Shortage of fish, chicken, eggs looms in Negros Occidental

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – A shortage of fish, chicken and eggs looms in Negros Occidental following the destruction left by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said fish may soon be scarce as many fishermen, especially in northern Negros, have lost their boats to the monster storm.

Marañon said most fishponds were also destroyed by the typhoon and it would take a few months for the aquaculture sector to get back on its feet.

Provincial veterinarian Renante Decena said Negros Occidental is also expected to face a shortage of poultry products as the typhoon heavily devastated Bantayan Island in Cebu where the province sourced 50 percent of its egg and chicken supplies.

In a final report, the provincial agriculturist’s office said Yolanda damaged P274.5 million worth of palay, corn and high-value crops as well as losses in the fisheries sector in Negros Occidental.

Meanwhile, Marañon said the best way to be prepared for calamities is by “redesigning” buildings and houses.

Marañon said he plans to build typhoon-resistant buildings in the province that can be used as schoolhouses, health clinics and daycare centers, and be converted into evacuation centers during calamities.

“It should be typhoon-proof and dome-like,” he added.

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