The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 5 has turned-over checks and tool kits to fisher folk’s volunteers under the project Team Balikatan Rescue and Emergency (TeamBRE) last September 18, 2014 in Sarung Banggui Resort, Sto. Domingo Albay.

In a simple ceremonial program, 25 fishermen volunteers received checks amounting to P 12, 805 breakdowns as follows; educational assistance- P 2,000, livelihood- P 5000, and cash for work-P 5,805.

According to Nida Macinas, DSWD Social Technology Unit head, TeamBRE was conceptualized based on the call of President Benigno Aquino III for the protection of fishermen who were noted to be the most affected during disaster in terms of income source & risk of lives.

It is a strategy which will develop and enhance resiliency of the vulnerable sectors particularly the fisher folks during and after disaster.

In her message, DSWD Assistant Regional Director Corazon Miña thanked the fisher folks for the volunteerism they shown to the community. “We hope you continue to share your knowledge to others and help the community especially during disaster.” Miña said.

TeamBRE is piloted in 3 regions namely Caraga, Tacloban and Bicol Region. For region V, fisher folks volunteers came from the 2 coastal barangays( Igang & Sogod) of Bacacay in  Albay.

An additional 25 fisher folks coming from the same barangays will also do volunteer work on post disaster phase for one month. Same assistance will also be provided as soon they completed the one-month volunteer work.

They were given tool kits which include radio, flashlight, megaphone, helmet, gloves, life vest, boots, and rain coats. The tool kits will be used in their volunteer work such as river dredging & embankment, digging and dredging of canals & drainage and in cleaning & clearing community facilities after disaster.

The activity was participated in by local government of Bacacay represented by Santiago Betito,Municipal Administrator, Pio Cañeso, Municipal Agricultural Officer, Ms. Aurea Barrameda, Municipal Social Welfare & Development Officer, Ms. Natalia Manuel, Social Welfare Officer IV/ Focal Person on TeamBRE, Carlito Ramirez of Philippine Coast Guard teamBRE volunteers and DSWD staff.###