Sibuyan residents regain Christmas cheer after tragedy

MANILA, Philippines – Fishermen in Sibuyan Island in Romblon have regained some of their cheer for Christmas exactly six months after the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy disrupted their livelihood. Fisherfolk are contented to have resumed fishing around most of the waters there, and that the rice ration promised by the government finally arrived, according to Mayor Nanette Tansingco of San Fernando town. "Okay at masaya na ang mga tao. Kahit papaano ang kanilang inaasahan dumating din [The people here are okay. They are happy because they received some of the aid promised to them six months ago]," Tansingco said in an interview on dzBB radio Sunday. Tansingco said the aid included 18 kilos of rice promised to them as early as last July by Agriculture secretary Arthur Yap when he visited the province arrived last Friday. The town's 1,500 fishermen were to get 18 kilos each, or six kilos for three weeks. "Hinanapan niya ng funds ang pabigay sa fisherfolk... Malaking tulong yan dahil magpa-Pasko [Yap said they looked for funds for the rice. That is a big help especially with Christmas approaching]," she said. The MV Princess of the Stars capsized off Romblon at the height of Typhoon Frank last June 21. Authorities imposed a ban on fishing in Sibuyan after learning the capsized vessel was carrying endosulfan, a toxic substance. The ban has been partially lifted but remains in force a kilometer around the shipwreck. Tansingco said her constituents could live with waiting for the shipwreck to be removed. She said ship owner Sulpicio Lines Inc. had said the shipwreck removal may take "two to three months." - GMANews.TV