formally turned over a boat trailer to Barangays Sicmil and Sioron in Gigmoto, Catanduanes. The ceremony was attended by representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection Gigmoto, local barangay captains, a municipal councilor, and GNIP national and local officers.
The Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), in partnership with Good Neighbors International Philippines (GNIP), formally turned over a boat trailer to the coastal barangays of Sicmil and Sioron in Gigmoto, Catanduanes. The ceremonial turnover brought together officials from the local government of Gigmoto, representatives from GNIP, and officers from MBFI.
Designed to secure boats ahead of severe weather, the boat trailer provides a practical solution to protect vital fishing assets, helping mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the community’s primary source of income. The donation will directly benefit 123 fisherfolks whose livelihood remains at risk due to frequent typhoons and storm surges in the region.
Catanduanes, situated along the typhoon belt, is one of the most disaster-prone provinces in the Philippines. By enabling the safe evacuation of boats to higher ground, this intervention strengthens community preparedness and resilience in the face of recurring climate hazards.
This initiative marks the first approved grant under MBFI’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Priorities under the Foundation’s Health, Education, Livelihood, and Disaster Preparedness (H.E.L.D.) thrusts. The project reflects MBFI’s strategic direction in strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly those facing recurring climate-related risks.
“The Metrobank Foundation recognizes the critical importance of proactive preparedness in reducing disaster-related losses,” said Grace Bautista, Resource Development Manager of Good Neighbors International Philippines. “Through this project, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting solutions that build safer and more resilient communities.”
The initiative demonstrates the impact of collaboration between the private sector and civil society in addressing local challenges through targeted, community-based interventions. It also advances MBFI’s mission to foster partnerships that enable communities to protect lives, secure livelihoods, and contribute to inclusive development.
In addition to advancing DRRM initiatives, MBFI champions excellence in public service, uplifts the next generation through support for students and educators, and forges strategic partnerships with social development organizations to deliver high-impact programs in health, education, livelihood, and community resilience.
