(PHILIPPINES) We want to give you our ‘Final Beneficiary Story’, but we find that impossible. Each story that we have observed in the people around us is one that is ongoing. The lives of those we have been working with are evolving; these communities are being metamorphosed into places where individuals have dream, hope and a future. We can only give a glimpse into some of their lives so that you, for a moment, can see the changes that are taking place.

We previously talked about Bebbe Antone, a fisherman who experienced the ravage fury of Typhoon Haiyan. He was living on the coastal properties of Paon when the surge of water swept over his neighbourhood, tearing his home from its base, driving fishing boats inland to become shards of wood where the houses once stood. He is a survivor as he showed when he protected his family and neighbours and led them to safety through the extreme conditions.

Bebbe is a blessing to his community as they recover. He selflessly offers help to traumatized neighbours by doing simple things for them. He is quick to take the laundry from his elderly neighbour to wash it for her. He helps a friend by making crab traps to help him make a living. Even though he has lost his own livelihood when his fishing boat was destroyed, he is quick to point out others that need our help. His character is not one of a defeated person, but one that sees a future for himself and for his community.

World Renew has a fishing boat for Bebbe Antone. He is part of ‘batch two’. Bebbe cannot contain his excitement as he brings me to the waterside to see the first ten boats from ‘batch one’ getting their final finishing touches. He runs his fingers over the edge of the boat, dreaming of a day coming soon when one will be for him. He looks at the name painted on the side and envisions his own name proudly displayed. He jumps over the outriggers like a skittish boy, so excited to be a recipient of one of these boats. Soon….

But these first ten boats are for ten fishermen selected to be part of the first batch. They work tirelessly as they finalize the painting, proudly adding World Renew’s logo. When their names are complete, they can do nothing but smile. The outriggers have been added and their motors are installed.                               

The next day at the launch…

All of our staff was excited to be part of the launch. We all came to Paon to be part of the official ceremony to watch as the first ten fishermen launched their boats. We prayed for a blessing on the lives of the men and their families as the men return to their livelihoods out on the sea. With bowed heads, and with memories of a wild sea, the prayers were earnest and the tears were real. But with the reality of a fresh hope, the cheers and smiles were spontaneous when the boats were lifted from the beach and carried to the sea. The motors purred as the men eagerly piloted into the open water.

"Even though he (Bebbe) has lost his own livelihood when his fishing boat was destroyed, he is quick to point out others that need our help. His character is not one of a defeated person, but one that sees a future for himself and for his community."

Bebbe walked back to his makeshift tent, to his children and his pregnant wife. In two weeks from now, he will be one of the men returning to the sea. His name will be on his boat.

Over the next several weeks, 43 boats will be built for the fishermen. 43 fishermen will receive the gear they need such as nets. Another 26 men will receive new mechanical parts for their existing boats.

This World Renew restoration project is now in full gear. Aside from the boats which are currently being built, we were honoured to be part of the handing over of three prototype houses last week. One shelter has been completed in each of three communities and we were able to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony at each one to officially welcome a family into each of these homes.

There will be 279 homes built in these three communities over the next 8 to 10 months. The beneficiaries are selected through surveys to ascertain who is in greatest need of housing. The bases of these homes are made of concrete with reinforced concrete columns. The wooden upper half of the homes are reinforced with cross beams to strengthen them to withstand winds of up to 200 kph and category 4 earthquakes. These are safe homes that give the traumatized homeowners a secure place to live.

World Renew has also addressed the issue of trauma as 30 facilitators were trained by professional psycho therapists over three separate training conferences. The 10 facilitators from each of the three communities have already been actively implementing their skills as they speak to youth and adults who still suffer from the experiences they just went through. Many victims still suffer from sleepless nights. Others have become more abusive and the frequency of suicide is also being addressed. Trauma is still very real and the counsellors are equipped to address the problems.

The staff here on the Island of Panay has increased. There are currently 20 employees working diligently to accomplish all the work which has been planned. Jeff Cosico, the Project Manager, works tirelessly as he plans the work ahead. New office staff and field staff have been hired over the past four months and they work hard to accomplish all the work. The staff in this World Renew project have formed a strong team. Together we have tackled personal problems, project issues, and future dreams. We have become a close-knit group, a family.

But now, with sad hearts, we say good-bye to our family in the Philippines. We have laughed, cried, prayed and worked hard together. God has been watching over us all and has kept us safe. We have now returned to our family in Canada and are enjoying the hugs of our grandchildren once again.

We thank God for allowing us to be part of the response to the Typhoon Haiyan relief project.

Please keep the people of the Philippines in your prayers as they continue to rebuild their communities and their lives after Typhoon Haiyan.

 

Blessings,

Hilda and John VanGyssel

International Relief Managers
Philippines

 

Image above: Members of the community in barangay 89 watch a fisherman navigate his boat away from the concrete road debris in the water and out of danger. Credit: Tom Price / Integral Alliance – IA Member: World Renew