Help Us Build Boats for Fishers

Fisherfolk in the Philippines see their boat as much more than just a boat. It is a transportation vehicle, a shelter from the harsh sea elements, a kitchen to serve their needs, and a means for livelihood to provide for their families. For many decades, or even centuries, fishing boats throughout the countryside remained as a simple wooden craft with bamboo outriggers held together by ropes. Simple improvements have been added such as a motor so they can move faster and a tarpaulin roof to cover them but the design of the craft itself has remained virtually unchanged. Until now.

Bigay Tibay Boats

The BigayTibay boat was designed by premier industrial designer Mark Bautista to be robust enough to withstand strong waves and storms. WWF-Philippines' Build Back Better Boats Project aims to create a new modern design of boat that will be faster, better, stronger so that it can be of use to fisherfolk for decades to come.

The boat has features to help fishers when they haul their catch, a covered hold to store the fish, a cleaning area built on the outriggers, a solar panel with headlights, and many other features. It is also made with a steel frame in a compartmentalized double hull design which makes it less likely to sink.

Empowering Fishing Communities

The boats will be partially constructed by the fishers themselves. They will be provided training so that they can acquire new skills that can benefit them in other livelihood endeavors outside of fishing. Because the fishers have experience in constructing the boats, they can repair it themselves in case any boat is damaged ensuring the long-term survivability of the boats. Fishers who have additional skills outside of fishing means they can find alternative sources of income when fishing is not in season or during adverse weather conditions. This will benefit the entire community to help them rise out of poverty.

Continuity and Sustainability

We are working with fishers who are already long-time partners of WWF-Philippines through the Sustainable Tuna Partnership, which has been running for over a decade. Beyond attaining the Marine Stewardship Council certification in 2021, WWF-Philippines continuously provide support and guidance to these fishers to model a modern and sustainable fishing community.

Help build more Bigay Tibay boats and support the training of fishers in the community. Through your support, we can empower more fishers and fishing communities towards becoming models of sustainability through the use of technology.

Have a question? 

Email us at donations@wwf.org.ph. 

We are available to reply to your email from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday). 

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