Build Rescue Boats in Flood Prone Communities

Like much of the rest of the world, life in the community of Banaba near Manila has changed suddenly in the last couple of months.

In late February things were still relatively normal. The Banaba Livelihood & Evacuation Centre, described in our last report, was still welcoming visitors, many of whom come to see the amazing work you support.

Ka Noli, President of our amazing local partners Buklod Tao, explained as follows:

“On Thursday morning, 27th February 2020. I was in the company of TJ, a Masters student at the University of the Philippines. His masteral thesis is on Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. He opted to come (twice already) to Buklod Tao upon advice of his masters adviser, Dr. Jake. 

During the visit on 27th February, his itinerary was to observe, document and take photos of the physical realities of Buklod Tao activities and he focused on the fiber-glass rescue boats that are already deployed in many peripheral Buklod Tao communities.

TJ saw almost all the fiber-glass rescue boats, dry-docked at the vicinity of each crew leaders’ house. He was so impressed, and I was so proud to present to him the boats because they were recently repaired and repainted and adorned with newly printed stickers, courtesy of IDV donors! Salamat po! Salamat po! (Thank you! Thank you!)”

The “crews” Ka Noli refers to are all local residents who volunteer during floods to protect and rescue their neighbours. These volunteers selflessly put themselves in harms way when disasters strike, but they’re now facing a danger they weren’t able to train for.

Ka Noli, continued as follows:

“Effective 15th March 2020 community quarantine has been imposed in Metro Manila and that includes San Mateo, Rizal, our municipality. 

I have been observing self-isolation since 16th March. Communication with other Buklod Tao members like Pablo and Francia is done via SMS and Facebook Messenger. We have not seen each other since the quarantine started.

Our boat crews are normally engaged in blue collar jobs, and sometimes casually. But since 21st April there is an enhanced community quarantine, which is more strict and stringent, and so their income has stopped.

Buklod Tao has been helping but we are also being affected by the lockdown, and now we have no more resources to help out our already suffering crews. The local government unit of Banaba is making efforts to distribute packed goods, but we are worried about surviving”.

We know it’s hard for everyone at the moment, but if you’re able to help by making a donation to support Banaba’s boat crews during this difficult time, we’d be incredibly grateful as always.

Thank you so much for your ongoing support, and if you ever have any questions please don’t hesitate to email Andy@IDVolunteers.org. I’d be delighted to hear from you.