Boa Village in Dinagat Islands Province Turns Blue

The coastal village of Boa in the Province of Dinagat Islands was among the most affected areas by Typhoon Odette (Typhoon Rai). Families living in this picturesque village rely on fishing, and procuring and trading coconuts for a living.

The Typhoon destroyed their houses, health clinic, and the only Elementary school in their village. They lost their boats from the two-meter waves and ghastly winds that struck around noon and lasted through the evening. Some of the families followed the Government's guidance and evacuated, finding a refuge further from the shore. However, many families remained afraid to lose their belongings and eager to protect their livelihoods.

"The waves were so high, they submerged all the houses, washing them to the sea," narrated Ms. Ellen L. Tillo, School Head of Boa Elementary School. "People had to run for their lives and climbed the nearby hill. Some hugged the coconut trees to resist the high waves."

On 15 February, UNICEF, in partnership with the Department of Education of the Dinagat Islands Province, distributed education supplies at Boa Elementary School where 160 students between kindergarten and Grade 6 are enrolled. The kits included student backpacks that contained stationery, notebooks, colored markers, and a UNICEF T-shirt. Kits were also provided to teachers that contain necessary materials to organize quality lessons.

The Boa Elementary School and the Department of Education organized an event for children – the first one since the schools closed in March 2020. First, the children welcomed the guests and received their school bags. Then, all boys and girls happily put on their UNICEF T-shirts for a photo session with their friends and teachers. In a matter of minutes, the ruins of Boa Elementary School turned blue, lighted up with the smiles of girls, boys, their teachers, and officials from the Department of Education.

"The children are thrilled to receive the individual learning kits. These supplies will keep them busy until, with the support of the Government and partners, Boa elementary school is rehabilitated. We cannot wait to welcome all the children back to school after over two years of closure due to COVID-19 pandemic," said Ms. Felisa Laranjo, Superintendent, Department of Education, Dinagat Islands. #