When Typhoon Yolanda made landfall on Philippine shores on November 8, 2013, the country was in no way prepared for the onslaught, much less the aftermath. The death toll exceeded 6,200 with 2,000 still missing, and those who lived through the ordeal fared little better, as basic necessities like food and water became alarmingly scarce.
Among the many victims of Typhoon Yolanda were the fisherfolk whose boats or bancas were demolished during the storm. With their means of livelihood—and now survival—gone, these people and the communities they serve continue to suffer months after the terrifying nightmare.
Earth Hour, the world’s largest recognized voluntary action for the environment, is determined to change that through their Bancas for the Philippines campaign. Banking on the popularity of crowd-funding initiatives (click here to donate), Earth Hour aims to introduce fiberglass boat-making technology to the Yolanda-afflicted coastal communities in Northern Palawan and Eastern Visayas.
Through the money raised from crowd-funding and other donations, Earth Hour can provide materials, training and boat moulds so fisherfolk can build sturdier bancas more efficiently.
The goal is to raise $24,000 for 60 bancas by mid-April.
Earth Hour is slated from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on March 29, 2014. For more information, go to http://www.ehour.me/BANCAS
(Photo courtesy of WWF Philippines)
