Fisherfolks affected by red tide contamination in Isla de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo will receive food and cash assistance, according to Mayor Sigfredo Betita. In a radio interview, Betita said food is the immediate need of fisherfolk in Gigantes, particularly in Barangays Gabi and Lantangan in Gigantes Sur and Barangays Granada and Asluman in Gigantes Norte, where gathering of the prized scallops is the main source of livelihood. Betita said 95 percent of Gabi and Asluman residents gather scallops for a living, thus, the prohibition of harvesting, selling, buying, and consumption of all types of shellfish in red tide-affected areas could mean hunger for these affected families.

De Los Santos, M. A. (2017, September 13). Carles fisherfolk to get cash, food aid. The Daily Guardian, p. 2.