Typhoon Nina victims receive livelihood assistance
Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), in partnership with the Pasacao local government unit (LGU), launched a livelihood programme for Typhoon Nina victims on March 22, 2017.
Bicol region was devastated by Typhoon Nina (international name: Nock-Ten) last Christmas, affecting 48,458 families in the region. According to the Department of Agriculture, an estimated 87,800 hectares of rice fields and 6,000 hectares of corn fields were also damaged.
Pasacao, Camarines Sur is one of the municipalities that was severely hit because of its geographical location. A total of 5,611 households were affected, with 1,526 houses recorded as totally damaged and 4,085 houses partially damaged. As a response, the Pasacao LGU pooled its resources to provide immediate relief to those affected. Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC) also provided relief assistance to its fenceline communities.
Realizing the impact of the typhoon on livelihood and the need for sustainable support to the affected families, PSFI, in partnership with the Pasacao LGU, launched the Pasacao Typhoon Nina Livelihood Support Programme to help in the restoration and improvement of living standards and general well-being of affected families in the municipality. The programme included the conduct of Integrated Farming Bio-Systems (IFBS) sessions, goat dispersal for farmers, and boat rehabilitation subsidy for fishermen. Pasacao Mayor Niño Tayco expressed his gratitude to PSFI for giving the beneficiaries an opportunity to start again.
Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo was present in the programme launching and Memorandum of Agreement signing. Sharing how happy she is to work with the Pasacao LGU and PSFI in helping those in need, she said: “Helping one another matters because we have a common goal for our countrymen.” Moreover, PSFI Executive Director Edgardo Veron Cruz, in his message to the beneficiaries, said: “Shell is helping you help yourselves. Make use of what’s given to you and develop it further.”
A total of 207 goats were distributed to 90 farmers early this year, while 210 farmers completed their IFBS training on June 20. Moreover, 25 fishermen were able to get their boats repaired through the boat rehabilitation subsidy.
By Rachael Nathanielsz, Maria Pamela Castro, and Roger Borromeo
Article published on PSFI news magazine October 2017 issue
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