The Power of Journalism

In 2018, a newspaper article alerted NVC Foundation to the plight of children in Glab, Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao. The story was about a boy named Jonathan Oya died from malnutrition. When he passed, 12-year-old Jonathan weighed about 33 pounds. After that, NVC crossed rivers and climbed mountains to get to Glab. The team brought Mingo Meals to ensure no more children from that remote village would die of malnutrition as Jonathan had. This initial meeting led to a long-lasting relationship. In addition to supplying Mingo Meals, NVC eventually built a much-needed multi-purpose hall in the village. Later on, NVC started a food security program in Glab with the help of Peace Pond, one of NVC Foundation’s partners.

Another Article Hits Home

Earlier this year, another article caught the attention of NVC President Millie Kilayko. The article was about six fishermen in Sipalay, Negros Occidental in the Visayan region of the Philippines. They had lost their boats to Typhoon Bebinca (local name Typhoon Ferdie). At the time, NVC committed to donating three boats and hoped to donate more.

Click here to read the article about these fishermen.

A Quick Turnover

NVC spread the word and donations poured in. Less than three weeks after Ms. Millie read the article, NVC turned over a total of 10 motorized fishing to individuals in Sipalay. Six of those boats went to fishermen who had lost their boats to Typhoon Bebinca. Four former fisherman’s helpers received the remaining boats.

Some of the boats were gifts from overseas donors including a young man whose mother passed away from Glioblastoma Multiforme. He named the boat Carmelita in honor of his late mother. A fisherman named Rico gratefully received this

Support from the Local Government

Mayor Gina Montilla of Sipalay was present at the turnover ceremony and on behalf of the local government. The city waived the registration of the ten boats.