Christmas convoy sets off for Ayungin
MANILA, Philippines — The voyage has begun for a group of volunteers on a mission to deliver supplies and goodies to some remote island communities in the West Philippine Sea as part of what they describe as sharing of the Christmas spirit as well as a demonstration of the Filipinos’ rights and privileges to sail in the country’s waters freely and unmolested.
Over 40 volunteers belonging to the first batch of the so-called Christmas convoy left Manila yesterday morning for El Nido in Palawan on board civilian vessel M/V Kapitan Felix Oca.
The ship is expected to arrive today in El Nido, where the volunteers would merge with a larger group of 100 fishermen, forming part of a 40-boat convoy that would head to Ayungin Shoal, Patag and Lawak Islands from Dec. 10 to 12 to unload essential provisions and gifts for communities in the areas, said Akbayan party president Rafaela David, convenor of Atin Ito.
The civilian contingent comprises representatives from the youth sector, student leaders and fisherfolk.
Atin Ito is a campaign dedicated to advancing the cause of fisherfolk and frontliners in the West Philippine Sea through education and advocacy.
Among the members of Atin Ito are the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement, Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka, Center for Agrarian Reform for Empowerment and Transformation, Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Samahan sa Kanayunan, Team Manila Lifestyle, Akbayan Youth and the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines.
David lauded the efforts of the volunteers, whom she called West Philippine Sea ambassadors.
“This marks the commencement of a meaningful journey to support fisherfolk communities and frontliners in the West Philippine Sea,” David said in a statement.
She said the trip is their collective commitment to improving the living and working conditions of fisherfolk and frontliners in the West Philippine Sea.
The voyage, she added, embodies the country’s resilience and peaceful but determined defense of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid Chinese bullying in Philippine waters.
“Our voyage is a testament to the enduring strength of Filipino unity, even in the face of foreign aggression
