Lucy L. Magusara, Communications Coordinator CORPh
Date Published
Estimated reading time
6 mins
When the sea transforms from a barrier into a bridge, it opens a gateway toward education, opportunity, and hope. A project initiated by Calls Over Ridges Philippines (CORPh) and jointly supported by the community enables children from distant island communities of Sitio Lia-Onan, Sitio Campingganon, and San Fernando to travel to school safely and consistently.
The School Boat has become a vital vessel of change, navigating the waters of Del Carmen to bring dreams closer to reality.
In geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), the simple act of going to school is often a daily struggle against the elements. By launching the School Boat Program, CORPh showcases how meaningful, community-powered interventions create a ripple effect—bringing children closer to classrooms, encouraging local ownership, and nurturing a culture of resilience.
A Dangerous Daily Commute
For many families in Sitio Campingganon, the lack of reliable transport meant children often missed classes or risked their lives in small, unstable boats.
Melissa Espantio, a local resident, recalls the anxiety of the old way:
“Sa amo gajud dere, grabe gajod kalisod an amo kahimtang dere kay magbaruto raman… usahay malunod an baruto tungod sa dagko na bayod.”
(Our situation here was so difficult because we only used small paddle boats… sometimes they would sink because of the big waves.)
Without a safe vehicle, attendance was inconsistent, and the fear of accidents loomed over every school day. The importance of a “tarong na sakjanan” (proper vehicle) was not just about convenience, it was about the survival of the children’s academic future.
A Vessel of Hope: The Human Impact of the School Boat
The School Boat is more than a mode of transport, it is a community-led solution that carries the weight of a generation’s aspirations. Joann Comandante, who monitors attendance and coordinates the boat’s operations, notes that the impact was immediate.
“Grabe gajod na tabang sa amo ang school boat bus kay an iban na mga bata dire na waya na maka eskuyla sa tabok, ila na tag pabalik pag pa eskuyla.”
(The school boat is a huge help to us because the children who had stopped going to school across the water are now returning to their studies.)
For families whose livelihoods depend on the sea—where “panagat ra an panginabuhi” (fishing is the only livelihood) and income depends on the weather—the boat provides a rare sense of stability.
Co-Creation and Creativity: A Partnership with the People
A distinct element of the CORPh philosophy is “local ownership.” The boat was not just delivered; it was co-created. Prior to its repainting project, kids in the communities of Sitio Lia-Onan, Sitio Campingganon, and Barangay San Fernando created artwork that represented their personal dreams and for the community, then used to decorate the boats itself, transforming the vessel into a floating gallery of their own imaginations.
Ralph Eya, the project’s artist, highlights that being on-site allowed them to “imbibe the spirit” of the work. He emphasizes that creativity is as essential as food or shelter because it allows children to see their own ideas come to life. By painting their emotions and dreams onto the boat, the students developed a sense of pride and responsibility.
Jessin, a volunteer artist, reflects on this collective action:
“It’s not just us, it’s like all of these communities working together to uplift lives”.
The boat represents a “collective power” where every hand, from the local leaders to the children with their paintbrushes, played a role.
From Struggle to “Ginhawa”: The Future of Island Youth
The ultimate goal of the program is to normalize ginhawa—a sense of ease and well-being. When the daily commute is no longer a struggle, children can focus on being students.
Alben Comandante, a 16-year-old student and ISIP scholar, shares this vision of a brighter future:
“An ako kaugaligon pangandoy na untana maka tapos ako sa ako pag eskuyla… hantod sa college.” (My personal dream is that I finish my studies… all the way to college.)
He encourages his peers to value the boat, knowing that it is their primary bridge to a life beyond the shore.
Sailing Farther: An Invitation to Join the Journey
The journey of the School Boat does not end at the mainland pier. It is a stepping stone for the entire community, proving that even the widest seas can be bridged when we work together. By humanizing the data and listening to these narratives, we see that education access is the first step toward lasting social impact.
We invite you to be part of this movement—to fuel more journeys, build more boats, and bring more children closer to the education they deserve. Together, we are not just sailing; we are navigating a path toward a resilient and empowered Siargao.
about the author
Lucy Magusara
Lucy is CORPh’s Communications Coordinator
and is based in Siargao, Philippines
Our stories The Philippines From Far Across the Seas: How the School Boat Bus Empowers Island Education in Del Carmen
