A fisherfolk organization supported by Hinatuan Mining Corporation (HMC) – a subsidiary of Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) – reported harvesting more than 1,000 kilos of milkfish (bangus) in Barangay Talavera in the municipality of Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte

This is an important milestone for United Fisherfolks Association of Bagong Silang (UFAOBS), one of the people’s organizations being supported by HMC through its Social Development and Management Program (SDMP), for this is their first harvest after their livelihood was damaged by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021.

Despite being devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and the onslaught of Super Typhoon Odette in 2021 that saw the destruction of fishing equipment, UFAOBS officers and members were able to slowly recover with the help of HMC. Through the financial assistance provided by the company, the organization was able to begin a new production cycle.

“We had a lot to purchase: we needed to buy rope, fish cage, and other materials needed for the bangus production to continue with the project because all our materials were damaged by the typhoon,” said Lilibeth G. Becera, president of UFAOBS.

“We already know it will be hard to recover right away what we lost in this production cycle, hopefully on the next cycle, we will be able to recuperate our losses and gain profit while at it since we will only be spending for bangus fingerlings, feeds, and minor maintenance,” she added.

UFAOBS received a total of ₱800,000 from HMC in 2022 as support for its livelihood project.

“The financial support was used for the repair of the old fish cage, the purchase of additional fish cage, and for the fabrication of a one-unit delivery boat with engine and other accessories,” said Romel John G. Libaste, HMC Community Relations Senior Supervisor.

“We are grateful for the support provided by HMC to our PO (People’s Organization). They financially supported us to help us recover from the typhoon. It would have been a lot harder if we were left on our own. Once again, on behalf of our PO officers and members, I would like to say thank you to HMC for their support,” said Becera.