Shelter for fishermen in Batanes to be finished next month: AFP

April 25, 2019

A shelter being built by the military for Filipino fishermen in the most uninhabited island of Batanes will be completed next month.

“As of now, Engineering units from the Army and Navy including Marines are deployed in Mavulis Island to construct and finish the said facility,” Major Ericson Bulosan, Nolcom public information chief said.

“According to the Naval Combat Engineering Brigade and 522 Philippine Army Engineering Brigade, the shelter is to be finished on May 17, 2019,” he added.

Bulosan saidm according to Nolcom Commander Lieutenant General Emmanuel Salamat, the” project aims to provide shelter for local fishermen in the area and establish partnership contributing to the well-being and protection of our fisherfolks as well as the protection of our marine resources in the area.”

“Turning this project into a reality is not easy particularly in dealing natural obstacles, from the coordination and the ship-to-shore unloading of materials but through the commitment and dedication of our troops together with our stakeholders, we would be able to establish this facility for our local fishermen,” said Salamat.

Bulosan said despite the challenges the “Nolcom in partnership with the local government and other partners from private sector are keen to complete and unlock the achievement of the project this year.

“The construction of the project started last year wherein, the Armed Forces and other volunteers experienced difficult execution of tasks due to inclement weather and distance of the island to Itbayat’s main island,” he said.

Bulosan said the shelter for fishermen “will feature one barracks-type common room that can accommodate 16 persons, with dining area, kitchen, living room or lounge and comfort room.”

“The fisherman’s shelter facility will also serve as a safe haven for our fisherfolks, especially during bad weather,” he said.

Bulosan said, according to Philippine Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade Jec Palomado, the facility will also have an electrical connections and “One Meralco” will install solar power for the facility.

“It will also have some appliances and other amenities that will depend on the provision of our stakeholders,” Palomado said.

“We also have this dual purpose area that might be used as fish dryer or helipad for much better transportation,” he added.

Bulosan recalled that the Northern Luzon Command “started its maritime awareness and initiatives on Mavulis Island in 2016 when it hoisted a Philippine flag to proclaim sovereignty” Robina Asido/DMS