FISH CAGES, PENS, PONDS WRECKED

THE Dagupan Sangguniang Panlungsod has appealed to the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for the immediate release of financial assistance and farm input support to thousands of fisherfolk heavily affected by Super Typhoon “Uwan.”

Resolution No. R-192, S-2025, authored by Councilor Marcelino Fernandez, noted that “Uwan” caused extensive damage across Dagupan, particularly in coastal and riverine communities whose livelihoods depend on the fishery sector.

Fernandez cited initial figures from DA-BFAR showing that the typhoon inflicted P489,992,105.20 in physical damage to aquaculture structures and wiped out large volumes of fish stocks. The devastation directly affected some 1,600 fisherfolk, leaving many families without income and worsening food insecurity in the city.

Another 11,000 fisherfolk reportedly suffered abrupt livelihood disruption for at least two days due to the mandatory no-fishing policy, severe flooding, dangerous sea conditions, temporary market closures, contamination of fishery areas, and the inability to resume operations amid continuing weather hazards.

The SP stressed that the setback is significant for Dagupan’s fisherfolk, who are considered a backbone sector of the local economy—sustaining the aquaculture industry, ensuring food supply, and supporting coastal communities while contributing to regional food distribution.

Given the scale of destruction, the SP said the affected families cannot recover on their own and require prompt assistance from national agencies. It emphasized that timely financial aid and aquaculture support are crucial to restoring damaged structures, replenishing lost stocks, rehabilitating ponds and cages, and reviving the overall productivity of the fisheries sector.

The SP specifically requested: financial assistance to offset lost income; aquaculture farm inputs such as fingerlings, feeds, nets, and repair materials; rehabilitation of fish cages, pens, ponds, and other structures; emergency livelihood packages for displaced families; and technical assistance for damage assessment and recovery planning.

The resolution was forwarded to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., BFAR Director Elizer Salilig, and Atty. Girly de la Peña, OIC Regional Director of BFAR Region 1. (Leonardo Micua)