Leyte after Yolanda: EU and the livelihood programs in Abuyog

MANILA, Philippines - After saying their goodbyes to the staff and students of the Visayas State University, European Union delegates proceeded to travel to Abuyog town where the EU donated funds to build fishing boats and 159 motor engines for the local fisher folk. Abuyog officials have been working with the people of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) represented by Jose Luis Fernandez.

The EU delegates, headed by H.E. Guy Ledoux and Czech ambassador H.E. Jarolsav Olsa, Jr.  were introduced to Abuyog mayor Octavio Traya, Jr. The FAO people told the delegates that it was currently providing help to 10,000 Abuyog locals—crab farmers, fishermen, and fish vendors—and with the help of the EU, provide them with the necessary tools needed to re-activate their livelihood.

Due to typhoon Yolanda’s destruction, the Abuyog locals were left with nothing to fish with since nearly all their fishing boats were destroyed. Most of them reverted to manning small sari-sari stores but that obviously was not enough to provide for their families.

Raul Alonzo, one of the Abuyog locals assisted by the FAO is a fisherman and crab farmer. EU’s Guy Ledoux talked to him about his current state and how he was faring with crab farming nowadays. Watch the video here:

One of the locals also spoke with Mr. Ledoux concerning the EU and FAO’s assistance to her. Ivy Atienza is a housewife but she’s doing her part in earning money for her family. Ivy, together with most women of Abuyog is currently being trained to debone fish caught by their husbands. Watch their conversation here and know how much Ivy is set to earn from her trade.

The EU delegates were later escorted to the Abuyog municipal hall where the turnover of boat engines was to be held. EU head Guy Ledoux spoke a few words to the locals who attended the ceremony. Watch the turnover here.