Photo courtesy of PNA
The Albay provincial government is seeking a state of emergency declaration for coastal communities affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon to allow the release of assistance to fisherfolk.
Gov. Noel Rosal said the province would recommend the declaration to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for communities along Albay’s eastern and western seaboards.
He said rough sea conditions brought by the Habagat had prevented many fisherfolk from going out to sea, cutting into their daily income.
Rosal said the declaration would give the provincial government a legal basis to extend relief assistance to affected families.
He added that the proposal would be certified as urgent so the provincial board could act on it during its next regular session.
The province is considering distributing at least 10 kilograms of rice to each qualified beneficiary, subject to available funds and approval of the declaration.
Rosal said he would prefer to provide 20 kilograms per fisherfolk but wanted to ensure that assistance reached as many people as possible.
Around 40,000 fisherfolk across Albay could benefit from the planned aid, according to the governor.