ROXAS City – The city government has extended financial aid to several registered small shellfish farmers here affected by red ride.
A total of 900 registered shellfish farmers from barangays Balijuagan, Barra, Baybay, Cagay, Culajao, Dayao, Mongpong, Punta Cogon, and Talon each availed themselves of P2,000 financial assistance from the city government and office of Sen. Bong Go through the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The beneficiaries also received food packs.
“Indi gid manami ang amon sitwasyon subong. Bangud sa red tide nadulaan kami pangabuy-anan. Kabudlay gid galing wala kita mahimu kay para man ini sa kaluwasan sang tanan. Gapasalamat gid kami kay Mayor Ronnie (Dadivas) nga wala gid untat nagaalalay sa amon kinahanglanon,” said shellfish farmer Tatay Iniano of Barangay Talon.
Earlier, the provincial government of Capiz also distributed cash aid to several fisherfolks in affected towns in the province.
In its latest bulletin, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) announced that shellfishes collected and tested from the coastal waters of Roxas City, Sapian Bay (Ivisan and Sapian), Panay, President Roxas, and Pilar in Capiz as well the coastal waters of Dauis and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar; Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; and Lianga Bay in Surigao del Sur are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison (PSP) or toxic red tide that is beyond the regulatory limit.
Moreover, coastal waters of Milagros, Masbate are positive for PSP, too.
All types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the aforementioned areas are not safe for human consumption.
Meanwhile, fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking./PN