Ms. Janina Ochojska, president of a Polish non-government organization called Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) visited the Philippines and formally turned over three typhoon-resistant schoolbuildings to the officials and students of Sta. Fe National High School in Bantayan Island, Cebu.
Philippine envoy to Poland Ambassador Patricia Ann V. Paez and Mr. Christopher White, president of another NGO called Young Pioneers for Disaster Response (YPDR) also participated in the turn-over ceremony. YPDR is a co-sponsor of PAH in the construction of the schoolbuildings and the two NGOs have been working together in the rehabilitation of Bantayan Island which was devastated in the aftermath of typhoon “Haiyan” which struck central Philippines in November 2013.
In her brief remarks, Ms. Ochojska said that in its history, Poland received solidarity from other countries and it was time for Poland to extend its solidarity to the Philippines, specifically to the typhoon victims. She told the residents of Bantayan Island that “today, you receive solidarity; tomorrow, we hope that you will extend your solidarity to others who would also be in need of help.” Ms. Ochojska was accompanied by Ms. Dorota Damanska.
Amb. Paez expressed gratitude to both PAH and YPDR and noted the “remarkable selflessness” of their officials and volunteers. She also cited the fund drive conducted by the Filipino community in Poland, led by their president Mr. Alex Visalda, for the typhoon victims which raised around PLN 16,000 and which they turned over to PAH. Amb. Paez learned that eight Poles live in Bantayan Island and she was able to meet with some of them.
Mr. Christopher White, announced YPDR’s goal to establish a computer lab building in Sta. Fe National High School.
Ms. Feliza Batuigas, the high school principal said that she is “very touched and humbled because of the gift of love and service (given by PAH and YPDR) and we are very blessed.” She gave plaques of appreciation to both NGOs.
Ms. Mary Justine Flores, president of the Student Council and a local official, Mr. Renato Sagundo likewise thanked PAH and YPDR for their assistance.
In another event, certificates of appeciation were given by PAH and YPDR to the volunteer-residents of Bantayan Island who helped in the construction of temporary shelters and/or in the repair of damaged houses and other infrastructures; in the creation of artificial marine habitats; and in teaching shellcraft to the women-residents as a means of livelihood.
Aside from the three schoolbuildings, PAH and YPDR have repaired 198 classrooms in Sta. Fe; completed at least 900 houses in Bantayan Island; retrofitted 262 other houses to make them typhoon-resistant; and “planted” over 100 artiificial marine habitats or reefs in the area where dynamite fishing was prevalent.
The PAH and YPDR started their rehabilitation work in the island on 07 December 2013 with an initial batch of about 200 volunteers from 34 countries who were mobilized thru the social media and well-placed articles in various foreign newspapers. At present, 12 foreign volunteers and 40 Filipino employees continue to assist PAH and YPDR. (END)
