The Tribune

WHEN Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines last November, a local service club sprang into action to find out how they could help.

Taran Mackey, President of the Rotaract Club of East Nassau used Rotaract’s global network to reach out to clubs in Manila and offer his club’s assistance and found that their relief efforts were very much planned around a long term vision.

Candy Martino, President of the Rotaract Club of Manila, explained that they were focusing on assisting families in Tabon, Aklan a coastal community with total population of 34,084 made up of approximately 8,000 families. Their source of income primarily depends on fishing and the community was devastated during the typhoon with many of the families losing the boats they needed for their livelihoods.

The aim of the project was to give them boats, at a cost of approximately $600 each, so they could continue with their lives and be self-sustaining in the long run.

The Rotaract club of East Nassau immediately pledged their support and contacted their sponsor club, The Rotary Club of East Nassau to ask if they would also contribute to the project. Not only did they agree to do so, but many of their members were so impressed by the project that they made significant personal contributions.

And there was more good news to come, as the students of the Meridian School contacted the club to say that they had been raising funds for Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts and would like to partner on the project. Due to the amazing efforts of these young students, another $1,000 was donated to the cause.

On hearing this news Oliver Alvarez, President of the Rotary Club of Manila Magic, said “we are enormously happy with this great news! Additionally, I am extremely touched by your gesture in helping our countrymen despite you being on the other side of the world! Thank you very much! Rest assured that the Rotaract Club of Manila, with the guidance of my club will properly implement our project. God bless your hearts!”

In total, $7,000 was sent to the Philippines, which will help twelve families to earn a living once again and help rebuild their community.

Once the materials for the boats had been purchased members of the Rotaract Club of Manila travelled by road and by boat 300 miles to Aklan to assist with the building and painting process and to spend some time with the families there as well as distributing teaching materials to replace those lost when the school was devastated.

Recognising that this is only the start of a very long rebuilding process for the people of Aklan, President Candy stated: “We will still be going back to the community to check on the completion of the boats and do assessment on our next plan of action.”