The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Ilocos Region (BFAR-1) has extended assistance to fisherfolk affected by Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong).

In a phone interview on Thursday, BFAR-1 information unit head Jamille Anne Estolas said 500 family food packs were distributed to fisherfolk in La Union and 500 in Pangasinan on Nov. 17.

Aside from the food packs, the fisherfolk in Pangasinan also received hook and line fishing gear and monofilament nets with sinkers, she said.

“BFAR distributed 90 units of hook and line fishing gear to Dasol, Burgos, Bani, and Agno and 135 bundles of monofilament nets with sinkers were handed [over] to members of the Samahan ng Mangbabangus ng Pangasinan in Binmaley, Dagupan City, Lingayen, and Bugallon since their pens and cages have been destroyed,” Estolas said.

Pangasinan is under state of calamity due to the effects of Uwan, which battered Luzon early this month.

As of Nov. 18, the fishery sector in Pangasinan has incurred PHP681 million in losses due to the cyclone, according to BFAR. Production losses are mostly on milkfish, comprising 80.3 percent, followed by shrimp or prawns, tilapia and others.

BFAR said Uwan also damaged 1,101 fishing boats, of which 425 are considered totally destroyed.

BFAR said it continues to coordinate closely with local authorities to provide further assistance as Pangasinan works toward post-typhoon recovery. (PNA)