PAMALAKAYA URGES GOV’T TO USE PORTION OF P31-B CALAMITY FUND FOR AID, LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE OF FISHERFOLKS, COASTAL RESIDENTS

By Junex Doronio

MANILA — Following the onslaught of super typhoon Carina, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) has urged the government to “make use of a portion” of the P31-billion Calamity Fund, as well as the Department of Agriculture’s P1 billion Quick Response Fund (QRF), for the economic aid and livelihood assistance to small fisherfolks and coastal residents in Manila Bay.

The fisherfolk group claimed that some 28,000 fisherfolks and their families residing along Manila Bay were devastated by Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon or Habagat.

“Marami sa mga mangingisda sa lalawigan ng Cavite ang mahigit dalawang buwan nang hindi makalaot dahil sa Habagat na pinalalakas pa ng mga nagdaang bagyo,” PAMALAKAYA vice chairperson Ronnel Arambulo said.

Reports said more than 5,000 fisherfolks suffered from severe flooding in their coastal villages in Rosario, Cavite, while around 3,000 small fisherfolks  and mussel farmers (magtatahong) endured the heavy rains and intense flooding since July 23 in Bacoor.

Over 12,000 houses of fisherfolks in Navotas City were also submerged in floods.

Initial monitoring and assessment of PAMALAKAYA showed that of the figure, at least 8,000 fisherfolks and coastal residents from two barangays in Tanza, Cavite were affected.

“Higit na kailangan ng mga mangingisda at maralita sa baybayin ang maagap at konkretong tugon ng pamahalaan, para maiwasan ang mas malaki at pangmatagalan pang pinsala ng Bagyong Carina,” Arambulo further said.

(el Amigo/mnm)