Metrobank Group gives boats to Yolanda-hit fisherfolk in Samar

MANILA, Philippines – The Metrobank Group, through its corporate social responsibility arm, Metrobank Foundation, completed the turnover of 50 motor boats to Yolanda-affected fisherfolk in the municipality of Lawaan, Eastern Samar last July 22, 2014.

In partnership with The Organization of Philippine Soldiers with Outstanding Leadership, Dedication, Integrity Excellence and Responsibility to Society (TOPSOLDIERS), the alumni association of its Outstanding Soldiers, and the 801st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, the donation aims to help fisherfolk regain their means of livelihood and bring back what they have lost due to Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

“It was in the aftermath of the greatest storm that we saw an opportunity to show the people of our region, Metrobank’s commitment through service and dedication,” he said.

Lawaan, whose residents are mostly fisherfolk, is one of the hardest-hit municipalities at the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda.

“Ang aming maliit na bayan ay tinulungan at pinununtahan ng Metrobank Foundation at TOPSOLDIERS dahil hindi pa namin kayang tumayo sa sarili namin sa ngayon matapos ang malakas na bagyo,” Mayor Candida Gabornes said. (Metrobank Foundation and TOPSOLDIERS helped our small town because we needed help getting back on our feet after the super typhoon.)

“Sa pamamagitan ng mga bangkang ito, sa wakas ay magagawa na naming tumayo sa aming sarili.” (With these boats, we will be able to stand back up.)

She assured that the boats will be put to good use by the fisherfolks.

“Makakaasa kayo na ang mga tumanggap ng bangka ngayon ay hindi lamang ito gagamitin para sa hanapbuhay kundi magiging katulong din ng ating gobyerno sa pagbantay sa ating karagatan,” Gabornes said.

(Rest assured that the beneficiaries of the donation will not only use this for livelihood but will also be working hand in hand with the government in securing our sea.)

The fisherfolk themselves were the ones who constructed and painted their own boats. This collaborative effort is a manifestation of bayanihan among different sectors in society, both public and private.

“Sa ngalan ng mga kasama kong mangingisda, labis po kaming nagpapasalamat na kami ay kasama sa mga tumanggap ng donasyong ito,” Ricardo Cabonce, one of the beneficiaries, said. “Ang bangka na ito ay talaga namang magagamit namin sa maayos naming paghahanapbuhay sa karagatan na makakatulong para sa aming pamilya.” 

(On behalf of my fellow fishermen, we express our utmost gratitude for being the recipients of this donation. These fishing boats will be helpful especially when used properly for our livelihood that will benefit our family.)

“This project is a true manifestation of collective ownership,” BGen Gan expressed. “The success of this cannot be attributed to only one organization but to everyone who participated. This will not only help provide income for the residents but will also help maintain peace in the municipality,” he added.

To date, a total of 160 out of the 500 boats have been given away in Eastern Samar and Cebu provinces. Together with partners, more fishing boats will also be distributed in the municipalities of Guiuan and Balangiga.

The donation of fishing boats is a component of the Metrobank Group’s Helping Hands Rehabilitation Program on livelihood, education, and health. Disaster-resilient classrooms and barangay health stations will also be constructed in identified Yolanda-affected areas. – Rappler.com