In a significant boost for climate-vulnerable communities, the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) and Good Neighbors International Philippines (GNIP) have equipped the coastal barangays of Sicmil and Sioron in Gigmoto, Catanduanes with a crucial disaster preparedness asset – a boat trailer designed to protect fishermen’s livelihoods from devastating storms. The ceremonial turnover brought together local officials, disaster management authorities, and community representatives, marking the first approved project under MBFI’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Priorities within their H.E.L.D. (Health, Education, Livelihood, and Disaster Preparedness) framework.
For the 123 fisherfolk beneficiaries in this typhoon-battered province, the trailer provides a practical solution to a persistent threat. As one of the Philippines’ most disaster-prone areas, Catanduanes faces annual typhoons that routinely damage or destroy fishing boats – the lifeblood of coastal communities. The new equipment allows for rapid relocation of vessels to safer ground when storms approach, significantly reducing economic losses that can take years to recover from.
“This intervention goes beyond equipment donation – it’s about building adaptive capacity,” explained Grace Bautista, Resource Development Manager of GNIP. “By enabling communities to protect their primary livelihood assets, we’re helping break the cycle of disaster-induced poverty that plagues vulnerable regions.” The project reflects MBFI’s strategic shift toward preventive resilience measures rather than just post-disaster response.
Local officials welcomed the initiative as a model for climate adaptation. “When fishers lose their boats, entire families lose their income,” noted Barangay Sicmil’s captain. “This trailer gives us fighting chance against nature’s wrath.” The collaboration also saw participation from the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fire Protection, ensuring proper training on equipment use and maintenance.
As climate change intensifies weather extremes, MBFI’s investment in proactive solutions signals a growing recognition that disaster resilience must be woven into community development strategies. The foundation plans to expand similar partnerships, combining private sector resources with civil society expertise to create scalable models for vulnerable regions nationwide. Beyond DRRM, MBFI continues its multifaceted mission through education scholarships, public service awards, and programs strengthening health systems and sustainable livelihoods across the Philippines.
For the fisherfolk of Gigmoto, the boat trailer represents more than metal and wheels – it’s a tangible step toward securing their future against the rising tides of climate change.
