BFAR Rebuilds 18,000 Boats in Typhoon-weary Eastern Visayas in 2014

Tacloban City (PNA) – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has led the rebuilding of 18,000 boats in 2014, but the government will continue with the project until reaching 20,000 units.

BFAR Regional Director Juan D. Albaladejo said the project has benefitted about 18,000 fishermen in 466 villages badly hit by super typhoon “Yolanda” in 2013.

“Originally, the budget was only for 10,000 boats for 20,000 fishermen, but since we reached the target in March 2014, we increased the target to 20,000 throughout the region. Boat building will continue this first quarter,” Albaladejo said.

Under the first phase of the recovery project, the fisheries bureau has been providing materials for repair and construction such as plywood, nails and marine adhesives. After the construction or repair, fisherfolks receive a motor engine and fishing gears.

The super typhoon’s fierce winds and storm surges destroyed 19,980 boats in Eastern Visayas, directly affecting the livelihood of 49,000 fisher folks, according to BFAR.

Fast pace of boat rebuilding project implementation can be attributed to active participation of private donors.

“The private sector contribution is quite significant and very essential considering that it took longer for the government to release funds during the first few months after Yolanda,” Albaladejo said. (PNA) LGI/SARWELL Q. MENIANO/JSD