With that in mind, Que Rica has decided to re-establish the Fleet of Hope program. It was first launched in 2006 after a major typhoon, and was able to give away 30 bancas to affected fisherfolk. In 2020, it’s returned as Que Rica’s livelihood rehabilitation and recovery program that aims to provide motorized boats to affected Bicolano fishermen. “We chose to focus on fishermen because they only need a boat to get back on their feet. Once they receive it, they can immediately start feeding their families again. Plus, a single motorized boat can be shared between two to three families, so the sense of rebuilding becomes a more cooperative, community-based effort,” Buenaflor said.

New lease in life for Bicolano fishermen. (2021, April 16). Daily Tribune, p. B12.