MANILA, Philippines - Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation Inc. is donating boats worth over P2.5 million to fishermen in Iloilo as part of its commitment to help in the rebuilding efforts in Super Typhoon Yolanda-affected areas.
Partnering with Tabang Visayas, a coalition of civil society organizations and international aid agencies, Sun Life Foundation is financing the construction of 120 boats which will be distributed to fishermen in 11 different barangays in the said province.
The project is being supervised by Tabang Visayas’ accredited arm in Iloilo, the Assisi Development Foundation, a loose coalition of 22 member organizations from the private sector working for relief, recovery and rehabilitation in the Visayas.
According to data gathered by the group, fishing is the main source of livelihood in many barangays in Iloilo, and one boat could support the livelihood of up to three fishermen.
“When Typhoon Yolanda struck and destroyed their boats, the fishermen were left with no means to support their families,†Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Joub Miradora shared. “Providing them with boats, the main tool they need in their livelihood, means helping them long-term, and that is very much in line with what we rally for in Sun Life Foundation – which is sustainability.â€
Sun Life Foundation Board of Trustees member Karen Casas added that the company considers itself a partner of the Filipino people in nation-building. “We want to be very active and involved in the process of rehabilitation after the major calamity that the Philippines experienced,†she said.
Consultation meetings have been conducted with the beneficiaries of the project, while materials have been sourced locally to maximize the fund donated by the foundation.
The boats will be tested for sea-worthiness before the turnover to the fishermen scheduled in March.
The president of the Assisi Development Foundation, Benjamin Abadiano, expressed gratitude for Sun Life Foundation’s help. “Their assistance certainly allows us to reach more fishermen in need as we continue to extend post-Yolanda recovery and rehabilitation interventions throughout the Visayas. Such collaborations among our organizations is truly valuable in optimizing the impact in our partner communities,†he said.
Sun Life Financial is represented in the Philippines by its life insurance arm, Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc. (SLOCPI); its mutual fund manager, Sun Life Asset Management Company Inc. (SLAMCI); and its pre-need company, Sun Life Financial Plans Inc (SLFPI). Sun Life Financial-Philippines Foundation. Inc. is the philanthropy arm of SLOCPI.