ALL SMILES. Sun Life Foundation turns over new boats to Iloilo fishermen who were affected by Typhoon Yolanda
After having Typhoon Yolanda destroy their means of making a living, 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 Baranggay 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,” Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Joub Miradora said. “They are definitely not forgotten.”
Iloilo fishermen about to test their new boats courtesy of Sun Life Foundation
Husband and wife Rolando and Angelita dela Cruz of Carles, who were among the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for Sun Life Foundation’s help. “Hindi namin alam kung paano kami babangon pagkatapos ng bagyo. Wala kaming mapagkuhanan ng kita dahil yung inaasahan naming bangka ay nasira,” Rolando shared. “Salamat sa Sun Life Foundation, unti-unti na kaming makakaahon.”
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 merely relied on her father’s boat for their livelihood. “Ngayon ay may sarili na kaming bangka na magagamit para sa kabuhayan namin, kaya mas panatag na ang pakiramdam ko,” she said.
Sun Life Foundation’s Executive Director Joub Miradora and Trustee Karen Casas present the boats to the fishermen and their respective families
The program beneficiaries were identified through an 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 organizations, 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 ceremonial turnover of the boats by Chaya Go and Ma. Victoria Borres of ADFI, as well as the barangay captains of the beneficiary barangays. Staff of Sun Life’s Iloilo office, headed by branch managers Erlinda Buenaflor and Jocelyn Sucero, also attended the event.