A total of 548 fisherfolk are targeted to benefit from the fuel subsidy program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Eastern Visayas, in coordination with the provincial government of Northern Samar.

The recipients are registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, Municipal Fisherfolk Registration and Boat Registration systems, according to the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO).

On Monday, an initial 130 fishers received assistance at the provincial capitol gym. Each beneficiary received one-time fuel subsidy cards worth PHP3,000, aimed at helping motorized boat owners sustain their operations amid increasing fuel costs.

Beneficiaries in the initial rollout came from the municipalities of Catarman, Bobon and Mondragon. The distribution will continue next week.

“The program aims to increase the productivity of fisherfolk by providing financial relief to motorized boat owners who heavily depend on fuel for their fishing activities,” PEDIPO head Jhon Allen Berbon said in a phone interview. (PNA)