A tragedy struck an employee of the Ministry of Education (MOE) who passed away the night before he was to receive the MOE Employee of the Year Award at the ROP Annual Appreciation Day and Employee of the Year awarding event yesterday.
Mr. Tilei Beluong, a 45-year old employee of MOE Transportation Office, went fishing on the evening of November 26 when a call came in reporting a missing fisherman around Ngeanges area. According to police report, a fishing partner after diving noticed his friend missing and immediately informed his family through text and began looking for him.
During the search, the missing fisherman was finally found at Touachel Beleu channel and was transported by Koror State Rangers to the Belau National Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Mr. Beluong was said to be a very committed and motivated individual who drove all over Babeldaob transporting kids to school mornings and home afternoons with no complaints whatsoever. In addition to busing kids to and from school during school days, he also was a boat operator who serviced Kayangel and Peliliu schools when need arise.
His colleagues nominated him as MOE Employee of the Year due to his positive attitude, kindness and willingness to help anyone who needed help. He was well remembered by his family at MOE yesterday.