Many members of the community continue to live in extreme poverty and rely on informal means of livelihood.
Recently, flag carrier Philippine Airlines and budget carrier Cebu Pacific teamed up for a meaningful cause through a collaboration with the Irish aviation leasing company AerCap.
The parties moved to support a Badjao community in Mindanao through the Embrace Badjao Foundation, an Irish-registered charity dedicated to assisting the marginalized community in Mindanao.
They provided assistance to approximately 2,500 Badjao families who are currently residing in makeshift stilt houses along the coast near the outskirts of Davao City, which were recently affected by a fire.
A highlight of the outreach is a school that was established in the village, which serves both as a learning center and a community support hub for children and their families.
During the outreach visit, representatives from AerCap, PAL and Cebu Pacific also engaged with the children in school activities, shared meals, and distributed school supplies.
The said also distributed activity and hygiene kits, toys and clothes to the Badjao children and their families — which were items collected through donation drives across their respective organizations.
Meanwhile, PAL, through the PAL Foundation, airlifted AerCap’s donations from Singapore to Davao.
Through its tie up with the Embrace Badjao Foundation, AerCap also provides financial support to the Badjao community through educational assistance, meal provision, basic medical care and community empowerment.
Atty. Carlos Luis Fernandez, EVP and COO of Philippine Airlines, noted, “We are grateful to AerCap for the opportunity extended to PAL to participate in this meaningful initiative. We are pleased to support the Badjao community through this effort and sincerely hope our contribution will bring a meaningful impact to their lives.“
He also expressrd the flag carrier’s goal of participating in future similar initiatives and strengthen their “collective commitment” to serve the communities in need.
For his part Emmanuel Herinckx, Head of Asia Pacific at AerCap, said, “This initiative reflects how collaboration across our industry can deliver meaningful, lasting impact by expanding access to education and opportunities for underserved communities.”
AerCap is the world’s largest owner of commercial aircraft, engines and helicopter, serving approximately 300 customers worldwide through long-term lease and financing agreements.
The company also supports a range of local charities and organizations around the world through fundraisers and volunteer efforts.