Fisherfolk get livelihood

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7 has started providing livelihood projects to the housewives of fishermen affected by the oil spill in Cordova town, Cebu.

The fisheries livelihood project —in the form of selling tempura, fish balls and squid balls— was given to 110 identified households or 10 households for each of the 11 affected barangays in the municipality.

BFAR provided a kilo of processed fishery products, cooking oil and sticks for them to start a small business.

The 10 households were assessed by BFAR personnel who went to the site to see those who really are in need. The said project cost BFAR P750 per household.

Last Aug. 16, 2013 the MV St. Thomas Aquinas of the 2GO Group Inc. sank after it was hit by another ship. At least 140,000 liters of oil has spilled from the sunken vessel with Cordova getting the worst of it.

BFAR Regional Director Andres Bojos was among the first to assess the damage caused by the oil spill. He composed a team led by provincial fishery officer Edgardo Delfin to give assistance to the affected fishermen.

BFAR-7 has spent P1.4 million in projects and livelihood assistance to the fisherfolks and their families.   (FREEMAN)