres Bojos said they started giving mangrove propagules last Wednesday afternoon to the fisher folks who could not go fishing because of the oil spill.

Bojos said they instructed these fisher folks to plant the propagules in plastic pots provided by BFAR 7.

BFAR also gave cash incentives for those who could plant the propagules and the fisher folks could get P6 for every alive mangrove.

Bojos said the mangrove propagules came from Bohol, Badian, Medellin and the City of Naga.

These mangrove rehabilitation activities are covered by the budget along with the food assistance that BFAR gave to the housewives of the fisher folks.

Aside from that, BFAR is also thinking of giving those who have motorized bancas gasoline allowance so that they can go fishing in areas not affected by the oil spill.  (FREEMAN)