BFAR deploys floating assets for ‘Ruby’ quick response and relief operations

From Western Command Armed Forces of the Philippines: Philippine Marines assisting residents of Northern Palawan during the preemptive evacuation in preparation for #RubyPH. — December 8, 2014.

MANILA — In the aftermath of the onslaught of Typhoon Ruby (Hagupit), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday said that it has began deploying its floating assets for quick response and relief operations in typhoon affected areas.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries and BFAR National Director Asis Perez said a total of 10 units of monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) type boats along with 26 units of 30-footer patrol boats located in strategic areas along the Ruby “corridor” are ready for use in relief activities.

“BFAR has already coordinated with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to extend the use of the floating assets to the said agencies for faster and more efficient delivery of relief packs and other basic services to typhoon affected communities,” he said.

BFAR’s multi-mission boats have been secured and prepositioned early on to help in the rescue and relief efforts of the government that will ensue after Typhoon Ruby leaves the country.

“This is part of our proactive measures in relation to calamities like this. We want to mitigate any damage the typhoon may cause and we also want to be able to respond to emergencies at the earliest time possible,” Perez said.