Bohol Storm - Urgent Food Relief Appeal

It has been a few days since the destructive winds and rains of Super Typhoon Odette made landfall in Bohol. Packing winds of up to 200 km/h near its centre, and gusts of up to 270 km/h, it destroyed homes, uprooted trees and brought down powerlines. The death toll is expected to climb further as search and rescue operations continue after they were initially hampered by power and communication outages.

Their situation made worse by Covid, it is very sad to see the devastation done by the storm to people who are already struggling just to meet their basic needs in the best of times. For now Covid has taken a backseat, almost forgotten, which is a big problem in itself.

So far, we have around 300 lots of food hampers and we could do with many, many more. These were supposed to be a Christmas special, something to be enjoyed during the festive season by people experiencing hard times. Now for many, these food parcels are absolute necessity.

The hamper will contain the following items: 5 kgs. of rice, canned goods (beef loaf + corned beef), a packet of confectionary, powdered milk and a packet of instant coffee! Cost is A$18 per hamper.

So please consider donating a hamper or two. Many are going hungry.

Sincerely,

Ruben

Donations can be arranged through our bank account below. Thanks.

Local transfers.
Bank Account Details:
Bank                           Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Account Title             The Bohol Island Project Incorporated
BSB                            062-005
Account Number      1113 8630

International transfers.
Bank                                                        Commonwealth Bank of Australia
International Bank Account Number   062 005 1113 8630
Swift Code                                              CTBAAU2S

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Christmas Greetings!!!

Christmas is approaching and I would like to wish you and your family happiness, peace, good health, and a wonderful year ahead.

The past two years have been very unusual times to say the least. Covid combined with poverty has been a formidable challenge. We strive to give hope and make a difference to people’s lives and I’m proud of all the work we have done thus far, and that we will continue to do what we can for those experiencing very hard times.

On behalf of The Bohol Island Project, I sincerely thank you all for the support.

Keep safe and take care.

Ruben

Christmas Hampers:

So far, we have around 225 lots getting ready to be distributed and we could do with more, especially considering the large storm that last night just hit the island, (see details below).

The hampers will be similar to the ones we have distributed in the past. Please consider donating a hamper or two and help share the joys of the festive season with the less fortunate among us.

The hamper will contain the following items: 5 kgs. of rice, canned goods (beef loaf + corned beef), a packet of confectionary, powdered milk and the luxury of them all - instant coffee! (a packet makes 48 cups). Cost is $18 per hamper.

The Storm:

As if the challenges the people are currently facing are not enough, Bohol last night was slap bang right in the eye of one of the strongest storms to make landfall this year, packing winds of up to 200 km/h near its centre, and gusts of up to 270 km/h. I stayed up all night to monitor the situation and try to cheer my family up. My sister said the roof on our home just barely held on. Family is alright though, thank God. Covid was forgotten for a moment.

Donations Tax Deductibility:

I submitted an application for tax deductions in late 2019. The authorities needed a lot of information and never in my life have I submitted so much paperwork to one entity. It was not an easy process, and it simply wore me down! I can understand why such measures are needed, the money could easily be used for unlawful purposes, but in the end, I was unable to finish the process.

I will have another attempt after the Christmas break and will push this right to the end. Hopefully this time the outcome will be positive.

Thanks again.

Ruben

Posted on December 17, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Ada’s Rehabilitation

Hi All,

This is Ada at her twice weekly physiotherapy sessions. As we can see, she is being cared for quite well.

We have done a few good things for people, but for me personally, giving Ada the chance for a better life is right up there with the most rewarding.

She is looking forward to starting Year 1 this school year and the walker we provided will make a big difference in helping her move around and interact with the other children, something that is critical to early childhood development.

Thank you all once again for the support.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Betito and Clarete families for voluntarily looking after Ada’s case with care and compassion.

Thank you.

Ruben

Posted on October 18, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

STUDENT UPDATE

Hi All,

Life must go on despite the uncertainties brought about by this pandemic, so it is a delight to introduce Rhea, a new addition to our student education programme.

She has penned a short message of thanks below.

Our sponsored students past and present.

We have four active students at present including Rhea, and our former students are well on their way into their professional endeavours.

We are proud to have played a significant role in the transformation of their lives. Through our continued efforts we hope to bring many more young people this valuable opportunity.

Many thanks for the support.

Ruben

Posted on October 7, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

ADA’S REHABILITATION

Hi All,

At long last Ada’s walker has arrived and seeing her take her first tentative steps is a wonderful thing.

This, along with her twice weekly physiotherapy sessions that we have also arranged, means that Ada’s rehabilitation is now fully underway. She is still at a young age, and the assistance we have provided will give her the best possible chance to achieve her potential given the very difficult circumstances in which she finds herself.

This opportunity would not have been possible without our assistance, and I sincerely thank you all for your support.

Ruben

Posted on September 28, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

SOME GOOD NEWS

Hi All,

Our former sponsored student, Humer, after a few years of experience and learning his trade working on ships, has just passed his Marine Engineering Licensure Examination. He is now a fully licensed Marine Engineer.

From humble beginnings, we have played a major role in reshaping his life. It is a wonderful thing, and I thank you all for the support. It is truly and dearly appreciated.

Ruben

humer 2.JPG
Posted on September 16, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

NEWS UPDATE

Hi All,

I hope you and your families are all doing well during these very challenging times, especially here in Sydney with our lockdown and alarming covid case numbers.

Back in Bohol, we have been quiet lately as we have sadly suspended our pandemic relief activities. Having been advised of the serious rise of covid cases and the entry of the much dreaded Delta strain on the island, the health risk to our volunteers is not justifiable at the moment. The situation is very worrying but hopefully we will be back doing our bit soon.

ADA

In consultation with a physiotherapist, we have ordered a walker for Ada. With our limited capacity to move around due to this pandemic, we have found it hard to source the walker locally. We have to order it from overseas and frustratingly it has been a long wait. We have also arranged for regular physiotherapy sessions to start her rehabilitation.

SONGS FOR ADA

This is a little fundraising effort by my son Sid for Ada. He plays the guitar and dabbles with several other musical instruments and here are some of his original compositions. As an 18 year old, he is into rap and so I have to remind him that he has to come up with something that would be ‘easy listening to older people’!

Sid reckons $10 is fair enough for his labours for Ada’s interests. If you think his music is not too bad, you can always give more! Please do have a listen below and download the songs hopefully for your listening pleasure.

Thank you all for your time and many thanks again for the support. Keep safe and take care.

Ruben

Posted on September 3, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Pandemic Relief 12

Hi All,

We have continued to do what we can to help people get through this very difficult time and we recently distributed rice to another one hundred (100) deserving families.

The island is sadly not in good shape, with covid cases on the rise. Vaccinations have slowly started to roll out, but it still has a long, long way to go towards providing protection to most people.

Once again, I thank you all for your support and your generosity.

Ruben

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Posted on June 27, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

More on Ada

As posted before, (please see link below for Ada’s original story) we came across Ada, a little girl with cerebral palsy, through our pandemic food relief activities. She cannot walk, and we promised to provide her with a wheelchair.

We had a closer look at Ada since, and have realised that she can possibly learn to walk by herself and giving her a wheelchair is perhaps not a long-term solution to her situation.

So, we have decided to engage the services of a physiotherapist to assess her. A paediatric rehabilitation plan should also help inform us as to the assistive equipment she might need and regular physiotherapy sessions that might be required. She is still very young, and our aim is to support her achieve the potential for some physical independence and social well-being that could serve her well through life.

Thank you all for your time and many thanks again for all the support. As parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, we owe this to Ada and to ourselves.

Ruben

Posted on June 23, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Student Update

Our present students, Teresa, Helix and Karen.

A LETTER OF THANKS FROM TERESA

Dear Ma’am/Sir,

Greetings! I am Teresa Mona Robilla and I am honored to be one of this year's recipients of your scholarship. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to you for making this possible. I was thrilled to learn of my selection for this honor, and I am deeply appreciative of your support.

I am a sophomore student at University of Bohol taking Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies. In this time of pandemic, my dream of pursuing higher education seemed impossible due to financial problems. I was once a City Government scholar but unfortunately I was not chosen anymore due to budget limitations. Also, my father's business has been experiencing bankruptcy due to this pandemic. Luckily, the financial assistance you have provided has helped tremendously and kept me going in achieving my dreams.

This scholarship has been a blessing to me and my family. Thank you again for your generosity and support. My educational pursuits would not have been possible without you. Thank you for helping me try to reach my full personal and professional potential. I promise you that I will work very hard and eventually give back to others as soon as I can.

Sincerely,

Teresa Mona Robilla

Posted on June 16, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Joyce, a 95 year old lady and a very generous supporter of The Bohol Island Project from Melbourne, would like to share her thoughts …

Joyce Scott  Melbourne, Victoria

It is with pleasure I choose to donate to the Fund.  We in Australia are so privileged to live a very comfortable life especially in the current environment with Covid and the access to wonderful medical opportunities.  Where possible we should “Pay Back” and endeavour to help our neighbours in the world.  My daughters have visited Bohol and obviously conveyed the hardships of the Island hence no hesitation to help these wonderful people, especially Ruben and his immediate family for all their care and support to their community. 

Cheers , Joyce Scott

Sisters Nola & Vicki Scott, and friends Janette & Marilyn, visited Bohol back in 2015. Please see link below. https://www.theboholislandproject.com/news-1/2015/7/1/a-big-thank-you-to-nola-vicki-jannette-marilyn

Thank you all. Ruben

Posted on June 10, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Pandemic Relief 11a

Just like Mirasol that needed medication after her breast cancer operation, (please see link below for Mirasol’s story) fate has it that we have come across this young girl Ada, while distributing our pandemic relief food parcels. She has cerebral palsy and cannot walk. She has to be carried around, otherwise this little girl is forced to crawl to move around.

Ada needs a wheelchair, her family have been seeking one for a while now, but they are poor and cannot afford it. They thought that whoever is generous enough to provide these food parcels could maybe help them with their situation.

So we are giving Ada a wheelchair, the best around if possible. With that touching look in her eyes, this young girl deserves a more decent mode of transport.

I think we will also be keeping an eye on Ada growing up, and see what additional help we can offer moving forward, to give her a better shot at life considering the circumstance she is in.

Thank you all for your time and many thanks again for all the support.

Ruben

link to Mirasol’s story:

https://www.theboholislandproject.com/news-1/2020/7/26/yep

Posted on June 8, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Pandemic Relief - Hampers for the Elderly

Dear Ruben,

It gives me pleasure to be able to donate such a small amount - that means so much to struggling elderly in Bohol Island. I am 90 next month and feel very grateful for my relatively good health.

I have great admiration for the good work of the Bohol Island Project. Best wishes and love to you all.

Yours sincerely,

Pauline

Thanks Pauline. You are an inspiration to us all ! - Ruben

Posted on May 24, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Pandemic Relief 11

The Associated Press May 13, 2021

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine president has eased a coronavirus lockdown in the bustling capital and adjacent provinces to fight economic recession and hunger. Confirmed COVID-19 infections started to spike in March to some of the worst levels in Asia, surging beyond 10,000 daily and prompting the government to impose a lockdown in the capital and nearby regions in April.

Hi All,

We have managed to continue to do what we can to help people get through this very difficult time and we again recently distributed food parcels to a hundred (100) deserving families.

Special thanks to our volunteers, the Betito/Clarete team for not only organising and distributing the food parcels, but also at their own expense added all the canned and packaged goods that went with the rice. It is deeply appreciated.

Once again I thank you all for your support and your generosity.

Ruben

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Posted on May 18, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Pandemic Relief 10

Additional Hampers for the Elderly

My sister has noticed for a while this frail old man trying to make a living selling vegetables everyday near the terminal where she takes public transport going home from work. Protects himself from the elements by sheltering near parked motor vehicles. We surprised him with a hamper and he was deeply touched by the gesture.

Gave thanks again to my sister the next day, most especially with the coffee and the powdered milk. He kept on repeating how good the milk was!

Thank you everyone for the generosity and the kindness.

Ruben

More hampers to the elderly.

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Posted on May 9, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Student Update

Our past students, Ferry Jean, Humer, Kris, Dovy, Buena and Jolina. Their transformation from humble beginnings when they started to now being employed young professionals contributing positively to society is quite remarkable.

Our present students, Karen, Teresa and Helix. That we will also play a major role in transforming their young lives is a wonderful thing.

Thank you all for the support.

Ruben

A LETTER FROM KAREN:

Dear Benefactors,

Good Day! I am Karen Gales, 19 years old, and from the town of Duero in the island of Bohol. I graduated from high school last year.

I am extending my heartfelt thanks to you all and The Bohol Island Project, as I am one of your sponsored students. Without your help, it would have been near impossible for me to continue my studies. Education is the way for me to reach my goals and dreams in life. My parents died when I was just 5 years old, and I have been raised by my grandmother since that time. She is now 79 years old, and soon I will need to take care and provide for her.

Once again, thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity, and please continue helping young people who like me are less fortunate with our circumstances in life.

God bless you all and more power.

Sincerely,

Karen

Posted on May 6, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Pandemic Relief 9

Easter Hampers for the Elderly

People have been generous and we managed to distribute 128 hampers to the elderly. Once again, thank you so much for the support.

There is not much to say as these pictures tell their own stories. A warning that a few pictures may be confronting to some. ( I have tried to put them right at the end.) This pandemic is bad enough in any situation but combined with old age and poverty, it becomes a formidable challenge.

We have brought joy and some comfort to the most vulnerable in society and tears were shed thanking us for these hampers. Thanks again for all the support and wishing you all well.

Ruben

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Posted on April 5, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Pandemic Relief 9

$15 Easter Sunday Hamper Drive for the Elderly

As part of our food relief efforts in 2020, we gave away special hampers last Christmas to the poorest in the community. In the process, we have sadly come to realise that many of those struggling were elderly people.

It is heartbreaking, especially considering that this pandemic is damaging enough for people in any situation. Having to battle it with the added hurdles of poverty and old age is truly a formidable challenge.

With its very strong Christian traditions, Easter Sunday is one of the most important calendar events back in the Philippines. For people, Easter is about hope, renewal and rebirth to a new life as symbolised by the story of the Resurrection.

Whatever Easter means to us, it is still a very opportune time to lend a helping hand and hopefully bring some joy and comfort to some of the most vulnerable people in the twilight years of their lives.

Please consider donating a hamper or two and many thanks to you all for your time and support.

Ruben

Donations can be arranged through our bank account below. Easter Sunday will be on the 4th of April and we need a little bit of time before that to prepare things. Thanks again.

The HAMPER will contain the following items: 5 kgs. of rice, 4 canned goods (2 beef loaf + 2 corned beef), cooking oil, a packet of confectionary, powdered milk (not in picture) and the luxury of them all - instant coffee! (a packet makes 48 cups). …

The HAMPER will contain the following items:

5 kgs. of rice, 4 canned goods (2 beef loaf + 2 corned beef), cooking oil, a packet of confectionary, powdered milk (not in picture) and the luxury of them all - instant coffee! (a packet makes 48 cups). Cost is $15 per hamper.

Local transfers

Bank : Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Account Title : The Bohol Island Project Incorporated
BSB : 062-005
Account Number : 1113 8630

International Transfers

Bank : Commonwealth Bank of Australia
International Bank Acc. Number : 062 005 113 8630
Swift Code : CTBAAU2S

Posted on March 3, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Pandemic Relief 8 - Thanks to the Quinals

Hi All,

The Quinals, originally from Bohol and now living in Australia & the US, have provided food assistance to their former neighbours back on the island. In these very difficult times, the care and thought for the welfare of others is truly admirable.

Keep safe and take care.

Ruben

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Andrew Mendez.

Pandemic Relief 7 - Christmas Gift Hampers

We were looking for the really destitute and the people helping us distribute these hampers have done their job very well that some of the pictures they have taken show the extreme side of poverty that I myself, familiar with poverty, could not bear look. I have omitted them but some may still be confronting to viewers.

Special thanks to Tony & Sol Sabio for the hampers. You have brought so much joy to people in need.

Ruben

Please click to enlarge.

Posted on December 21, 2020 by Andrew Mendez.