Bangka ng Pag-asa: Bell-Kenz Pharma Brings Hope to Fisherfolk Families.

“It’s not just a boat—it’s Pag-asa, hope for all of us. Now we can fish together, save for repairs, and even dream of giving boats to those who don’t have one. Ito ay nagbibigay ng pag-asa na ang mga anak namin ay hindi na kailangang maranasan ang hirap na naranasan namin,” shares Reggie Villas, who has been fishing since grade six, as he describes the boat’s impact on their community. 

For generations, the sea has been both a source of life and uncertainty for the fishing families of Barangay Talao-Talao in Lucena City. Every morning before dawn, fishermen set out into the waters hoping the day’s catch will provide enough to feed their families and sustain their livelihood. 

Yet for many fishermen, the challenge begins even before they reach the sea—because they do not even own a boat. Without one, they must join others’ trips or rent space, splitting earnings and often returning home with barely enough for fuel and daily needs. 
Determined to change this reality, the Talao-Talao fishermen’s cooperative—led by Noel Andrade, Antonio C. Acero Sr., Jose Cabrera Sr., and Reggie Villas—introduced a cooperative where members can rent a fishing boat for just ₱100 per day. The affordable fee helps cover maintenance and fishing gear, ensuring that even fishermen without boats can still go out to sea and earn a living. 

The initiative reached a turning point with the arrival of the Bangka ng Pag-asa, four sturdy fiberglass fishing boats donated by Bell-Kenz Pharma. Equipped with a motor and space for six to seven fishermen, the vessel allows cooperative members more opportunities to fish and earn.

According to volunteer Dr. Angelito Erwin Reyes, the idea for the donation came after he conducted a medical mission in Barangay Talao-Talao, “ While there, I learned that many fishermen did not own boats, making it hard to earn a stable income." Wanting to help, he donated the Bangka ng Pag-asa through Bell-Kenz Pharma, giving the community a chance for a better livelihood. 
For the fishermen of Talao-Talao, the boat represents more than improved access to the sea—it represents opportunity. 

Kapag walang bangka, puwede kang umupa. Pag ginamit mo, magbabayad ka ng ₱100 per day, at iyon ang pang-maintenance at pang-gamit,” shares Antonio C. Acero Sr. “It’s more than a fee—it’s access and opportunity.”

The Bangka ng Pag-asa enables fishermen to venture farther and fish more safely, even when waters become challenging. With increased opportunities at sea, families are gaining more stable incomes, while the cooperative builds funds for maintenance, equipment, and savings to purchase more boats for members. 

But the cooperative’s vision goes beyond fishing. The rental system also helps support the education of the fishermen’s children, allowing them to finish school and open up a world of opportunities.

Jose Cabrera Sr., president of Purok Talisay, reflects on this aspiration: 
“Ang mga magulang ko ay mangingisda, kaya natutunan ko nang mangisda noong Grade 2 pa lang ako. Natutunan namin na ang buhay ay tungkol sa responsibilidad at sakripisyo. Ang bangkang ito ay isang biyaya—nagbibigay sa amin ng mas ligtas na paraan para kumita at makapag-ipon para sa kinabukasan ng aming mga anak.” 

Barangay Captain Rail Briones echoes the community’s gratitude: 
“Maraming salamat po sa Bell-Kenz Pharma. Hindi lang po kayo nagbigay ng bangka—nagbigay po kayo ng pag-asa sa aming lahat. 
For the families of Talao-Talao, the Bangka ng Pag-asa represents a future filled with possibilities. It is a reminder that when communities and organizations come together, meaningful change can happen."

More than a vessel, the Bangka ng Pag-asa is a symbol of resilience, partnership, and hope—helping secure livelihoods today while opening brighter opportunities for the next generation.