WWF-PH launches ‘Build Back Better’ boats for Bicol fishers

MANILA – The World Wide Fund (WWF)-Philippines on Thursday virtually launched the “Build Back Better” boats campaign to uplift the livelihood of the fisherfolk in the Bicol Region.

The campaign aims to raise up to PHP21 million to provide around 27 boats to the fishermen around the Lagonoy Gulf area, the country’s major fishing ground surrounding the Bicol Peninsula.

Industrial designer Mark Victor Bautista, who is also a tuna fisherman, co-designed the “Build Back Better” boat—an innovation combining “traditional know-how and state of the art or best practice design technology.”

The WWF-Philippines aims to provide these boats—which are made of a combination of fiberglass and steel, making for sturdier hulls that can withstand increasing storm intensities.

These boats can also maintain the quality of tuna catch and support other conditions of the tuna fishery’s sustainable certification.

Each new boat is equivalent to three traditional fishing boats—in capacity—and can support more than 200 families residing in 15 municipalities within the Lagonoy Gulf area.

The virtual launch was graced by celebrity couple and WWF-Philippines Ambassador Pia Wurtzbach and WWF-US Ambassador Jeremy Jaunce.

Last month, the couple went to Albay to meet the Lagonoy Gulf fishermen and see how the “Build Back Better” campaign is helping fishers improve their livelihood by applying environmental sustainability principles.

Jauncey said his trip with his beauty queen partner in Lagonoy Gulf has not only been educational but also an affirmation that there’s still a way to further elevate the lives of the fisher folk in the countryside.

“One boat at a time, we can help change the lives of several fishers and their communities through the ‘Build Back Better’ campaign,” he said.

Seeing the benefits of the newly innovated boats, Wurtzbach said it is high time that local fishers should have better “access to stronger boats to make more for their living.”

“The stories of our fishers represent the challenges faced by thousands of Filipinos who continue to work hard for their families, and we are inviting everyone to help them recuperate through the ‘Build Back Better’ campaign,” she added.

Katherine Custodio, the executive director of WWF-Philippines, hopes the “Build Back Better” campaign will reach more people, companies and organizations.

“Our experience working with the Lagonoy Gulf fishers validates a model for sustainable fishing that has improved community livelihood. We all need to support communities that are at the forefront of addressing environmental issues,” she said.

The WWF-Philippines said it continues to explore new ways to help the fishermen in the Bicol region.

It also eyes the long-term recovery and sustainability efforts of its campaign.

The WWF is committed to addressing climate change and promoting nature conservation with its partner communities.

For those who are interested in supporting the “Build Back Better” boat campaign, you may visit Pia Wurtzbach and Jeremy Jauncey’s SimplyGiving fundraising page at simplygiving.com/event/pia-jeremy-wwf or reach out to Campaign Lead Ismael John Cabigao (icabigao@wwf.org.ph).

The WWF-Philippines has been working with fisherfolk of Lagonoy Gulf for over a decade now.

They are partnering for the establishment of the country’s first sustainable Marine Stewardship Council-certified hand-line tuna fishery.

The WWF and the tuna fishing communities have also collaborated to promote the “Build Back Better” post-disaster campaign, with the latest efforts anchored on replacing the wooden fishing boats that were lost or damaged during the typhoons.