A family member of one of four fishers from Albay who was reported missing receives financial aid from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) on Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2025). Each family received P10,000 and two boxes of family food packs. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-5)
LEGAZPI CITY—The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has extended financial, essential, and psychosocial support to the families of four fishermen from Tabaco City who were reported missing earlier this month.
In a report on Thursday, DSWD-5 Regional Director Norman Laurio said each family received PHP10,000 on Wednesday under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Program.
“To meet their immediate needs, the DSWD also distributed two boxes of family food packs to each family. These packs contained six kilograms of rice, canned goods, coffee, and cereal drinks,” he said.
Laurio said personnel from the Crisis Intervention Section (CIS) conducted psychosocial intervention sessions to help these families cope with the traumatic incident.
He said the families were evaluated for potential support through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) to assist them with their long-term livelihood needs.
The four fishers are part of a group of nine fishermen who ventured into the sea on Jan. 1, 2025, departing from Barangay Balogñonan, Pandan, Catanduanes. They were expected to return on Jan. 5 but have failed to do so to date.
According to the authorities, the fishers encountered bad weather at sea because of a shear line.
Laurio said the families of the five other missing fishers, who are from Catanduanes, are also set to receive government assistance.
“We (DSWD) are coordinating with the local government unit of Pandan, Catanduanes, to support the families of other missing fishers as well,” he added.
Laurio said the agency has collaborated with other government agencies to ensure the affected families receive the necessary assistance.
“DSWD-5 remains committed to the welfare and well-being of families affected during this challenging time,” he said.
The Office of Civil Defense in Bicol (OCD-5) said authorities continue search and rescue operations to locate the missing individuals. (PNA)