Laoag: At least 734 registered fisherfolk in this city and in the coastal towns of Burgos and Paoay received direct cash compensation and family food packs from the government at the Laoag Centennial Arena here on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., along with Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, led the distribution of PHP5,600 and a family food pack to each recipient whose livelihood is disrupted by the ongoing "Balikatan" military exercises between the Philippines and the United States.

"This is your compensation for the days of disruption due to exercises," Teodoro told the fishers in the local language as he explained to them the importance of "Balikatan" to enhance and reinforce maritime security, territorial defense capabilities, and responsiveness to humanitarian disasters.

"Through the cooperation of the provincial government, national government (under our President), Department of National Defense, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, we were able to help them immediately," he said, noting that the continuing engagement has affected their livelihood.

Teodoro likewise sought the fishers' help in monitoring and immediately reporting to authorities should they encounter any threat within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Jestoni Tangonan, a fisher from Barangay Bubon in Burgos, thanked the government for the prompt release of assistance. "This is a big help for us because we were advised not to go fishing during the Balikatan Exercise," he said.

The governor also expressed her gratitude to the Department of National Defense for acting swiftly to meet the needs of the displaced fisherfolk.

Balikatan will run until May 8 and will feature a major live-fire exercise on May 4. As a safety precaution, a no-sail zone will take effect during the live-fire maneuvers.