10,000 youths to embark on Kalayaan ‘freedom voyage’

MANILA, Philippines - At least 10,000 youth volunteers are expected to join a month-long trip to the West Philippine Sea in support of the case the country filed against China before the international arbitral tribunal.

the so-called “Freedom Voyage to the Kalayaan Island Group” from Nov. 30 to Dec. 30 in support of the country’s claim on the West Philippine Sea.

Former Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon, who initiated the “Kalayaan Atin To” movement, said the ”Freedom Voyage to the Kalayaan Island Group” is from Nov. 30 to Dec. 30.

Faeldon said most of the volunteers are students from 81 colleges and universities nationwide.

“They committed to this when they conducted an information drive in their respective provinces from May 15 to Oct. 30, 2015,” said Faeldon of the volunteers.

 “The volunteers believe that until all citizens of this country have shown to the whole world our ability to unite and render free service to our nation, we do not have the right to ask for help from other countries,” he added.

Jasper Niel Cruz, a student of the Philippine Normal University, said they are ready to face harassment from Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

“If we are blocked, I am prepared. I am willing to die for my country,” Cruz said.

Brian Castillo said his parents allowed him to join the trip. “They even encouraged me to take part in this noble undertaking which they were not privileged to do,” he said.

From Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Faeldon said their group would go around the islets where Filipino soldiers were deployed.

He said they also plan to stay for several days in Pag-Asa Island to interact with its residents.

The group launched a fund-raising campaign dubbed “Piso Para Kalayaan” to sustain their expenses during their trip.

Faeldon said they welcome any donations that would be helpful to the volunteers. He appealed to fishing industries to support them by providing fishing boats to be used in their journey.

 He said their group is not accepting donations from politicians.