Press Release
July 26, 2008

Villar visits Romblon

Senate President Manny Villar arrived in Romblon today to distribute relief goods to residents suffering from the continuing threat of the sunken MV Princess of the Stars.

The visit is part of a series of relief efforts initiated by the Senate president in the wake of the devastation of the recent typhoon Frank.

Villar personally distributed relief goods in Romblon, Romblon to affected residents with the help of Mayor Gard Montojo. He also turned over donations to San Fernando Mayor Nanette Tansingco, Kajibiokan Mayor Nick Ramos, and Magdiwang Mayor Baring Mansala for their respective constituents.

He then proceeded to Tablas Island and gave relief goods to San Agustin residents with the help of Mayor Toto Madrona. Villar likewise turned over donations for Sta. Fe residents to Mayor Asher Vista, and for Alcantara constituents to Mayor Ramie Galicia.

The Senate president was accompanied by Romblon Gov. Jojo Beltran and Rep. Budoy Madrona in the said relief efforts.

Villar earlier filed Senate Resolution 504 urging the Senate to inquire into the plight of fishermen and the fishing industry in the wake of calamities.

The Nacionalista Party president said the triple scourge of the typhoon, the sunken ship, and the high cost of fuel devastated small fishers and the fishing industry the most.

Earlier, the Senate President, who used to sell shrimps in the market, urged the government to extend fuel discount, livelihood support, and loans for the purchase of second-hand vessels to the affected fishermen, while also pushing the review of the Oil Deregulation Law.

Villar explained that nearly half of the total catch of fish and seafood in the country is made by municipal and subsistence fishers who operate small boats in shallow coastal waters.

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