BFAR to fisherfolks: Register to get aid

CEBU, Philippines —  The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-7 has called on fisherfolks to register so that they can be accounted for in the Fisherfolk Registration System and for them to be able to avail of the post-disaster livelihood projects and insurance programs.

BFAR-7 Regional Director Dr. Allan Poquita reiterated this advisory as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) has raised an alert on possible occurrence of La Nin~a by yearend.  La Niña is a weather phenomenon commonly brings excessive rains and causes the development of weather disturbances.

“We have to be proactive to avoid possible damage or loss. It would be a risk to experience such, especially at a time of a pandemic. As early as now, it is better if they (fisherfolks) would register themselves,” said Poquita, in a statement.

As of October 2, the number of registered fisherfolks in Central Visayas has reached 153,009.  Of that number, Cebu has 70,886; Bohol has 59,013; Negros Oriental has 19,458; and Siquijor has 3,652.

The agency has continued to encourage fishermen to register by visiting their respective City or Municipal Agriculture Office of the local government unit or the Provincial Fishery Offices of BFAR so that they can be listed under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

The fisherfolks in Central Visayas are also urged to register their fishing gear and boats or vessels at the same time in preparation for any eventuality and to keep their livelihood safe from the damaging impacts of natural disasters.

Among the importance of the registration includes prioritization of those registered fisherfolks in the relief or livelihood assistance and they can also avail of the insurance program of Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), in case a natural disaster would cause devastating damage to fishing communities.

The bureau also intends to have an official list of fisherfolks in the region to avoid people from taking advantage of the opportunities that are supposed to be granted to the real recipients.

BFAR-7 said this scenario happened in the post-Yolanda event in 2013, wherein some locals claimed to be fisherfolks so that they can also receive aid from the bureau.

Based on the historical records of PAGASA, tropical cyclones are seen to cross the Visayas and Mindanao regions during the months of November and December.

In December 2019, Typhoon Ursula affected northern Cebu, damaging a BFAR facility stationed in Medellin town, destroying hundreds of fishing boats, and affecting hundreds of fishermen. The damage reached almost P15 million. — GAN (FREEMAN)