Capitol extends help to typhoon-hit fishermen

CEBU, Philippines —  Aside from those who lost their homes to Typhoon Odette, the Capitol is also giving aid to fishermen who lost their boats from the typhoon.

According to Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, the provincial government will also buy from suppliers and hardware bulk supply of marine plywood, marine epoxy, nails and other materials to be distributed to the affected fishermen.

With the assistance, it is hoped that fishermen can build new boats that they can use to earn a living again.

Roldan Saragena, provincial agriculturist, said there are about 6,490 fishermen province-wide who were affected by the onslaught of Odette back in December. He added that of that number, 80% or over 5,000 do not have insurance, prompting the Capitol to help.

Sugbo News, the official news portal of the Capitol, reported that aside from boats used in fishing, boats used in tourism-related activities had also been affected by the calamity.

These boats will be placed under the Enhanced Countryside Development program wherein owners or operators of boats used for tourism purposes can avail of a loan from partner banks under a low interest rate.

LTFTB-7 Aid

Meanwhile,  Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 director Eduardo Montealto Jr. led the distribution of aid to residents affected by Typhoon Odette in barangay Gilutongan in Cordova, Cebu.

The LTFRB-7 Outreach Program benefitted 400 families who received five kilos of rice, 6.5 liters of distilled water, noodles, canned food, and vitamins.

The outreach program was also supported by various transport cooperatives like the LAMADOTRASCO, EL PARDO, INAYAWAN, PITAM, and LATRANSCO. Also joined in the distribution includes JSON’S Travel and Tours, Fel Noval, JCASS Tours and RIJETT RAC. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon, KQD (FREEMAN)