Project Silong: For the victims of Super Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses who were left with no homes to return to, no boats for livelihood. They need our help!  

WWF-Philippines has been working in Lagonoy Gulf, which covers the Provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, and Catanduanes, since 2011, and has a deep and strong relationship with its fishing communities. These communities have been at the forefront of many of our efforts on sustainable fishing practices, from initiatives to prevent post-harvest losses, to social enterprise development, to important innovations in seafood traceability. The artisanal fishers of Lagonoy Gulf belong to a client group of small-scale tuna fishers that has entered full MSC assessment. This makes them the first group of small-scale fishers in the country to undergo the process. The fishing communities of Lagonoy Gulf have been true partners in our work for sustainable fisheries, and are considered both as models of responsible fishing practices - and among the most vulnerable to violent storms and climate change. Small-scale fisherfolk are unfortunately disproportionately affected by such events. Still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and battered by one heavy storm after another, it is difficult for them not to feel hopeless over their situation.

With the recent Supertyphoon Rolly (international name: Goni) and Typhoon Ulysses (international name: Vamco) hundreds of families were left without roofs above their heads, boats were completely destroyed and unable to continue with their livelihoods. WWF local staff located in the Lagonoy Gulf area were also affected by the supertyphoon, though they have been able to act swiftly to conduct in-person rapid assessments in affected fishing communities, consulting and coordinating with the communities about the kind of immediate and mid-term support that they would need. With your support, you can help us purchase and distribute necessary materials and supplies to our affected communities, to help them rebuild as they work themselves back up on their own two feet.

They need your HELP!

IMMEDIATE: Support and Recovery
Tarpaulin Cloths – Communities have asked for building materials such as tarpaulin cloths that can serve as waterproof roofing for make-shift houses and can thereafter be used as shelter material in their boats. Target: 5,000 tarpaulins

MID-TERM: Recovery and Rehabilitation
Fiberglass Boats (30 footer) for sturdier and long-time use – Many of our fisherfolk families live on day-to-day income solely from fishing, with no savings or alternative source of finances. The proposed boats can be made from fiberglass to make these more resilient to such extreme weather events. Compliant to international standards, with transponder and fish containers. Training and materials included for building the boats. Target: 2,511 boats (sustainable level for the gulf).

Support Project Silong and together, let us #ChangeTheEnding for our fellow Filipinos and #BuildBackBetter communities that are more sustainable and climate-resilient. Donate now!