Senator Erwin Tulfo is urging the national government to provide aid to fisherfolk affected by typhoons or bad weather, even if they are not hit by floods.
“When there are typhoons, or even bad weather, this means zero livelihood for a day or weeks for our fishermen. They will have nothing to feed themselves and their families throughout weather disturbances,” said Tulfo.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard in Palawan, around 11,000 fishermen have been unable to go out to sea since July 19 due to rough waters.
Tulfo said he has coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development to start distributing food packs, especially to fishermen in remote island communities. DSWD Provincial Director Eric Aborot assured delivery within the week, with help from the PCG.
The neophyte senator also plans to meet with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Agriculture to ensure support for fisherfolk during weather disruptions.
“We cannot leave them behind just because they were not directly affected by the typhoon. The fact that they can’t go out to the sea due to bad weather makes them victims too–because they have nothing to eat,” he added.IMT
