REEF PICKINGS

How a social enterprise in the Philippines is helping the coastal communities of Verde Island

Isla Verde (or Verde Island, for some) hosts a vibrant marine ecosystem, but the lives of its human residents paint a different picture. Here, most families grapple with poverty, earning an average of less than USD100 a month. Reef Picks, a social enterprise, and its non-profit arm Batang VIP, have stepped in to empower this community, providing more sustainable sources of income, and educational support.

Gela’s Journey

Gela Petines’ journey began in 2013 when she visited San Andres, Isla Verde, on a fisheries research expedition. She was awestruck by the beautiful reefs and felt right at home because of the community’s warm and happy demeanour. Later that year, when Typhoon Haiyan devastated the island, Gela gathered and delivered relief goods for the community. She did this nearly every year as the typhoons got stronger and more destructive. In 2016, Typhoon Nock-ten destroyed 26 fishing boats, leaving fishers with no means for a livelihood. Gela fundraised nearly USD17,000 to replace all the boats, and this was also a turning point for her and the community.

Long-Term Solutions and Strong Partnerships

Relief efforts are crucial, but Gela envisioned a long-term solution. Recognising the importance of sustainable development, she established Batang VIP (Verde Island Passage and Very Important People), a non-profit that would build the community’s capacity to stand on their own. After a series of public consultations, an Isla Verde (or Verde Island, for some) hosts a vibrant marine ecosystem, but the lives of its human residents paint a different picture.

Here, most families grapple with poverty, earning an average of less than USD100 a month. Reef Picks, a social enterprise, and its non-profit arm Batang VIP, have stepped in to empower this community, providing more sustainable sources of income, and educational support.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP-LEFT Healthy coral reef and fish life of Verde Island; the local fishers get their new boats, May 2017; aftermath of Typhoon Nina, 2016; first aid training, marine life education, and freediving classes for the local tour guides

Frosted Gems

Reef Picks was created in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on tourism. Partnering with Lala Calle, a marine biologist, they saw potential in sea glass-frosted gems, tumbled smooth by years in the waves.

Wearing Stories of the Ocean

The local residents collect sea glass from their shores, each piece carrying stories of the ocean, their past forms, and origins. These treasures are then crafted into beautiful jewellery and sold, providing much-needed livelihood assistance.

One of the college scholars supported by Batang VIP

Education Is Key

Education is another cornerstone. Since 2015, Gela has raised funds to provide free educational field trips, fostering a love for learning and encouraging children to stay in school. Today, 15 college scholars supported by Batang VIP stand as testaments to this commitment, ready to contribute to a brighter future for Isla Verde.

More Than Just an Accessory

Currently a graduate student in social entrepreneurship, Gela is committed to refining Reef Picks and Batang VIP’s strategies to ensure long-term success for the community. Owning a piece of Reef Picks jewellery is more than just an accessory. Each handcrafted piece represents the beauty of the ocean, the resilience of its people, and hope for a better future.

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Asian Diver No. 168