AKSYON AGAD--Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez immediately acts on the pleas for assistance of five leaders representing fishermen in the municipality of Aborlan in Palawan who are suffering from tension in the West Philippine Sea and increasing competition with large fishing fleets from other countries. During their meeting Friday at the Palawan Provincial Capitol, Romualdez who is the caretaker of the 3rd District of Palawan instructed his staff to act swiftly on the request of the fisherfolks for scholarships to their children, ice plant, as well as a gasoline storage facility to supply fuel to their boats. He also vowed to consult with Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez on the matter of providing them with bigger boats. Apart from Alvarez, Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Erwin Tulfo, along with his partymate Rep. Edvic Yap, accompanied Romualdez during the meeting.
LEADERS of the more than 600 fishermen from Palawan, affected by the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issues, were thankful for the swift action of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on their concerns last Friday.
Speaker Romualdez expedited the granting of scholarships to over 1,000 fishermen’s children and the establishment of an ice plant and gas station in Aborlan to assist the fishermen in the area in his short but fruitful visit to the province.
“Masayang masaya ang mga mangingisda dahil sa napakabilis na aksyon ni Speaker Romualdez kaya nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga tulong na ipinagkaloob niya,” said the group’s statement. The leaders of over 600 fishermen in Aborlan, Palawan went to ACT-CIS office in Puerto Princesa City to seek help and convey their problems in the West Philippine Sea.
Romualdez happened to visit Palawan last Friday to inaugurate his office in Puerto Princesa, House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo, together with fellow ACT[1]CIS party-list Rep. Edvic Yap, took the opportunity to raise the fishermen’s issues.
Romualdez is also the caretaker of the 3rd district of Palawan following the passing of Rep. Edward Hagedorn.
“Kahit wala sa programa at schedule, hinarap ni Speaker ang mga lider ng mga mangingisda at agad pinakinggan ang problema ng mga ito,” Tulfo recounted.
The fishermen reported to the Speaker that their livelihoods in the area are already affected by larger Chinese boats that continue to impact their livelihoods. Among their requests was assistance for their children’s education. They also pleaded for help in having their own ice plant and gas station in the area for the fishermen’s needs.
“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. “Lumiit po talaga ang kita namin dahil po doon yung kita po talaga namin araw-araw apektado na talaga. Yung mga pagaaral ng mga anak namin apektado na rin,” another fisherman said.
“Hindi na po kami makalaot ng maayos. Ang hiling namin sa mga anak namin sana po kung merong scholarship,” another fisherman insisted. Aside from this, the fishermen also requested livelihood opportunities.
“Diretsahan na lang, kumuha tayo ng lahat ng listahan ng mga estudyante, bigyan natin ng scholarship. Ganun kasimple. Kung namomroblema kayo sa edukasyon scholarship na lang diretso na lang,” the Speaker quickly responded to the fishermen.
The Speaker also said he would consult with Rep. Jose C. Alvarez of the 2nd district of Palawan to provide larger boats for the fisherfolks. He also said, he will expedite the establishment of an ice plant and gas station in Aborlan.
“Tapos isang fuel storage diyan sa Aborlan. Kausapin natin si Mr. Ramon Ang para maglagay ng fuel storage facility. Tapos yung mas malaking mga bangka ayusin natin,” Romualdez added.
Romualdez also assured the fishermen of the provision of alternative livelihoods for their families, such as food processing facilities. “Yung livelihood nyo tutulong tayo sa livelihood nyo,” the Speaker said.
