Each member of the fisherfolk’s association in the municipality of Kalayaan received solar lights from a private donor on March 21, aiding their livelihood in the remote West Philippine Sea.
The donation came from Delgado Brothers (Delbros) Group, given through the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) in a turnover ceremony at the Palawan Sustainable Development and Training Institute (PSDTI) in Brgy. Irawan.
115 units of the solar powered lights was given to the fisherfolk association, while 20 units each were given to the Philippine Coast Guard and the PCSDS, to aid in their monitoring efforts done in remote locations around the KIG.
Fisherfolks Association President and Kalayaan Chairperson Roberto Asiado stated that although households were previously given donations such as solar-powered lights, this was the first time their association specifically received any type of donation.
“Nagkataon na siyempre, meron na nito, may ilaw na tayo, makikita tayo ng mga kasama natin,” he said.
Asiado had been fishing in Kalayaan since 2005, and had since seen many of his fellows stranded during nighttime fishing, waiting for the dawn to sail back to land.
He confirmed that households in Kalayaan had previously received solar lights. However, the fisherfolk, who numbered 112 members, were not usually extended the same technological help, although they had been practicing their livelihood since the start of their residency.
“Siyempre sa gabi, kailangang mangisda kasi sa araw may trabaho pa din yung iba. Kaya gagawa ng paraan,” Asiado said.
Jose Paulo Delgado, President and CEO of the Delbros Group, stated that the industrious members of the fisherfolk association in the island town deserve the solar lights.
He said that his friend, Deputy Executive Director for the PCSDS, Niño Rey Estoya, was the one who introduced him to the idea of sustainable development in Kalayaan by giving tools to their residents.
“Proud na proud po kami sa inyo at sa ginagawa niyo sa Kalayaan, at sana ay makatulong ang donation ng Delbros Group sa inyo,” Delgado said, addressing the fisherfolk in attendance during the turnover ceremony.
The PCSDS also received a freezer set from the Delbros Group, which will be used to preserve specimens caught in illegal trade and fishing operations that will be used as evidence in court cases.
PCSDS Executive Director Teodoro Jose Matta commended the patriotism expressed by the private sector in improving the livelihood of Kalayaan residents through the donation.
