Student recalls difficulties during Ayungin Christmas voyage

A student leader who volunteered for the Christmas resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal earlier this month shared his experiences with The STAR on Tuesday.

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James Balbuena, a member of Akbayan Youth, was one of the delegates onboard TS Kapitan Felix Oca, which set sail from Manila to El Nido, Palawan on Dec. 10, bringing food supplies for soldiers stationed on Ayungin Shoal.

Volunteering as part of the Atin "To coalition, Balbuena found himself thrust into various leadership roles, while facing a formidable opponent: China.

He expected to be a mere participant but was appointed as youth coordinator and later became one of the team leaders.

Balbuena expressed difficulty dealing with responsibilities involving the lives of his fellow crew members, handling activities on the ship and coordinating various tasks, all while shadowed by Chinese vessels.