Anda: Shellfish samples collected from the coastal towns of Anda and Bolinao have tested negative for red tide toxin, making all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. (alamang) from the area safe for human consumption, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Ilocos Region (BFAR-1) said Tuesday. In an advisory issued Monday, BFAR-1 announced that shellfish harvesting and marketing from the two towns are now permitted.

According to Philippines News Agency, the advisory was based on testing of shellfish meat collected from the two towns. Samples had previously tested positive for red tide toxin on January 15, then negative on February 19, and positive again a week later. BFAR-1 information unit head Jamille Anne Estolas stated that consultation meetings were held with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the local government units (LGUs) of Anda and Bolinao regarding the ongoing red tide phenomenon, which affected the livelihoods of oyster and mussel growers and shellfish gatherers.

The consultations led to proposed livelihood projects, including grouper (lapu-lapu) culture, shellcraft-making, and a passenger boat project in Anda, as well as grouper culture, fishing supplies merchandise, and shellcraft-making projects in Bolinao. "DSWD will cross-match the submitted list of affected fisherfolk beneficiaries with its existing roster of recipients who have already received long-term assistance projects, while BFAR will validate the proposed beneficiaries and project sites to determine their feasibility," BFAR-1 stated.

Earlier, 744 fisherfolk families in Anda and Bolinao whose livelihoods were impacted by the red tide incident received family food packs, providing some relief during the challenging period.