Water Quality Checks Needed Before Fishpond Assistance Can Begin
By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Government agencies are preparing assistance for fisherfolk affected by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano, with authorities stressing that rehabilitation efforts in affected fishponds can only begin once conditions are declared safe.
In an interview, Rowena Briones, spokesperson of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), said the agency is ready to distribute fingerlings and other forms of support after proper assessment of water conditions in affected aquaculture areas.
Briones explained that volcanic activity may severely affect fishpond ecosystems, particularly through declining dissolved oxygen levels, changes in pH balance, deterioration of water quality, and even physical damage to fishpond structures caused by ashfall and volcanic materials.
“We cannot do that while the situation is still ongoing and unsafe. We first need to check, evaluate, and assess the water quality,” Briones said.
BFAR said it is closely coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment to provide immediate financial assistance to affected residents and fisherfolk communities.
The agency clarified that the intervention is part of the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk program, with beneficiary lists already endorsed to the Department of Agriculture.
Meanwhile, Lovelia Guarin of DA Bicol said authorities are still validating the list of fisherfolk who will receive aid under the program.
Guarin said the agency is currently finalizing the “clean list” of qualified beneficiaries before returning it to BFAR to facilitate the rollout of cash assistance amounting to P2,325 per beneficiary across the region.
She added that fisherfolk who were not initially included in the list submitted by municipal agriculture offices may still apply for inclusion.
Authorities assured the public that they will continue monitoring the condition of fisherfolk in affected provinces to ensure immediate delivery of assistance and support as volcanic activity continues.
ia/xf
