For years, Roberto Asiado has been fishing in the waters of Kalayaan town and already encountered several near-death experiences due to the limited light kits they use in sailing.
The strong wind caused by the storm almost overturned the ship in the sea, and crew members were rescued the next morning. But he is confident that now their livelihood will improve with the help of donated 115 units of solar light kits from the Delbros Group.
“Mahirap din dahil malayo kami roon…mahirap maghanap ng ilaw, lumubog [kami].. buti na lang nakapondo sa bahura. Sa dami nyan [solar light kits], siguro liliwanag na kami doon,” he said.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stationed in Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan can now easily spot fishermen in the waters.
Aside from Kalayaan fisherfolk, who are dedicated to providing light kits to coastal areas, the Delbros Group also extended 20 units to PCG, as well as to Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), who facilitated the turnover on Friday, March 21.
Two agencies will use the light kits for nighttime patrols and monitoring in territorial waters.
Jose Paolo Delgado, president and CEO of Delbros Group, said that even though not all Filipinos have the chance to serve in the AFP, the private sector can help improve the lives of fishermen, particularly those fishing in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), where Pag-asa is located, is part of the Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea.
“Hope namin na mas safe kayo habang lumalabas kayo. Itong mga ilaw na ito ay makakatulong sa trabaho ninyo at hopefully, sa ginagawang activities ng Philippine Navy at Philippine Coast Guard sa territorial waters natin,” he said.
Delgado is part of the fourth generation of the company operating for decades in the industries of logistics and transportation, technology, and food production.
The Kalayaan local government unit hopes that the donations will have a positive impact on the livelihoods of the locals.
PCSD Executive Director Teodoro Jose Matta welcomes any help that could contribute to the improvement of the lives of locals in Kalayaan while ensuring the safety of the island, recognizing the act of patriotism shown by Delbros Group in supporting fisherfolk and armed forces deployed in WPS.
Aside from solar light kits, PCSD also received a freezer that will help store the evidence that can be used in court trials, which Matta views as one of the contributions they’ve had in a long time.
“We had come a long way, but yet, our communities are still struggling. Every help is valuable to us,” he added. (RG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
