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Filipinos are no strangers to typhoons, but after weathering Typhoons Quinta and Rolly within days of each other, the people of Isla Verde in Batangas are struggling to get back on their feet. As a coastal community, not only have they had to deal with losing their homes to the sea, but also their fishing boats.
In the wake of the storm, some have stepped up to help the locals rebuild: #BangonIslaVerde is an art print sale organized by visual artists Sara Erasmo and Ivy Pangilinan for the benefit of Brgy. San Andres.
Featuring works from both artists, all proceeds from the sale will be donated directly to the community. They are selling postcards and sticker sets.
“Coastal communities like San Andres are most vulnerable to the violence of climate change. Year after year, as typhoons get worse, San Andres has suffered the loss of their homes and their boats—the source of their livelihood,” says Sara, who also co-founded skindiving travel company Reef Nomads together with diver and conservationist Gela Petines.
“This print sale is a small way we're giving back to the community that has given us so much,” she adds.
Since 2016, Reef Nomads has worked closely with the people of Isla Verde, as their tours help provide an additional source of livelihood for the locals. In response to the pandemic, they’ve also started a social enterprise called Reef Picks, which sells handmade buri bags and sea-glass jewelry made in partnership with the local community.
Visit tinyurl.com/bangonisla and Reef Picks to purchase prints or donate.
