Some of the 208 families in Anda town, Pangasinan whose livelihoods were affected by red tide receive food packs from the national government in this undated photo. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Social Welfare and Development have distributed 302 food packs to fisherfolk families in the red tide-affected towns of Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan. (Photo courtesy of BFAR Ilocos Region)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) have distributed 302 food packs to fisherfolk families in the red tide-affected towns of Anda and Bolinao in Pangasinan.
The food packs consist of rice, canned goods, and instant coffee, among others, were given to 208 families in Anda and 94 families in Bolinao as relief following the devastating effects of red tide on their livelihood.
In an interview on Monday, Anda municipal agriculturist Elizabeth Tomas said the first batch of beneficiaries were from highly affected areas, while they are still processing the list for the second batch as directed by the two national government agencies.
“They said we could still recommend more beneficiaries and we are in the process of completing the list,” she said.
She said some of the affected families due to the red tide shifted their livelihood to fishing or other work in aquaculture.
“We hope the red tide will soon be over. With the onset of the rainy season, it is no longer conducive for the algae so we are hoping it would soon end,” she added in Filipino.
The BFAR is urging unregistered fisherfolk to enroll in the FishR, a registration system designed to fast-track aid during emergencies.
“Key benefits include priority access to government support, market safeguards, like mandatory invoices or permits for shellfish trade, to deter illegal harvesting and protect consumers,” the BFAR said.
Shellfish from the coastal waters of the two towns tested positive for red tide toxin on April 10 this year, according to the BFAR in the Ilocos Region.
“As a precautionary measure, concerned local government units are advised to require their market inspectors, quarantine officers, and administrators to demand traders for auxiliary invoice from the point of origin or local transport permit issued by BFAR for all fish and fishery products including seashells unloaded and marketed to ensure that it did not come from areas positive of paralytic shellfish poisoning,” BFAR Ilocos Region director Rosario Segundina Gaerlan said.
The BFAR clarified that fish, squid, crabs, and shrimp remain safe for consumption as long as they are fresh, thoroughly cleaned, and properly cooked.
The public is warned against collecting, selling, or eating any shellfish or “alamang” (small shrimp) from the affected areas to avoid paralytic shellfish poisoning.
Shellfish from local shores are strictly prohibited from sale or transport.
Violators will receive a warning for the first offense while repeat offenses will result in confiscation and disposal of the shellfish. (PNA)