A local fishing community in Tabaco City receives motorized fiberglass boats from BPI Foundation.
BPI Foundation, the social development arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), together with BPI employee volunteers and clients, provided fishing boats, houses, and relief assistance to the victims of typhoons Rolly and Ulysses to help them rebuild their lives.
“The goal is to help out and provide immediate assistance to our fellow Filipinos badly affected by natural calamities. As much as possible, we work closely with the affected community to develop holistic and sustainable solutions to address their most pressing issues,” said BPI Foundation Executive Director Owen Cammayo. “The coming months will not be easier, but we will do all that we can to support their survival with the hope of seeing them thrive in the near future.”
Joining the fleet
The Foundation recently turned over 40 motorized fiberglass boats to fishermen in Tabaco City, Tiwi, and Bacacay in Albay through “Fleet of Hope”, an initiative by the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management and the family behind Biggs Inc. and Que Rica PH, which aims to support the livelihood rehabilitation and economic recovery of local fishing communities in Bicol.
“I’d like to thank you for believing in us and our project, and for trusting us that we give the boats to the right beneficiaries,” said “Fleet of Hope” Co-founder Carlo Buenaflor.
Aside from giving livelihood assistance to around 120 fishermen, the fishing boats may also be used for the community’s rescue operations during calamities.
Rebuilding homes
In April, BPI Foundation turned over P2 million to the St. Joseph the Worker Parish of Baggao in Cagayan for its “Project Salinong” initiative, a shelter assistance operation aimed at building low-cost housing for the victims of Typhoon Ulysses. Through the donation, the Foundation will help build a village consisting of 82 disaster-resilient duplex houses that will shelter over 160 families.
Reynaldo Adducul of Medical College of Northern Philippines and BPI BAYAN Cagayan Valley Cluster of ICV Area group leader Benalie Paguirigan spearhead the ceremonial groundbreaking for “Project Salinong.”
“I would like to extend our profound gratitude to the BPI Foundation for the substantial donation you have given to the families rendered homeless by Typhoon Ulysses. We will always remember your kindness and generosity for you have extended help to us in our hour of greatest need,” said Rev. Fr. Gerry Perez, a Parish Priest from St. Joseph the Worker Parish of Baggao.
A livelihood center will also be constructed so that the community will have an open space for their activities.
Providing immediate relief
With the help of 684 dedicated BPI employee volunteers, BPI Foundation was also able to extend immediate relief assistance to 6,600 families or 33,000 typhoon victims in Cagayan Valley, Catanduanes, and Marikina City last November. The relief packs included various canned goods, rice, coffee, and water.
