BFAR to provide new livelihood training to 19,000 fishermen

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is planning to offer new skills and livelihood training to approximately 19,000 fishermen affected by the oil spill off Oriental Mindoro.

The oil spill, caused by the sinking of the motor tanker Princess Empress on February 28 while carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil, has led to fishing restrictions for 19,000 fishers in 9 municipalities of Oriental Mindoro and Caluya town in Antique.

BFAR Spokesperson Nazario Briguera disclosed that on top of providing food assistance, a P4.2-million budget will be allotted for temporary livelihood initiatives.

These initiatives include livelihood skill training where fishermen will be taught fish processing, with BFAR also providing smokehouses.

BFAR will also launch the Kadiwa Oplan Isda to help fisherfolk cooperatives deliver fish to nearby markets.

Briguera noted that the spill has severely damaged critical marine habitats such as mangroves and coral reefs, and has been fatal to fish larvae and fish eggs.

Additionally, 61 tourist destinations in Oriental Mindoro and nearby provinces have been affected by the oil spill, according to Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco.