Peace Boat docks in Cebu; volunteers bring Yolanda aid

The cruise ship Peace Boat with about 1,000 members of a Japan-based organization was in Cebu to distribute fishing boats and shelter assistance to victims of Supertyphoon Yolanda. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)

A Japan-based non-government organization (NGO) distributed fishing boats and shelter assistance to Supertyphoon Yolanda victims in Daanbantayan town and Mandaue City.

The 1,000 members of the NGO arrived last Wednesday on board the cruise ship Peace Boat which docked at Pier 6 in Cebu City. The vessel left for Japan last night.

Auxilium Olayer, executive director for Court Appointed Special Advocate and Bata Muna Movement, said the delegates who are mostly Japanese went to Daanbantayan and Mandaue City to turn over fishing boats and shelter assistance.

The boat had traveled the country ten times, helping in disaster and relief efforts during the height of Supertyphoon Yolanda relief operations.

“Peace Boat has organized over 80 global voyages in 30 years to promote peace and sustainability around the world. This year’s advocacy is ‘In Poverty Campaign’,” Olayer said.

The Peace Boat also encourages friendship and cultural exchange between people of Japan and the Philippines.

Some volunteers visited Cebu Daily News before going back to Japan.
(CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

The NGO organized study tours visiting  local communities to create better friendship and understanding  of Cebuano culture. It was nominated for the Nobel Prize in 2008 and has attained a special consultative status with the United Nations for the last three decades.

Inside the cruise ship are theater and entertainment rooms, pool, and restaurant bar. Eighty percent of the ship crew members are Filipinos.