A total of 190 fisherfolk affected by Typhoon Odette in Sagay City, Negros Occidental have received a total of PHP2.239 million cash assistance from the Office of the President’s Social Fund in two separate payouts in the past week.

Mayor Alfredo Marañon III, who led the distribution of cash assistance, said in a statement on Tuesday the financial aid will enable the beneficiaries to recover from the setback brought by the typhoon last December.

“We are grateful for the fund assistance to our affected fisherfolks and those who are dependent on the sea for a living. This will help them recover,” he said.

Marañon also reminded the fisherfolk to help preserve the environment and marine resources that serve as a source of their livelihood.

They included those from Barangays Old Sagay, Bulanon, Himoga-an Baybay, Taba-ao, Vito and Molocaboc, whose fishing gears and other equipment were damaged when Typhoon Odette pummeled Negros Occidental overnight on December 16.

They are owners of fish cages, pump boats, crab pots, fish pots, fishing nets, hook and line, fish corrals, non-motorized boats, oyster culture ponds, and other fishing structures. (PNA)