Senator Erwin Tulfo on Sunday urged the government to extend assistance to fisherfolk during typhoons and rough weather, even when they are not directly affected by flooding. He stressed that fishermen lose their livelihood for days or even weeks due to dangerous sea conditions, leaving them unable to provide for their families.
Tulfo made the appeal after visiting Palawan, where around 11,000 fishermen have been stranded since July 19, based on a report from the Philippine Coast Guard. He said he coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to begin the distribution of food packs to the affected families.
“We cannot leave them behind just because they were not directly affected by the typhoon. The fact that they can’t go out to sea due to bad weather makes them victims too,” Tulfo said.
Palawan DSWD Provincial Director Eric Aborot committed to begin food pack deliveries within the week as sea conditions improve. The PCG will assist in distributing relief goods to ensure supplies reach remote coastal communities.
Tulfo also plans to meet with the Departments of Labor and Employment and Agriculture to push for long-term support programs for fisherfolk during natural calamities. He vowed to push for better inter-agency coordination to ensure faster response times.
