The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Caraga (BFAR-13) on Monday said that initial assessment showed that Typhoon Odette has caused damage to fishery projects in the region worth at least PHP142.3 million.
As of December 23, the initial cost of damage to different fishery projects in the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur included fishponds and aquaculture projects devoted to the production of milkfish, tilapia, lobsters, groupers, seaweeds, and mangrove crabs.
In a statement Monday, BFAR-13 said Regional Director Usop Pendaliday, Jr. has already ordered the provincial fishery officers and division chiefs to conduct further assessments to determine the total damage and losses of fishery projects in their areas of jurisdictions.
“Odette”, considered the strongest to hit the country this year, also damaged some PHP13.1 million worth of BFAR-13 properties and facilities situated in the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and Agusan del Norte.
“The damages to BFAR-13 properties and facilities include offices, farm stations, information and communication technology (ICT) equipment, and service vehicles,” the BFAR-13 said.
The agency pointed out that most of the accounted damage on its properties and facilities is from the agricultural infrastructures placed at PHP5.6 million.
The damaged agricultural infrastructures included the provincial fisheries offices in the Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte, the regional office in Surigao City, and the technology outreach stations in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte and Placer, Surigao del Norte.
“Aside from the infrastructures, damages on the ICT equipment were also recorded and estimated at PHP2.9 million, as well as the 4-tonne capacity refrigerated van stationed in Surigao City at PHP4.6 million,” the BFAR-13 said.
No casualties were reported among BFAR Caraga employees and non-resident personnel assigned in the affected areas in the region.
Source: Philippines News Agency
