TUBIGON, Bohol, Sept. 14 (PIA) -- An international disaster relief organization, along with a religious order of the ministers of the infirm in the Philippines and its network of disaster volunteers, turned over 13 wooden pump boats with 13 horsepower engines to fishermen families here on Sept. 14.

The white fishing boats were given by Camillian Disaster Service International (CADIS) for the Camillian Task Force of the Philippines to replace the pump boats that the villagers lost during typhoon Odette on Dec. 16, 2021.

The 170 islanders escaped the wrath of the typhoon when the local government officials enforced an evacuation as the island is a couple of meters above sea level during high tide.

The residents escaped but their fishing boats were damaged by the typhoon.

Over twenty boats, which the owners thought were safe when they beached them on the island, were totally wrecked as the surging waves dislodged most of them and crashed against each other.

The storm left a trail of destruction in the village, with the community chapel - which was the sturdiest structure in the area and partly protected by a concrete rainwater collector - was blown to pieces.

The island also happens to belong to the Saint John of the Cross Parish in Cahayag, Tubigon, where Rev. Fr. Roy Reambonanza ministers.

Reambonanza, a former Camillian seminarian before transferring to the Diocese of Tagbilaran, knows that the Camillians have launched a disaster relief, and have been actively handing out assistance in from its local and foreign benefactors.

A visit to Inanuran by the Camillians in May and July helped the people rebuild their homes.

In partnership with Bishop Alberto Uy and the Diocese of Tagbilaran, the group brought in coconut lumber, galvanized iron sheets, and nails and helped rebuild houses.

The Society of Ex Camillian Seminarians Inc (SeCSI), a non-stock, non-profit organization of former Camillian seminarians, coordinated with Camillian Task Force in the Philippines to ask CADIS for the needed assistance, said Jerome Salvio Madanguit, SECSI president.

Four months later, Rev. Fr. Dan Cancino of the Ministers of the Infirm arrived to turn over the 13 boats, all made by the island’s resident boat maker, from the Camillian assistance.

Fr. Cancino was accompanied by Fr. Reambonaza of the receiving party, with Madanguit, Atty. Florendo Columnas, Engr. Christopher Manug, and Ronald Pantanosas. (RAHC/PIA7 Bohol)