CITY OF CALAPAN, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — In response to the recent oil spill that has severely impacted the local fishing communities in Calapan City, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Mimaropa through its Fisheries Credit Facilitation Unit (FCFU) conducted the SURE (SUrvival and REcovery) Assistance program last November 9–10 in Barangay Camilmil, to aid the affected fisherfolks in rebuilding their livelihood.
A total of 786 fisherfolks from the 38 affected barangays in Calapan City benefited from the assistance program.
The activity was made possible through the partnership of BFAR Mimaropa with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and Saklaw Foundation Incorporated.
A total of 786 fisherfolks from the 38 affected barangays in Calapan City benefited from the SURE assistance program which aims to aid said fisherfolks’ augmentation of their livelihood expenses. (Photo from BFAR Mimaropa page)
The oil spill, which occurred on February 28, 2023, has caused extensive damage to the marine ecosystem and has left the livelihoods of many fishermen in turmoil and state of uncertainty. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the national government has since provided the province with extensive help from various national government agencies.
Under the program, fisherfolks are given the opportunity to loan an amount of P20,000 as augmentation to their livelihood expenses. According to SFI Chief Operations Officer Mr. Marvin Balgoma, the loan is payable within 3 years and with zero interest. Meanwhile, Saklaw Foundation will act as the lending conduit of DA–ACPC for the 1st cluster in the province.
This loan is designed to alleviate the immediate economic burdens faced by the fishing communities, helping them cope with the loss of income as well as provide temporary relief to the loss of their primary livelihood brought about by the oil spill.
The funds for the program came from the DA through its ACPC.
Apart from the loan program, BFAR has also conducted various technical assistance and trainings to the affected fisherfolks in the previous months since the oil spill incident. These trainings have given the ability to enhance the skills and knowledge of the fisherfolks, ensuring that they can adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly fishing practices in the long run. (JJGS/PIA Mimaropa – Oriental Mindoro)
Topmost photo courtesy of BFAR Mimaropa
