El Niño-threatened fisherfolk in Romblon receive aid

ODIONGAN, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with the office of Sen. Erwin Tulfo, has prioritized fisherfolk vulnerable to El Niño during the distribution of financial assistance in Ferrol and Santa Fe  towns in this province.

The assistance is being provided in anticipation of the impact of El Niño on the livelihood of local fishermen.

The aid distribution was conducted in Barangay Tubigon in Ferrol and Barangay Guinbirayan in Santa Fe.

Through the coordination of Tulfo’s office, additional funds allocated for the activity were transferred to the DSWD Romblon office.

Priority was given to families at risk of losing or experiencing reduced income when fish availability decreases or when weather conditions and other El Niño-related effects prevent them from going out to the sea.

Among the beneficiaries in Barangay Tubigon were members of Hinag-Oman Upland-Lowland Farmers Association, Mangingisda ng Bagulayag Association, Tubigon Fisherfolks Association, and Crab and Fish Trap Association.

The provincial agriculture office coordinated with its counterpart in Ferrol to identify beneficiaries and prepare the list of recipients.

Meanwhile, 166 beneficiaries received financial assistance in Santa Fe. They include fisherfolk from Guinbirayan and households in Sitio Puro, a community that heavily relies on fishing for livelihood.

Tulfo earlier assured residents that his office would attend to the needs of communities in Romblon and other provinces in Mimaropa, particularly sectors that badly need government assistance.