More than two weeks after Super Typhoon #UwanPH swept across Luzon, many fisherfolk in Barangay Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan City are still struggling to repair their damaged boats, slowing their return to work and affecting their daily income.

Mario Ibasan, a fisherman, said they continue to fix what they can, but most boats remain unusable.

“Inaayos namin para prepara sa susunod na pag wala nang alon… Pangalawang araw na namin ngayon. Hindi pa, marami pa,” he said.

Residents said they have not been able to go out to sea for several days because their boats are still damaged. They are now appealing for additional support from the local government.

The city has already distributed relief packs to fisherfolk affected in several barangays, according to photos released by the Dagupan City Public Information Office.

City agriculturist Mary Ann Salomon said profiling is ongoing to finalize the list of fisherfolk who will receive further assistance.

“Amin pong inaayos ay ang mga taga-Bonuan Gueset po na mga fisherfolk. Ito po ‘yung mga fisherfolk po na na-damage po ‘yung kanilang mga fishpen, cages at kanila pong mga motorized boat,” she said.

She added that priority will be given to families from coastal and island communities that were hit hardest by recent calamities.

“Inaayos pa po namin ‘yung aming listahan na consider po na sila po ba ay talagang mga fisherfolk na kasama po sa mga nasalanta… Siguro later on ia-announce po ni mayor kung kailan po talaga ‘yung makakababa na po ‘yung inaantay po nilang tulong,” she added.

The city government is expected to announce the release schedule of the next batch of aid once the final list is completed.