Formal Turnover of Wooden Motorized Boats to Sapian, Capiz

The journey to Sapian, Capiz, for the turnover of wooden motorized boats donated by Gov Kai thru Rotary Club of Manila last Friday July 17, 2015 was fulfilling. Pres. Ebot Tan and I met at the NAIA Terminal 4 at 3:00 in the morning to board Philippine Air Lines flight 2201 to leave Manila at 5:00 in the morning. We were assisted by our Executive Secretary Anna Kun Toledo.

At the Roxas City Airport, we were met by Past District Governor Mark Anthony Ortiz, Pres. Mark Reinier Catahay and Muncipality of Sapian-Capiz Municipal Administrator Kenneth Honrado. From the airport, we proceeded to the Office of the Mayor for the Courtesy Call on Hon. Arthur John Binas, who was so gracious to host an authentic native breakfast at his office.

From the City Hall of Sapian, Capiz, we and Mayor Binas, together with City Administrator Kenneth Honrado, Past District Governor Mark Ortiz, Pres. Mark Catahay, PP Bugs A. Baguio, and the Mayor’s police escorts, proceeded to the Angkin Fish Wharf for the formal turnover of the 9 wooden motorized fishing boats to the fisherfolks who were awaiting our arrival. Present to witness the formal turnover were Sapian’s local government officials – Vice Mayor Nida Ochan, Councilor Nancy Lou Honrado, Councilor Gina Obordo, and Mr. Bobby Opina, municipality director of Sapian’s Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The program started with an invocation by Rotary Club of Roxas City Past President Bugs Baguio, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, the Capiz Hymn, and the Sapian Hymn, before Mayor Arthur Binas, Pres. Ebot Tan and IPP Frank Evaristo delivered their respective messages to the fisherfolk of Sapian, Capiz. Representing the fisherfolk of Sapian was Mr. Hilario Panuncio, who delivered a message of thanks to the Rotary Club of Manila, Rotary Club of Roxas City, and the Municipality of Sapian, Capiz, led by Mayor Arthur Binas.

Before we departed for Manila, we had a tour of the town’s dried fish trading center – the BANICA Dried Seafoods Market, and the Robinson’s Mall to purchase pasulubong for our families. While waiting for our boarding schedule bound for Manila, we had coffee at the City Mall.

By way of background, the Rotary Club of Manila, represented by then president Rudy Bediones, paid a courtesy call at the office of Mayor Arthur John H. Binas of the Municipality of Sapian, Province of Capiz, last April 28, 2014. PP Bediones was accompanied by IPP Frank Evaristo and PS Butch Marking. Also present during the courtesy call were Provincial Board Member of Capiz Karen Palomar and R.I. District 3850 PDG Mark Anthony Ortiz.

At the courtesy call, Mayor Binas explained that, being a coastal area, the Municipality of Sapian was terribly affected by the rains and wind brought about by Typhoon Yolanda. The residents of the area depended on fishing as their source of income. However, due to the typhoon, many of their boats were either lost to the sea or were destroyed beyond repair. Mayor Binas requested the Rotary Club of Manila to assist the fishermen of the area by providing motorized wooden boats which would allow them to go back to their only source of livelihood. During the meeting, RCM promised Mayor Binas that it would provide the boats requested for. The wooden motorized fishing boats would be lent for a small fee to the fishermen on a rotation basis. The fee would be used for the repair and maintenance of the fishing boats.

The construction of the boats suffered much delay caused largely by the unavailability of materials as well as skilled labor. This is understandable considering that most of the skilled carpenters in the area were already committed to construct similar boats for other clients. The promise of the Rotary Club of Manila was fulfilled.

It was a fulfilling journey, every step of the way… as we continue to open life opportunities to Light Up Rotary and fulfill our mission to Be a Gift to the World. We look forward to the turnover of a total of 50 houses in Batad – Iloilo and Pontevedra – Capiz.