CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) concluded the last leg of the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Assistance program in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro by distributing aid to 260 fisherfolk from 13 barangays affected by the February 2023 oil spill.

The initiative led by the Fisheries Credit Facilitation Unit (FCFU) in collaboration with the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and Saklaw Foundation Incorporated facilitated the grant of P20,000 loan to augment their livelihood expenses. 

The loan carries a three-year repayment period with zero interest, as highlighted by Marvin Balgoma, chief operations officer of Saklaw Foundation Inc.-- the designated lending conduit for ACPC.

Filipina P. Badilla, focal person of FCFU of BFAR, emphasized that the funds for the program were sourced from the Department of Agriculture through its Agricultural Credit Policy Council. 

Badilla urged the fisherfolk to repay the loans within the stipulated time frame, emphasizing the importance of circulating funds to address future needs.

The oil spill mishap which happened in February 2023 has left P58 million worth of damages and losses to fisheries, affected more than 27,500 fisherfolk, and caused 15 local government units to declare a state of calamity. (GATS/PIA MIMAROPA)

Photos courtesy of BFAR MIMAROPA