MOA to build Batanes fishermen’s shelter signed

BASCO, Batanes – A shelter for fishermen will be constructed in the northernmost island of Batanes.

The Batanes provincial government, Republic Cement and Building Materials Inc. (RCBMI) and the Northern Luzon Command signed a memorandum of agreement to construct the shelter last week.

The shelter will be built on Y’Ami island. With no water source and arable land, there are no permanent residents on the island.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero clarified reports that a military base would be built on Y’Ami.The island is only 40 nautical miles off the southernmost tip of Taiwan

“We are only helping Gov. Marilou Cayco build a shelter for local fishermen who are caught by rough seas and bad weather,” Guerrero said.

He said Nolcom was tasked to help in the project because it has the capability to transport construction materials and help build the facilities.         

Renato Sunico, RCBMI president and executive director, pledged to donate 900 bags of cement not only for the shelter in Y’ami but also for a similar facility to be built on Siayan island.