By Jollie Mae B. Verana
TACLOBAN City, Oct. 25 (PNA) — A total of three 60-footer boats will be distributed to fisher folk associations by international organization Oxfam for their long-term recovery assistance program.
Entering the new phase last month, the organization’s livelihood beneficiaries targets associations in order to support the link between fishermen, not only individuals.
“This time, more fisher folk will be reached out to help them build back better and safer,” said Edizon Cahindo, Oxfam’s emergency and food security vulnerable livelihood (EFVL) assistant.
Oxfam’s objective in providing bigger boats is for the fishermen to reach deeper ocean to catch more fish and increase their income.
“We are worried because our fishermen might have caught few fishes since they’re just on the shallow part of the sea, and worst, small fishes are being caught that leads to reduction in fish species,” said Cahindo.
“Small boats were given last time and now it’s time to procure them the bigger boats,” he added.
The boats will be distributed to fisher folk associations in the severely affected towns by the super typhoon such as Palo, Tanauan, and Tacloban.
“Oxfam aims to alleviate poverty, its mission is to provide equality among men all over the world,” the official shared.
Fishing boats will be officially owned by the association that will be utilized by its members.
The organization will also provide fishing materials and support the seaweed production in the northern villages of the city.
Oxfam, in cooperation with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has already given small boats and fishing gears and fish nets on its early recovery phase.(PNA)