02 April 2014- Two Polish youth namely Ms. Helena Czernek and Mr. Aleksander Prugar, presented their initiative called the “Design for Bantayan” (DFB) project which has been a source of livelihood for the typhoon victims of Bantayan Island, Cebu. The DFB involves the use of fallen coconut trunks and bamboos to make souvenir items for sale to tourists.

The DFB was presented during the 3rd “Pulong Bayan sa Pasuguan” at the Philippine Embassy last March 23, 2014. The event was attended by 50 Filipinos and Polish nationals. It started with a mass officiated by  Father Pawel Mazanka followed by an introductory remarks by the president of The Filipino Community in Poland, Mr. Alex Visalda.

Mr. Visalda commended Ms. Czernek and Mr. Prugar for their excellent ideas in creating ladies’ accessories and household items from the coconut trees and bamboos which were felled by typhoon “Yolanda”.

The 40 minute-presentation showed different products designed by Ms. Czernek and Mr. Prugar and which the residents of Bantayan Island themselves made. Ms. Czernek and Mr. Prugar plan to bring some of these products to Poland to raise more funds for the typhoon victims in Bantayan Island. END