Manila: Over 8,083 fisherfolk in the Bicol Region have received financial assistance totaling PHP18.7 million from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk program. The initiative aims to alleviate the difficulties faced by the fisheries sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, BFAR-Region 5 spokesperson Rowena Briones mentioned in a phone interview that the cash assistance, distributed between June 4 to 22, is intended to support the livelihood activities of the fisherfolk. Each qualified beneficiary receives PHP2,325, which can be used for daily fishing operations, including the purchase of essential materials such as fuel, nets, and hooks, as well as for the repair of fishing gear.

The distribution targeted fisherfolk registered under the Boat Registration, Fisherfolk Registration, and the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture. While BFAR-5 has 49,786 registered fisherfolk in its database, the program's coverage is limited to 38,400 beneficiaries, approximately 77 percent of the registered population.

Camarines Sur received the largest allocation, with 5,142 beneficiaries obtaining PHP11.9 million. Other significant distributions included Catanduanes with 1,792 beneficiaries receiving PHP4.16 million, Sorsogon with 842 beneficiaries obtaining PHP1.95 million, and Tiwi, Albay with 307 beneficiaries receiving PHP713,775. The distribution for Masbate is planned for this week, while updates are awaited for Camarines Norte.

BFAR-5 advised those who missed their scheduled payout to contact their Municipal Agriculture Offices for further instructions and updates.