Pandemic Relief 1

18 April 2020

At the best of times, life is not easy for many living on the island. Now add to that a life threatening, viral pandemic and most people are in dire straits.

Like many places around the world, the island has gone into a strict lockdown, everything has basically been put on pause. Manila and other parts of the Philippines are not faring well, but thankfully there are currently no recorded cases of Covid-19 on the island and great measures are being taken to ensure this remains the case. As an island it helps, but with very limited medical resources, an outbreak in Bohol would yield devastating results.

Although these strict measures are understandable given the situation, it has also meant that many breadwinners on the island are now out of work, and consequently getting the bare necessities of life has become a real struggle, and many are going hungry. While the government is trying to help, the sheer number of people needing assistance is beyond its means.

We also feel it is beyond our means to deviate from the usual things we do. But we also feel there is no other choice.

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” - Mother Teresa

P1000 pesos (A$31.00) worth of rice, the staple food, will last an average family around two weeks. So far we have provided around 70 families & individuals with this assistance. We are just but a drop in the ocean here, but we try to do our little bit to give hope and comfort to people, easing some of the pain and anxiety in this difficult time.

We will endeavour to help as much as we can and thanking you all for the support. Keep safe and take care.

Ruben

Please click to enlarge.


UPDATE 1

30 April 2020

Hi All,

Rice is hard to come by in bulk these days but we managed to get some and distributed this on the weekend to another 75 families and individuals in need the most. There were plenty of smiles they say, which is good to see under the circumstances. People were deeply grateful.

Many thanks again for all the support. It is truly appreciated.

Ruben

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Please click to enlarge.

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UPDATE 2

22 May 2020

Hi All,

This is our third go at providing food assistance to those in need, with 80 recipient families this time around. Hopefully we have made life just a little bit easier for some.

Special thanks to Leah & Team, our volunteers. Your enthusiasm in all the organising and distribution is exceptional. It is deeply appreciated.

People have been generous. Many, many thanks for the support. From the bottom of their hearts, people are grateful.

Click to enlarge pictures below.

It’s hard to know what lies ahead. Hopefully it wouldn’t be that long for the situation to get better. For now we will strive to reach out as much as we can and thanking you all again for the support. Keep safe and take care.

Ruben

Posted on April 18, 2020 by Andrew Mendez.

New Year Greetings !!!

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As the New Year approaches us with hopes anew, here is to wishing you and your family peace, good health, and a wonderful year ahead.

We strive to give hope and make a difference to people’s lives. On behalf of The Bohol Island Project, I thank you all for the support.

And hats off to our firefighters, especially the volunteers. True generosity, above & beyond !

Sincerely,

Ruben

Size of fires in perspective: To a person in Bohol, the idea of the whole island of Bohol burning is very hard to grasp. 14 of it burning (the total size of fires in Australia up to now) is beyond comprehension! ( Bohol is as big as Kangaroo Island in South Australia)

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Andrew Mendez.

Student Update

We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to create a bright future for themselves. Unfortunately for many young people in the Philippines, poverty limits their pathways to better outcomes in life.

We are doing our bit to help. Below have been our sponsored students and they have each completed at least four years of tertiary education.

Kris, Ferry Jean, and Humer graduated not too long ago and all have been working since.

Buena, Dovy & Jolina just recently finished their studies. Already, Buena has a teaching job and Dovy is employed in school administration. Jolina is working towards getting into the police force.

Their transformation from humble beginnings when they started to now being young professionals is quite remarkable. It is such a pleasure to know that we have played a major role in the process.

Thank you all for the support without which all this could not have been possible. It is truly appreciated.

Ruben

Sponsorships are Welcome

Given the success we've had in helping young people transform their lives through education, we would like to extend these opportunities to a few more young men and women. We currently receive regular financial contributions from a small group of donors, however we would like this number to grow.

A monthly donation of A$10.00 would cover around a tenth of the average yearly expenditure for one student (around A$1250.00 per year), a relatively modest investment , considering the life changing potential this amount can offer.

If you are interested in regular donations or a one time contribution, arrangements can be made through our bank account below.


Local transfers

Bank : Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Account Title : The Bohol Island Project Incroporated
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

Thanks.

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Andrew Mendez.

Womanpower!

Meet Jolina, one of our sponsored students who is currently in her final year of study for a Degree in Criminology, seen here performing her police internship duties. This young lady is well on her way to fulfilling her dream of becoming a police officer.

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It is pleasing to know that we’ve been instrumental in what she has achieved so far, and that through our shared efforts, have helped set her up to be a significant contributor to her family, and a much needed positive addition to the police force. In this capacity she will provide a great service to the whole community for years to come.

Together we are reshaping lives, and we thank you for your continuing support. It is truly and dearly appreciated.

Ruben

Posted on July 19, 2019 by Andrew Mendez.

Kirribilli House 21

THE CHOP CHOPS HOUSE

With much gratitude to ‘The Dorment Chop Chops’, we recently had a very successful fundraising concert. Part of the proceeds went to our housing project.

The house above is for Rafael and family, who were still living in unsafe conditions after the earthquake a while back. The family has prioritised sending both of their children to school, an admirable but almost impossible undertaking considering their other basic needs and how much Rafael earns as a labourer. They deserve a break.

On behalf of The Bohol Island Project, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Wishing you all peace and good health, and a prosperous 2019 !!!

And thank you again for your support. Your generosity really matters to people. It offers relief and hope, and is always truly and deeply appreciated.

Ruben

Click images to enlarge.

The Concert

Posted on December 31, 2018 by Andrew Mendez.

Kirribilli House 20 / Shierly Update

This is Shierly now two months after her operation. Back then her family was right on the brink of losing her, but our paths crossed, and we were able to come into her life and help turn it around. People back home say her transformation is unbelievable. She still has to have regular checkups, and so far it has been all good.

Just want to thank you all again for your support. The family's gratitude as one can imagine is immeasurable.

Ruben

 

Posted on August 23, 2018 by Andrew Mendez.

THANKS from SHIERLY

Shierly has been released from hospital and is now back home recuperating.

She wants to thank us all for her new lease on life. (see attached short clip)

Shierly's joy and relief is truly a sight to behold, she is not the same woman I met a few months ago. To go from a situation where half of  her body was paralysed, her health rapidly deteriorating and suffering at least two seizures a day, to now seeing the transformation after her surgery is quite remarkable. She still has a long road ahead to a full recovery, but the signs are looking good and we wish her well.

Thanks again everyone for your concern, your prayers and your generosity. The fact we have come this far, this quickly is some miracle!

Ruben

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Andrew Mendez.

Shierly Update

12 June 2018

Yesterday was the big day for Shierly and her family. Her surgery began at 2pm and continued through the night, nearly seven hours in total, a lot quicker than expected. Despite facing the possibility that something could go seriously wrong, Shierly was reportedly in very good spirits going into the operation. Considering she and her family had been trying to get this opportunity for three years now, her composure was understandable.

The homes, education, and livelihoods we endeavour to provide are very important things to people's lives, but this is something else entirely. This is life itself.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the following people:

Dr. Isagani de los Santos for the initial advice and recommendations on how to go about doing things.

Dr. John Rodel Acosta (pictured) and his team for all their efforts. The miracles this young doctor does for the poor with little personal gain and against a backdrop of limited resources is profoundly admirable.

And lastly, we thank you all for your support and generosity. This gift of life is immeasurable.

Shierly is not out of the woods yet, although the fact that she awoke from her sleep this morning with her memory intact was a great relief, and we hope this is merely the first step towards a full recovery.

Thanks again.

Ruben

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Andrew Mendez.

Shierly / Kirribilli House 20

Thank you all for taking the time in getting acquainted with Shierly and the difficult situation she and her family are facing. They certainly need our assistance. 

Link to background story:  http://www.theboholislandproject.com/news-1//kirribilli-house-20

The lack of money and communication skills has made it hard for them when trying to deal with the health care system. My sister Josefina 'Inday' lives on the island and has been helping the family navigate through these obstacles, guiding them around and assisting them with enquiries. Her presence alone has already given them a massive lift in their spirits and confidence.

Having considered the available options, we have decided that the best course of action is for Shierly to have her operation through the public health system.

Although less expensive than the private sector, it will not be totally free, and we are endeavouring to raise money to help cover the costs of medical equipment and other items needed to ensure that the operation has the best chance of success.

We are already in conversation with a local Neurosurgeon. The operation will involve a team of at least five doctors and will take more than ten hours to perform. It is very high risk but there is no other option.

Our target figure is $6,000.00 AUD. This will go a long way towards providing the doctors with the resources they need.

Through their busy schedule, a window of opportunity has been presented to us that we could never let pass. An operation is scheduled for Shierly on Monday, 11 June 2018. Just a few days away, time is of the essence now considering the amount we have to raise.

Needless to say, we need help in a very short period of time. Every little bit of support would mean the world to this family.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration. It would be some achievement if we could pull this thing off.

Ruben

Donations can be made through the following avenues:

1. Transfer funds online or visit your local Commonwealth Bank of Australia

2. GoFundMe

Posted on May 30, 2018 by Andrew Mendez.

KIRRIBILLI HOUSE 20

Not many people on Bohol Island know who we are and what we do. This helps us keep an objective view on things and provides us with flexibility in our pursuit to help others. 

We came to know Robert from a nearby construction site and learned that he and his family were currently living with relations and needed a place of their own, so we decided to build them a home.

On my last trip to the Island in February of this year, Robert and wife Shierly came and visited us. Shierley was visibly unwell, and we soon found out that she had been diagnosed with 'meningioma' brain tumour, way back in 2015. An operation was prescribed but unfortunately the family cannot afford to have it done and since then her condition has worsened.

During our conversation, Shierly tearfully asked us a favour . . .

I agreed that instead of building the family a home . . .  we would try and save her life. 

Our intentions were never to deviate from our housing, education and livelihood programmes and venture into the more complex field of medical assistance as we feel it is beyond our means, but I could not say no to a mother with young children asking for her life. 

It’s a big ask, and this situation just landed in our lap. But fate plays a part in our lives. Perhaps this was meant to be. 

The family desperately needs help. Here is the current reality of the situation and possible avenues for assistance;

The Public Health system.
The sector works very hard, but resources are limited. Current queues for patients are lengthy and I’m afraid Shierlys condition may not allow her to wait that long. We will push this avenue as best we can and hope.
The Private Health system.
This option is the quickest but as one can imagine the cost is very prohibitive, and I fear an organisation of our size would struggle to raise that kind of money in time, although we will certainly try. 
A Volunteer Doctor.
Possibly the best option, if anyone amongst us (or even through a church, or an association you belong to) may know a doctor who would be willing to do the procedure for free. A local doctor would be a miracle, but I am sure there are means available for a foreign doctor to come to us. 

Thank you all for your time. I hope and pray that with our support we can help this end well for Shierley and her family. 

Ruben

 

 

Posted on May 16, 2018 by Andrew Mendez.

EASTER GREETINGS

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Hi All,

Above is Jolina , one of our sponsored students. She is studying to gain entry into the police force. Jolina came to my mother's place with these beautiful produce from her family to say thank you and show her deep gratitude to us all.

Easter is meant to be a day of hope & optimism. On behalf of the Bohol Island Project and from my family, I thank you all for your support in giving this young lady the hope and the opportunity for a brighter future every young person deserves. 

Happy Easter!

Ruben, Estela, Andrew & Sid

 

Posted on April 1, 2018 by Andrew Mendez.

LIVELIHOODS & EMPLOYMENT - USED TOOLS DRIVE

Hi all,

Just came back from the Philippines for my mother's big 80th and had the opportunity to be around when the tools were given away.

We had a draw ( to be fair, as the tools were all different ) for the 20 sets of tools we managed to assemble. Twelve men were present, the others who could not make it came at other times. There was good food and a few drinks, a gesture much appreciated by everyone. 

For most of the men (except maybe for one very enthusiastic young man, as you will see in the video clip), receiving these tools did not elicit 'lottery win' type excitement. Hard to describe, but one can sense a simple hope for better days to come, and a joy that was deep and heartfelt. It really meant a lot to these men.

For me, that fleeting look in those eyes at exactly 02:59 says it all. Watch closely.

I thank you all again for the tools (they are still welcome), and thanks too for your continued support for all the other things we do. It is truly appreciated. 

Ruben 

 

 

 

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Andrew Mendez.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

Hello Everyone,

Christmas is a time of giving, and on behalf of The Bohol Island Project we thank you all for the opportunity to share your gifts; not just this time of year, but all through the year to people deserving of a helping hand.

Your generosity matters and is truly appreciated.

Wishing you all and your families peace & good health, and a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year.

Ruben

PROJECTS UPDATE:

We started building another house last week. A family HOME for Christmas !!! As gifts go, this one's pretty hard to beat. Their gratitude will last a lifetime.

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OPTIONAL READING !

This story is on our website but I love the story and considering it's Christmas, you might find the time and be patient enough to bear with me and my writing. So here goes ...  THE STARFISH STORY.

While walking along a beach, an elderly gentleman saw someone in the distance leaning down, picking something up and throwing it into the ocean.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, picking up starfish one by one and tossing each one gently back into the water.
He came closer still and called out, "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing? The young man paused, looked up and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."
The old man smiled , and said, "I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" To this the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."
Upon hearing this, the elderly observer commented, "But young man, do you not realise that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely . Then he bent down , picked up another starfish, threw it back into the ocean past the breaking waves and said, "It made a difference for that one."

adapted from 'The Star Thrower', by Loren Eiseley  (1907-1977)

The above story pretty much sums up what we are all about. We don't have dreams of changing the world, but if we can make a small part of it a better place for a fellow human being with the same dreams, hopes, struggles and fears just like ourselves, then we have done well.

Thanks again and on this sombre note (sorry) enjoy your holidays !!!

Ruben

 

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Andrew Mendez.

FUNDRAISING RAFFLE - Our Lucky Winners !!!

1st : KBD75 DIY Keyboard built by TaeKeyboards.Won by Araluen Bullivant. Melbourne, Victoria. Ticket No. 0509. 

1st : KBD75 DIY Keyboard built by TaeKeyboards.
Won by Araluen Bullivant. Melbourne, Victoria. Ticket No. 0509. 

3rd : TADA68  DIY Keyboard built by TaeKeyboards
Won by Gem Lindsay. Benalla, Victoria. Ticket No. 0126.

5th : TADA68 DIY Keyboard built by TaeKeyboards
Won by Ted Quinal. Melbourne, Victoria. Ticket No. 0446.

7th : Cooler Master Masterkeys Pro M
Won by RC Clarete, Mt. Annan, NSW. Ticket No. 0357.

9th : iKBC KD104
Won by Denny Ventura. Wattle Grove, NSW. Ticket No. 0285.

2nd : TADA68 Aluminium DIY Keyboard built by TaeKeyboards
Won by R. Romorosa. Sydney, NSW. Ticket No. 0785.  

4th : TADA68 DIY Keyboard built by TaeKeyboards
Won by Obet & Bla Sayo. Melbourne, Victoria. Ticket No. 0388.

6th : Cooler Master Masterkeys Pro L
Won by Denny Ventura. Wattle Grove, NSW. Ticket No. 0287.

8th : Rosewill RK-9200V2 RGB
Won by Michael Wilson, Maitland, NSW. Ticket No. 0140.

10th : Xiaomi Yuemi
Won by Cora Franks, Spring Farm, NSW. Ticket No. 0313.

We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone that participated in the raffle. It is much appreciated.

Many thanks, too, to TaeKeyboards for the sponsorship and the hard work that has been put into the building and preparation of these beautiful keyboards.

The raffle was drawn on Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday 7 November 2017, witnessed and attended by the Directors and Staff of Birzulis Associates Pty. Ltd. - Structural Engineers, 583 Darling St. Rozelle NSW. This was in conjunction with our Melbourne Cup Lunch and office sweeps. 

Thank you all,                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Ruben

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Andrew Mendez.

USED TOOLS DRIVE - An absolute bonanza from the Hunter Valley

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We drove up to beautiful Maitland this long weekend and picked up an absolute treasure trove of tools for our used tool drive!!!

Our sincere thanks to members of the ADAMSTOWN BOWLING CLUB, and members of CARDIFF SQUASH for this kindly gesture. Many thanks too, to Maurie & Jenny for their contributions.

Our deep gratitude to Jill Gow for facilitating and making possible this wonderful gift. Thanks a lot, Jill.

Many thanks also to Ted & Mimi, always around to help in any way they can for our undertakings.

Our trip was easily made worthwhile, and this continues the success of our tool drive which will provide equipment to many young workers, guiding them and assisting them forge a sustainable livelihood on the island.

Ruben  

Posted on October 3, 2017 by Andrew Mendez.

USED TOOLS DRIVE - Many Thanks to Sam Stamoulis

This is another wonderful tool collection, all 51 items of it. That old, strong, thick leather tool belt is a standout !

Many, many thanks Sam, it is sincerely appreciated.

Many thanks too, to brothers John, Con & Jim ( this is again another sad case of parting with inheritance! )... In all seriousness thank you boys.

The way this tool drive is going we are confident that we can provide tools to at least 20 individuals aspiring to make a sustainable living out of the island's local building industry.

Just a simple idea and one realises that sometimes it does not really take that much to make a realistic difference to people's lives.

Posted on July 22, 2017 by Andrew Mendez and tagged tool drive.

USED TOOLS DRIVE - Heartfelt Thanks to Laurie Grogan

We are off to a very good start with our USED TOOLS DRIVE with a wonderful 142 item tool collection from Laurie Grogan.

Thank you sir. Your generosity is much appreciated. It would probably surprise you how much this means to some people.

Many thanks too; to brothers Michael & Paul Grogan for facilitating the giving away of their precious inheritance!

SKILLS TRAINING & SUPPORT FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS & EMPLOYMENT

Along with our housing & education programmes, the above is another of our initiatives.

The opportunity to acquire formal training in the building trade is very limited on the island. There is an abundance of unskilled labour but there is a real shortage of skilled workers in this field.

The purpose of this initiative is to help address this issue by providing basic training to people who are already working in the industry as unskilled labourers. The training will provide them a foothold into the industry, a foundation to tackle simple jobs independently, and with time gain the confidence and experience to work for themselves without supervision.

Our housing project has greatly complimented the training aspect of this initiative which is doubly beneficial to our goals. Three of our workers (above) went through the process and are now well regarded workers in the local building industry.

THE USED TOOLS DRIVE

The provision of tools is an essential part of this programme. It helps in the training process and most importantly it gives people the confidence to seek employment or start on their own. (Because they are relatively expensive, owning good quality tools on the island is almost like having a trade qualification!)

There is an abundance of unused, good quality tools lying around in sheds and garages all throughout Australia. You might not have one but some of your friends, and friends of friends would have. Encourage them to clean up and we will put the clutter to good use. It could seriously provide people opportunities to make a decent living, and change lives for the better.

We need tools that would assist with small scale carpentry and building construction. Below is a list of the most needed and useful items.

Hand Tools:
Hammers, chisels & handsaws (old good quality ones could be sharpened), planes, tape measures, levels, squares, plumb bobs, tin snips,hacksaws, masonry trowels, plasterer floats, wrecking bars, pliers, clamps, screw drivers.

Power Tools:
Drills (& drill bits), circular saws,drop saws, sanders, planers, grinders.

Accessories:
Tool belts, tool bags, decent used work wear.

Collection Dates – from now up to 27 August 2017.

Collection Contacts:

Sydney - Ruben Mendez
Drop-Off: 583 Darling Street Rozelle Contact Email : theboholislandproject@hotmail.com

Hunter Valley - Mimi Wilson
Contact Email: mimiwilson45@hotmail.com

Benalla (Country Victoria) - Gem Lindsay
Contact Email: gemahal@yahoo.com

Melbourne - Ted Quinal
Contact Email: ted_quinal@yahoo.com

Thank you all.

TOOL DRIVE DONATION FORM

 

 

 

Posted on July 14, 2017 by Andrew Mendez and tagged tool drive.

'The Quinals'

Many thanks to 'The Quinals', a very talented group of musicians/siblings for donating part of the proceeds of their first ever concert to The Bohol Island Project's Education Programme. We wish you success in your musical pursuits.

To be conscious and to care for the welfare of others at a young age is truly admirable.

A huge thank you too to their parents Ted & Joy. Their guidance and nurturing has to be appreciated, and is something they should be very proud of.  

Posted on January 18, 2017 by Andrew Mendez.