Donation drive, civilian convoy to Ayungin Shoal launched

A coalition of non-government organizations and people's organizations has announced a drive for donations for front liners and fisherfolk in the Ayungin Shoal and the West Philippine Sea.

At a news conference, the "Atin Ito" coalition said it planned to bring the goods to the BRP Sierra Madre, aground as a Philippine outpost in the shoal, through its Christmas convoy and civilian supply mission.

"BRP Sierra Madre symbolizes the Filipino people's peaceful but steadfast opposition to foreign encroachment," Agee Liñan of Center for Agrarian Reform for Empowerment and Transformation (CARET) said.

"It also serves as a stark reminder of the precarious situation our Filipino fishing communities and frontliners face as they valiantly defend our sovereign right to fish... in the face of ongoing harassment by a foreign trespasser and invader," Liñan added.

The coalition is composed of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), the Center for Agrarian Reform for Empowerment and Transformation (CARET), Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan (PKSK), Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA), Team Manila Lifestyle, concerned artists, Akbayan Party, Akbayan Youth, and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP).

Senator Risa Hontiveros, a member of Akbayan, said during the press conference that the donation drive was “ an essential response to the urgent needs of our fisherfolk.”

“The Christmas convoy civilian supply mission is an exciting initiative that will not only provide food and goods but also boost the morale of our troops stationed at our most important sovereign marker, the BRP Sierra Madre,” Hontiveros said.

Edicio dela Torre, president of PRRM said the Christmas donation drive which will be organized in schools, churches, communities, and workplaces will be given to communities in Zambales, Palawan, Mindoro, and Batangas.
PKSK Chairperson Ruperto Aleroza said many fisherfolks have lost their livelihoods “as a result of China’s escalating harassment and mistreatment.”

“Their livelihoods and food security are in danger. The economic losses brought on by decreased catch and damaged boats and other fishing equipment feed an already vicious cycle of poverty in related coastal communities,” Aleroza said.

The coalition is planning a “Paskong Handog” musical event for WPS fisherfolk communities and frontliners.

The event organizers will only accept non-monetary donations in exchange for the audience’s admission, according to Filipino actor Jun Sabayton who was also part of the coalition.

Akbayan Party President Rafaela David urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to fully support the Christmas convoy and the civilian mission to Ayungin Shoal.

“As Filipinos, we have the right to move freely within our country, and this right is protected by our constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights," David said.

"China has no standing in the WPS. It has no right to place floating barriers and deny our fisherfolk access to the area. Hindi private resort ng China ang West Philippine Sea,” she added. —NB, GMA Integrated News