BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi – The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation has successfully turned over 10 newly built yellow paddle boats to an adopted community in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, marking a significant step in improving the lives of residents in isolated island communities.



The initiative was made possible through the generosity of the Unilab Group of Companies under its Tree of Life program. The donation aims to provide better access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for families who rely on boats as their primary means of transportation.
Local boat builders, along with community members, played a crucial role in the construction of these boats, ensuring that the project not only meets the immediate needs of the residents but also supports the livelihood of local artisans. The initiative fosters a self-sustaining ecosystem that benefits the entire community.
“These boats are more than just a means of transport—they are symbols of hope and a brighter future for the people of Tawi-Tawi,” the foundation stated.
The turnover ceremony was attended by community leaders and foundation representatives, including Ms. Jhoy de Asis Omar, the lead implementer of the project, who supervised the construction process on-site. Her dedication was instrumental in bringing this initiative to completion.
The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation expressed its gratitude to the Unilab Group of Companies for choosing the foundation as a beneficiary of its Tree of Life initiative. The ongoing partnership highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in uplifting marginalized communities.
As the foundation continues its mission to ensure that no Filipino is left behind, it calls on supporters to keep the hope alive and move forward in building sustainable solutions for remote communities.