BFAR 7 urges LGUs to help fishermen, traders affected by Covid-19 pandemic

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 7 Director Allan Poquita urged local chief executives on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, to support fishermen and fish traders whose livelihood were affected by the economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Poquita said Covid-19 has been crippling the fishing industry as local governments imposed travel and movement restrictions to prevent the spread of the deadly disease. “Fewer people are allowed to go out from their homes to buy basic necessities and commodities. Some traders could hardly pass through borders because of the enhanced community quarantine. We fully support the measures imposed by the local government units but we are also asking their help to address the plight of our fishery stakeholders,” he said.