MANILA, Philippines - The ban on fishing in Romblon following the MV Princes of the Stars tragedy last month off Sibuyan Island has taken a heavy toll on the education of some youth in the province.
For instance, the Rosas family could no longer afford the school expenses of their eldest of the seven children. The child was forced to quit school to take menial job in the city, according to a GMA News report aired over 24 Oras Wednesday night.
The report said that fishing is the main source of income of the Rosas family. But because of the fishing ban, the family is now broke.
Isa pa yun budget sa eskwela nya wala kaming pagkukunan," Mrs Amelia Rosas said to explain why she could no longer send her eldest daughter to high school.
(We dont know now where to get the budget for her school expenses.)
The predicament of the Rosas family is replicated throughout Romblon.
Amy Estores, English teacher at the Romblon State College, said many of her students are no longer attending classes because of the effect of the fishing ban on their families.
Kung 10 consecutive absences dropout ka na sana. Pero siguro sa ganitong mga kaso we have to give consideration to the students. Kasi hindi naman nila kagustuhan na mangyari sa kanila yan," she explained.
(If a student had 10 consecutive absences he or she is considered a dropout. But because of the prevailing harsh condition we have to give consideration to students.)
Antonio Relox, administrator of the Romblon State College, feared that the worst is yet to come as long as the doomed ship containing toxic cargoes stays in the waters off Romblon.
Rolex is apprehensive that more students would miss school if the fishing ban were prolonged.
Gusto naming mag-rally sa mga concern agencies na kung pwede kunin na yun sunken vessel na yan," he appealed.
(We want to hold a rally to call for the removal of the sunken vessel.) - GMANews.TV