LocationsAs part of UNDP Philippines' recovery effort, 300 boat repair kits were distributed to fisherfolks affected by Typhoon Odette in the municipalities of del Carmen, Dapa, General Luna, and Pilar.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines turned over 300 boat repair kits to fisherfolks from the four municipalities in Siargao Islands as part of its recovery efforts for communities impacted by Typhoon Odette.
Siargao Islands bore the brunt of Typhoon Odette last December, when it made its first landfall in the area. The Province of Surigao del Norte incurred over PhP 1.3 billion damages to their agriculture and fishery sectors. Based on the initial assessment by the province, they need more than PhP 1.7 billion to recover from the losses.
“We are very dependent on fishing. It is our main source of protein as an island community. During pandemic, displaced tourism workers went back to fishing as their main source of livelihood. But since we are opening our borders to domestic and foreign tourists, the boats can be used not only for fishing but also for tourism services,” said Vice Mayor Alfredo Coro of del Carmen, one of the four local government units who received the assistance.
Siargao is best known for its tourism sites such as the white sand islands and lagoons with pristine waters. But fishing is also one of the main sources of income of many coastal communities. They provide fish supply to the province and nearby areas. The repair kits will help fisherfolks from the four municipalities of Siargao Islands to rebuild the fishing boats destroyed by Odette and restart their livelihood. Each boat repair kit costs PhP 13,000, which includes plywood, marine-grade paint and resins, and other carpentry implements.
“Marginalized groups, including small fisherfolks, suffer the most during disasters. They need to be equipped with tools and skills to help them recover from their losses. They play an important role in ensuring food security and their contribution to the local economy is crucial to build back better,” said UNDP Philippines Deputy Resident Representative Edwine Carrié.
Marieto Ravelo, 53, a fisherfolk from the municipality of Pilar, is one of the recipients of the boat repair kit, which includes marine-grade paints, resins, plywood, and other carpentry implements.
As tourism also gradually reopens in Siargao Islands, fishing communities are more hopeful that they can bounce back from the losses suffered during the pandemic and the typhoon. Demand will increase for output from the fishery sector as more establishments and other tourism services resume their operations.
UNDP Philippines is also set to provide tents that can be converted to temporary offices for the local government units, and several units of sewing machines to replace the damaged ones at the women’s livelihood center in del Carmen.
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