The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR Philippines) provided cash assistance to 2,527 fisherfolk in Camarines Norte in response to inflation caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Funded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP), each fisherfolk received P2,325 between July 8 and July 17 across nine coastal towns of the province.
“Over P6.2 million has been allocated for 2,694 beneficiaries across nine coastal towns to help them through the financial crisis,” BFAR Provincial Director Leilani Delfin said.
She added that those who have not yet received their cash assistance can claim it from their office located in Mercedes, Camarines Norte.
“Thank you very much to our President for the assistance. I will use the funds to support my business selling homemade frozen skinless longanisa and tocino,” said Mario Ayao, 69, a fisherman from Barangay Dahican in Jose Panganiban.
Ayao was one of the beneficiaries who received P2,325 in cash assistance on Friday, July 17, at the Community Fish Landing Center in Barangay Calero, Jose Panganiban.
He said the business serves as an additional source of income for him, especially when he cannot go out to fish due to bad weather.
According to Ayao, he first received a P3,000 fuel subsidy in 2023, which greatly benefited his family. He is supported in making a living by his wife, who owns a tapsilogan (a small eatery serving rice meals) in front of their house.
Their two children have families of their own.
“The aid is a tremendous help for fishermen like us, and I plan to give a portion of the money to my son, who stopped attending college, so he can use it to complete his requirements for entering TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority),” said 40-year-old Ricardo Pantua from Barangay Parang, Jose Panganiban.
He shared that his son wishes to take an automotive course at TESDA after putting his college education on hold.
“The assistance is a great support for those of us with modest incomes, especially during the rainy season and the amihan (northeast monsoon),” said Richard Manalo, 57, from Barangay Larap, Jose Panganiban.
Manalo has been a fisherman for 25 years, owns two hectares of fishpond, and manages rice fields in their area. He previously received a P3,000 fuel subsidy from BFAR four months ago.
As a widower with four children who have all graduated and started families of their own, he expressed appreciation for the assistance.
“Thank you very much for the assistance; it will help us meet our household needs and cover the tuition of my youngest child, who is entering college,” said Marife Geronimo, whose husband Joey was out fishing during the interview, from Barangay Quinpaguian, Mercedes.
She said that, in addition to fishing, her husband also receives a barangay honorarium, which helps with their daily expenses.
Meanwhile, Manoy Tagle, 50, from Barangay Manguisoc, Mercedes, expressed gratitude for the aid, noting that it will significantly help their family as he is currently supporting three children through college.
“The assistance is a tremendous help; nearly all the fishermen here are receiving support. I also appreciate the fish cage that BFAR will be providing me,” Tagle said.
Source: PIA Bicol Region