Palawan map. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Hundreds of Palawan-based fisherfolk affected by the recent issues in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) expressed their gratitude to the government after House Speaker Martin Romualdez expedited the granting of scholarships to their children and the establishment of an ice plant and a gas station in Aborlan town.
In a statement on Sunday, the ACT-CIS party list said over 1,000 children of fishermen will benefit from the grant, which was discussed during Romualdez’s visit to Palawan last Friday during the inauguration of his office in the province.
During the discussion, ACT-CIS disclosed that fisherfolk raised their livelihood concerns, particularly their fishing activities affected by the larger Chinese boats operating in the WPS.
“Maliliit ang aming bangka hindi kayang sumabay sa malalaking bangka at madalas na pangbu-bully kaya naitutulak kami sa tabi,” according to a fisherman leader.
(We have small fishing boats; we don’t stand a chance against them, and oftentimes, they bully and push us aside.)
“Lumiit po talaga ang kita namin dahil po doon yung kita po talaga namin araw-araw apektado na talaga. Yung mga pag-aaral ng mga anak namin apektado na rin,” another fisherman said.
(This has adversely affected our livelihood as well as our children’s education.
The fishermen also requested for livelihood opportunities.
In response, Romualdez said that he would consult Palawan 2nd Dist. Rep. Jose C. Alvarez in providing larger boats for them.
Aside from establishing an ice plant and gas station in Aborlan, Romualdez also committed to discussing the possible installation of a fuel storage facility in the area for larger boats.
He likewise assured fisherfolk of alternative livelihood opportunities via food processing facilities.