340 Tino-hit fisherfolk, farmers to get aid

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — More than 340 fisherfolk and farmers in Bacolod City who suffered severe livelihood losses due to Typhoon Tino are set to receive financial assistance from the city government.

The City Agriculture Office (CAO), in coordination with the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), has completed the validation of more than 340 beneficiaries, including 20 farmers, from 19 barangays affected by the typhoon.

The CAO officer in charge said each qualified beneficiary will receive PHP 10,000 under the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

The assistance is primarily intended for fisherfolk whose pump boats, fishing gear and fish pens were totally destroyed during the storm.

A total of PHP 3.4 million in local government funds has been allocated for the program, in line with Mayor Greg Gasataya’s commitment to support fisherfolk and farmer organizations recovering from climate-related disasters.

Typhoon Tino battered Bacolod City on Nov. 4, 2025, bringing strong winds, heavy rains and storm surges that severely affected coastal and low-lying barangays.

The onslaught damaged fishing boats and aquaculture structures, disrupted fishing operations for weeks and left many fisherfolk without income during the lean season.

Following the typhoon, the city government immediately mobilized relief efforts to address urgent needs.

Mayor Gasataya directed the City Administrator’s Office, together with the DSSD, to distribute food packs and donated relief goods to 34 fisherfolk and farmer organizations across the city.

“Since our resources are limited, we prioritized the validation of fisherfolk whose livelihoods were severely affected by the typhoon, hoping they can recover as soon as the funds are released,” Quiro said.

The DSSD will facilitate the payout for qualified beneficiaries from Barangays 1, 2, 10, 13, 14, 16 and 35, as well as Banago, Pahanocoy, Punta Taytay, Singcang-Airport, Sum-ag, Tangub, Villamonte, Vista Alegre, Alangilan, Cabug, Granada and Handumanan.

Beneficiaries are advised to bring a valid ID, community tax certificate and an indigency certificate from their respective barangays during the validation and payout process.

City officials said the assistance aims to help affected fisherfolk and farmers restart their livelihoods and strengthen their resilience against future typhoons.