It is our first Philippine out-of-town trip together! Jeremy & I decided to make it more meaningful by partnering with WWF to visit the province of Albay for the Build Back Better Boats #BigayTibay campaign. It is an effort to design new, stronger and more resilient boats that can withstand rougher waves for fishermen who lost their means for livelihood due to typhoons. In support of sustainable local fishing, we are aiming to raise ₱21M to build 27 steel fiberglass boats. 

 We are positive that you can help us build back for our kababayans, and for a better planet!

Beneficiary

WWF-Philippines' Build Back Better Boats Project aims to create a new modern design of boat that will be faster, better, stronger so that it can be of use to fisherfolk for decades to come. The Bigay Tibay boat was designed by premier industrial designer, Mark Bautista, to be robust enough to withstand strong waves and storms. It was also designed in close consultation with tuna fishers federation in Lagonoy gulf so that it has features that fit their exact needs whenever they go out to sea.

The boat has features to help fishermen when they haul their catch, a covered hold to store the fish, a cleaning area built on the outriggers, a solar panel with headlights, and many other features. It is also made with a steel frame in a compartmentalized double hull design which makes it less likely to sink.

Closely working with our partners in the community, the fishers themselves are involved in the construction of the boats. Training is also provided to fishers to enable them to acquire new skills and create alternative livelihood opportunities outside of fishing.

Donate now to help build more Bigay Tibay boats and support the training of fishers in the community! With your help, we can empower more fishers and fishing communities towards becoming models of sustainability through the use of technology. You can also donate via bank transfers, Paypal and Paymaya QR Code. Kindly check the details in the gallery photos.