Bantayan Island, a mere 5 hours away from the heart of Cebu, also fell within the direct path of the storm. The scope of our efforts include sending an initial wave of relief operations and sponsoring and facilitating the rebuilding of houses for 2 beneficiaries.

The initial wave of relief operations was led by Jay Alota and family. Kuya Jay’s family hails from the island, and many of his relatives were affected by the storm. Aside from their own families, they were able to visit the relatives and friends of fellow Navigators to check on their status, as well as bring relief goods during the first few days after the storm.

To view a few pictures from the relief operations of Jay Alota and family, please click here.

A fundraising dinner was also spearheaded by the Cebu Navigators young professionals, proceeds of which went to a rebuilding project for two houses in Bantayan. Beneficiaries were chosen from DOST scholars from the Cebu Technological University who were under the advisership of a Cebu Navigator alumni, Sonnie Monsanto.

Here is a short background on them, including some information on why we chose them as beneficiaries.

Bertche Pastor

Bertche is a third-year student majoring in Information Technology at CTU. She is the second of 8 children. Her father is a laborer and her mother is a housewife. She lives in Purok Pang-Pang, Brgy. Baigad, Bantayan Island.

Their house was completely damaged by Yolanda. We needed to construct their house from scratch.

Mayrose A. Barco

Mayrose is a second-year student majoring in Mathematics at CTU. She is the second of 5 children. Her father is a driver for a family and her mother is a housewife. She lives in Sitio San Roque, Baod, Bantayan Island.

Their house was partially damaged, but about 75% of it needed to be repaired. The GI sheets from the roof were removed during the typhoon, and they were temporarily just using whatever materials available to cover the roof. The sides of the house needed to fixed to.

With the help of 6 hired skilled workers, the family of Soni Monsanto, and 3 YP and 4 student volunteers, the rebuilding was completed in 5 days (from December 26-December 30). It was our goal to be able to give them rebuilt homes by the New Year.

To view a few pictures from the rebuilding project, click here.

To view the financial statement, please click here.

To read firsthand accounts or reflections from a student volunteer and three YP volunteers, click on the individual articles below:

• Armando Taneo, DOST Scholar, Cebu Technological University
• Rose “Lola” Patalinghug, Cebu Navigators Young Professional
• Michelle Cabaral, Cebu Navigators Young Professional
• Norieta Limpangog, Cebu Navigators Young Professional