Aboitiz’s ‘Project Banca’ Receives Outstanding CSR Project Award for Disaster Resilience
Aboitiz Foundation’s Project Banca was recently recognized as the Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience. The prestigious award was presented to Aboitiz Foundation President and COO Maribeth L. Marasigan, along with Aboitiz Foundation Managers Jowelle Ann Cruz, Fred Dalumpines, and Gero Torres.
The award was given by the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and Museo Pambata, represented by President Dr. Nina Lim Yuson and Board Treasurer, Membership Committee Chair Marie Angeles. The ceremony acknowledged the significant contributions and efforts made by the Aboitiz Foundation in promoting disaster resilience within communities.
Project Banca is a remarkable initiative by the Aboitiz Foundation aimed at empowering communities and enhancing their disaster resilience. It leverages the traditional Filipinobanca boat, which is a sturdy and reliable means of transportation used in various coastal communities across the Philippines.
With the support and collaboration of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, the Aboitiz Foundation launched the project to provide communities with a reliable and sustainable mode of transportation during disasters. These bancas are equipped with outboard engines and life vests, enabling them to aid in rescue and relief operations during calamities.
By utilizing this traditional mode of transportation, the project ensures that communities are not left isolated and vulnerable during times of disaster. The bancas can swiftly navigate through floodwaters, allowing vulnerable individuals and families to quickly evacuate to safer locations. Additionally, they serve as vital transport vessels for emergency supplies and relief goods, ensuring that affected communities receive the assistance they desperately need.
The success of Project Banca lies in its comprehensive approach to disaster resilience. It not only provides communities with necessary equipment but also focuses on training and capacity-building. The Aboitiz Foundation conducts skills enhancement workshops to educate community members on disaster preparedness, emergency response, and basic life-saving techniques.
Moreover, the foundation emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management. Through its initiatives, it encourages communities to embrace eco-friendly practices and utilize renewable energy sources, reducing their vulnerability to disasters caused by environmental degradation.
The Outstanding CSR Project in Disaster Resilience award serves as a testament to the Aboitiz Foundation’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and their dedication to empowering communities. By combining traditional knowledge with innovative solutions, Project Banca has made a significant impact on disaster resilience in vulnerable areas.
Through this recognition, the Aboitiz Foundation’s efforts continue to inspire and motivate other organizations to engage in similar initiatives that address the pressing need for disaster resilience and create a safer and more sustainable future for all.
