A decade after Typhoon Odette devastated fishing communities in northern Palawan, the Department of Science and Technology’s Typhoon Odette Recovery Project provided sixty-six fiberglass boats to affected families in Roxas on Friday, November 10.
The turnover ceremony took place at the Municipal Dome of Roxas.
Funded by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund (NDRRMF), a total of P35,178,000.00 was allocated to support fishermen who faced severe consequences from Typhoon Odette in December 2021 in Palawan.
The distribution encompassed more than just boats, as it also included a Cash for Work initiative, providing P6,000.00 to recipients. Additionally, fishermen received essential equipment such as engines, paint, and nylon for their boats.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. personally led the handover of aid, accompanied by DOST MIMAROPA Regional Director Dr. Josefina Alibay, Engr. Bonifacio Madarcos representing Governor V. Dennis M. Socrates, Board Member Maria Angela V. Sabando, Mayor Dennis M. Sabando, and other local officials from Northern Palawan.
Beyond Roxas, fishing communities in Cagayancillo, Taytay, Araceli, San Vicente, and Dumaran in the province are slated to benefit from similar distributions of fiberglass boats.