Urban
Poor Associates (UPA) together with Holy Spirit Sisters (SSPS) turned-over 40
boats to fishermen on February 13 at Barangay 90 Payapay, San Jose, Tacloban
City.
Fishermen
together with their wives and children gathered by the shore as Bishop John Du
and Fr. Hector Villamil blessed the boats. The fishermen asked the Lord to
drive away unfavorable wind from their boats and to always calm the sea. They
prayed for fervent protection against typhoon like Yolanda.
The
boats are painted blue with length of 20 feet and width of 18 inches. It has motor
engine, paddle, nets and as part of disaster preparedness, a life-jacket.
Rene
Labucay, beneficiary of the boat and resident of Barangay 90 said, “I know that
this boat will bring us luck because the boat united all the fishermen. We
worked hard in making the boats and that what made it different from all the
gifts we have received after typhoon Yolanda.”
“We
are very grateful that the Holy Spirit Sisters chose our barangay to distribute
the boats. We are also thankful that the sisters brought UPA and the local
organizers to help our community be organized. We are very happy and felt loved
by many people who helped us,” Labucay added.
Sr.
Marie Claire Manding, SSPS said, “The livelihood project in Tacloban is a
collaboration of the South and North Holy Spirit Sisters (SSPS) provincials. We
are planning to increase the number of beneficiaries by providing 125 boats or
more. This signifies the 125th year of foundation of SSPS
congregation in the whole world. We would also like to extend our gratitude to
all the donors who believed in the project. This entire activity is a
celebration of life.”
UPA
partnership with SSPS resulted after UPA held a forum last December 17, 2013
entitled “Build Back Better” that aimed to ensure that the people of Tacloban
will be consulted in all aspects of national reconstruction, including land,
houses, health, jobs, administration, and hygiene kits.
Alicia
Murphy, UPA Field Director said, “UPA helped in organizing Barangays 89 and 90
two areas hard-hit by Typhoon Yolanda, where the beneficiaries of the boats
live. We aim that the organizing of 2,000 families will not only be for the
livelihood program but eventually decent and resilient permanent housing.”
“We
are thankful with DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman who gave us tents and generator
for the construction of boats,” Murphy added.
The
fishermen put up peoples organizations called Yolanda Survivor Fishermen
Associations to help them have a dialogue with the government agencies who can
help in providing solutions to their needs. The women are also creating an organization
that will focus on the needs of women and children.
The
group earlier distributed 14 pedicabs. The drivers are now earning 100 a day.
It also helped them transport all their belongings every time there is call for
evacuation. The Holy Spirit Sisters and UPA are also doing a Saturday feeding
program that aims to give 165 children in Payapay a nutritious meal.
Murphy concluded, “We are doing this
to make sure that the government acknowledges the best practices in reconstruction.
We want worldwide acknowledged best practices to ensure that the majority of
Yolanda survivors be served with integrity and that all their needs will be
given priority.”
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