Boats for Iloilo fisherfolk

MANILA, Philippines - After Super Typhoon Yolanda destroyed their means of livelihood, over a hundred fishermen in Iloilo can once again look forward to a brighter tomorrow. They now own brand new fishing boats courtesy of Sun Life Financial Philippines Foundation Inc.

The ceremonial turnover of the fishing boats was held recently in Baranggay Bito-on in Carles and in Barangay Embarkadero in Batad.

A total of 120 fishermen from 14 different barangays from the municipalities of Batan, Batad, Carles, Ajuy and Estancia benefitted from the program, which was facilitated by the Assisi Development
Foundation, Inc. (ADFI).

“Sun Life Foundation remains steadfastly committed to helping our fellowmen who are still trying to rebuild their lives after the typhoon,” foundation executive director Joub Miradora said.

Beneficiaries Rolando and Angelita dela Cruz of Carles expressed gratitude for Sun Life’s help. “We did not know how we would survive after the storm. We couldn’t earn a living because our fishing boat was destroyed. But thanks to  Sun Life Foundation, we are recovering slowly,” Rolando said in Filipino.

This sentiment was echoed by another couple, Eduardo Jr. and Jane Billena of Batad. According to Jane, they did not even have their own
fishing boat and relied on her father’s boat for their livelihood. “Now we have our own boat, I feel more secure.”

The program beneficiaries underwent intensive screening by ADFI, which prioritized fishermen whose monthly income was as low as P1,000. ADFI is an accredited arm of Tabang Visayas, a coalition of
non-government and civil society organizations and international aid agencies.

Sun Life Foundation trustee Karen Casas explained that the goal was to provide more than just short-term relief assistance. “The best way to
help is through sustainable rehabilitation efforts, and that explains why we support this program,” she said.

Miradora and Casas were joined in the turnover of the boats by Chaya Go and Ma. Victoria Borres of ADFI, as well as the barangay captains of beneficiary barangays. Staff of Sun Life’s Iloilo office,
headed by branch managers Erlinda Buenaflor and Jocelyn Sucero, also attended the event.