2 fishermen in Cavite, Rizal affected by high fuel prices receive early Father's Day surprise

As part of efforts to assist fisherfolk affected by rising fuel prices, two fathers from Cavite and Cardona, Rizal received an early Father’s Day surprise through the help of GMA Kapuso Foundation and a sponsor.

According to Mel Tiangco’s report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday, fishing has been the primary source of livelihood for Rico Teodoro for more than three decades.

However, in December 2025, he was forced to sell his fishing boat after his wife suddenly fell ill.

Today, Rico relies on joining other fishermen’s boats to earn a living. But with soaring fuel costs, many fishermen can no longer venture far into the sea, resulting in smaller catches and fewer opportunities to work. To support his family, Rico also takes on construction jobs whenever he can.

“Ngayon ay nangangamuhan po ako sa pangingisda pero madalang po makapalaot at minsan nasasama po ako sa pag-c-construction,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Cavite City, Eliseo Tolentino works as a pimboy or boat pusher, helping fishermen launch and dock their boats. But as the number of fishermen in the area has dwindled due to high fuel costs, his income has also been affected.

To make ends meet, Eliseo collects and sells recyclable materials.

“Minsan nangangalakal na lang ako. Kahapon nagbenta ako ng bote. ‘Yun ang ginawa naming hapunan,” he shared.

With Father’s Day approaching, Eliseo’s simple wish was to have groceries that his family could share and enjoy together.

Moved by the dedication and sacrifices of Rico and Eliseo, a sponsor coordinated with the GMA Kapuso Foundation to surprise the two fathers with grocery packages and sacks of rice.

“Maiibsan na 'yung isang pagkukulang namin sa problema namin, kung saan kami kukuha ng pagkain. Maraming maraming salamat sa GMA Kapuso Foundation,” Eliseo said.

Rico also shared a message for fellow fathers.

“Sa kaparehas kong mga magulang, huwag silang magsasawang sumuporta sa pamilya. Talagang magpilit na humanap ng iba pang ikabubuhay,” he said.

Meanwhile, residents affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Mindanao are still in need of assistance.

The GMA Kapuso Foundation is now preparing for the second wave of its Operation Bayanihan project in SOCCSKSARGEN.

Those who wish to donate relief goods are advised to ensure that items have at least six months before their expiration dates.The following items are needed:

• Rice
• Noodles
• Canned goods
• Water
• Coffee
• Sugar
• Hygiene kits
• New sleping mats
• New blankets
• New clothes
• New slippers

Material donations may be dropped off at these locations from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• 2/F, Kapuso Center, Samar Avenue, GMA Network Drive, South Triangle, Quezon City
• GMA Kapuso Foundation Warehouse, #366 GMA Compound Tandang Sora Avenue, Barangay Culiat, Tandang Sora, Quezon City

Cash donations may also be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, Shopee, and Palawan Pay. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News