Project Philippines-Australia
As one disaster after another hits the world, we tend to feel overwhelmed by the suffering and by our inability to do anything tangible to help. Fortunately there are a few mad fools who jump in, boots and all to make a difference, often at great cost to themselves. Such a situation is unfolding here in Hobart where a Lindisfarne couple have taken on the Herculean task of refitting the 140ft ex-fishing vessel Corvina and loading her with supplies to deliver to the Philippines, to aid victims of Cyclone Haiyan/Yolanda.
Anna Ladesma was born into a poor community on Bohol Island , in the centre of the Philippines and from the age of 14 worked to support her family. Obviously a determined and smart woman, she was working for Cebu Salvage Corporation when she met Malcolm McDougall, Tugmaster and owner of the Lindisfarne bay Boatyard. Visiting survivors of the 2013 cyclone, Anna and Malcolm were deeply frustrated by the lack of government aid and decided to look for a way to help. Back in Hobart, Tasports were looking to dispose of a very sad-looking Corvina, which had outstayed its welcome on an outer berth and Malcolm saw an opportunity. No doubt he and Anna took a very deep breath before agreeing to purchase the boat for a nominal sum and they have set up a non-profit corporation to raise funds. They aim to transport goods to the Philippines, then turn the vessel into a trading and training ship.
In their words:
Our objective is to get Corvina seaworthy for a one way trip to the Philippines, filled with all sorts of items that people can give, like non-perishable food, clothing, bedding, building materials mainly hospital and education equipment etc on the way to help get the hospital and schools a little more in control , 8 months later still no support from the government.
To make it all happen we need support of all kinds, so far local businesses and people with all the right qualification have donated their time and products to get this venture under way, what we need now is financial support from the people of Australia. This will help Anna achieve helping and supporting the needing in ongoing devastated areas around the Philippine islands. To sail Corvina on a 21 day voyage to Cebu we will need about 80,000lt of fuel costing $130,000, stores, navigation gear, and crew support, engine oils, spares etc, is a further $70,000 totalling $200,000. Another 300,000 to have the vessel imported and brought to their survey requirements to trade and kick start the foundation in the Philippines, the project will generate spinoffs and employment for a lot of people in need.
With alterations done in Cebu many local people will have work, it’s much cheaper than in Australia, Corvina will then be able to carry water, fuel, dry stores, refrigerated stores, even live-stock, to the islands. Also machinery for any other work.
Malcolm McDougall and Anna Ladesma
Tasports has been very co-operative, local businesses including Brierley Hoses and K&D Hardware have become involved and negotiations with hospital authorities are underway to secure donations of surplus or out-of date equipment and supplies. Anna and Malcolm labour every day, chipping rust, painting, rebuilding and refitting mechanical gear and generally getting Corvina shipshape. Volunteers are helping and there is a huge amount of bureaucracy to deal with. Then there are the demands of fund-raising. It’s a monumental effort by two individuals hoping to make a difference. They would welcome any expertise or goods but most of all they need financial donations. Have a look at their website, Project Philippines-Australia, 'LIKE' their Facebook page or contact them on 0408123805
It might seem an impossible goal but imagine if Tasmania adopted this little ship as its own and send it north as a physical example of our compassion for survivors of just one disaster. One dollar from each Tasmanian could do it.