This photo taken on September 2, 2023 shows Philippine fishermen working near the Chinese-controlled Scarborough Shoal in disputed waters of the South China Sea. Ted Aljibe, AFP/file
The Rotary Club of Calapan gave a new motorized boat to fisherman Arnel Satam at the Subic Fishport in Olongapo City on Saturday.
Satam expressed his gratitude, saying, "Malaking bagay po sakin yan sa paghahanapbuhay ko. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa bangka na meron akong sarili ko maghahanapbuhay ako para sa pamilya ko."
Percival Martinez, president of Rotary Club of Calapan, said that the fishing boat can be used by Satam for his livelihood.
"Ito'y lubhang mahalaga sa kanya hindi lamang para sa kaniyang pamilya kundi sa para lang din sating mga Pilipino na umaasa sa pangkaraniwang mangingisda," Martinez said.
"Kung ang mga katulad na Arnel ay titigil sa pangingisda dahil sa naaapektuhan sa sigalot sa South China Sea at panghihinaan ng loob, makakaramdam tayo ng kakulangan ng makakaing isda," he added.
Satam was chased by Chinese Coast Guard boats near Scarborough Shoal in September.
"Binubully nila ako...inasar ko sila. Di ako papasukin sa loob eh. Hinarangan nila ako ng rubber boat kaya umatras na lang ako baka magkasakitan," Satam stated.
He requested support from the Philippine Coast Guard, as he observed a lack of assistance in the area.
"Wag kayong matakot basta ipaglaban natin ang ating teritoryo," he said.
The Rotary Club of Calapan also presented Satam with a plaque and provided groceries and rice.