02/02/2016
2 years ago, after the Yolanda devastation, our agency decided to forego our Christmas festivities and donate the funds to a Yolanda-related rehabilitation program. We chose the Boats for Busuanga program initiated by Dr. Antonio L. Dans of the Philippine General Hospital and Mr. Frederick C. Lopez of Phinma Foundation.
Funds were raised for the creation, transport and donation of fiberglass boats to fisherfolk who lost their means of livelihood. C3 Philippines (Community Centred Conservation), a non-profit organization, facilitated the assessment of beneficiaries for these boat donations.
We've just gotten word that the program has been finally completed. 65 21-24 ft fiberglass motorised boats have been distributed to fisherfolk in Busuanga and Tacloban. Orientation sessions with the recipients on responsible fishing techniques (including conservation of the endangered seacows locally known as dugong) were also conducted together with workshops on how to maintain and service the fiberglass boats.
The GASSO 1 and GASSO 2 boats are now off to sea. We hope to get to ride them one day as we go pay the dugongs a visit. =)
We would like to thank Drake and Danica Lopez and Tony and Inday Dans for leading this noble effort. We hope you continue to inspire more of this corporate social responsibility in the hearts of many.
