‘Release BFAR funds for drought-hit fisherfolk’

MANILA, Philippines – A fisherfolk group has sought the release of the P673-million budget of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to assist fishermen affected by the dry spell.

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) criticized BFAR for failing to provide immediate relief and assistance to fisherfolk who are suffering from low catch due to El Niño.

“Before El Niño, we can catch at least 10 to 15 kilos a day. Since El Niño started last year, we are lucky if we catch three kilos a day. We usually go home with empty nets,” Romy Antazo, Pamalakaya secretary-general, said yesterday.

“El Niño starves rural folks, especially fishermen and farmers… the frontline casualties of this prolonged dry spell. BFAR should address this phenomenon because the calamity fund is in their hands,” Antazo said.