About Us

Barug Dinagat Foundation emerged as a beacon of hope in the wake of Super Typhoon Odette's devastating landfall on December 16, 2021 in the province of Dinagat Islands. Within moments of the calamity, a team swiftly rallied at Balay Uno, the staff house of Congressman Alan 1 B. Ecleo's consultants in Barangay Santa Cruz, San Jose, marking the genesis of an extraordinary journey.

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Surveying the widespread wreckage across the town, the founding members recognized the staggering toll on infrastructure, with 90% of homes, offices, vital communication lines, and essential services ravaged. In response to this colossal upheaval, they resolved to establish a pivotal command center, setting up base at the Port of San Jose the very next day. Thus, the Barug Dinagat - Disaster Response Initiative was born.

 

For six arduous months, Barug Dinagat became a nexus, orchestrating the convergence of aid from myriad sources - governmental bodies, organizations, and compassionate individuals, all uniting to uplift Dinagat Islands from the desolation left by the Category Five storm. Yet, the enormity of the crisis transcended the initial assessment, penetrating deep into the fabric of livelihoods, health, and human dignity.

 

Recognizing that a mere few months were insufficient to restore normalcy, the team embraced a bold vision: Barug Dinagat Foundation was conceived not as a temporary initiative but as a lifelong commitment. Thus, its legal identity was established, cementing its place as a steadfast ally in Dinagat's journey towards a sustainable future.

 

Today, the Foundation's mandate transcends mere assistance; it champions a noble mission. Barug Dinagat Foundation aspires to empower Dinagatnons, guiding them towards sustainable livelihoods through community-based enterprises. By offering strategic marketing support, bridging government and non-governmental interventions, and imparting essential training, the Foundation fosters self-reliance while nurturing a spirit of innovation.

 

But its ambition doesn't end there. Barug Dinagat Foundation endeavors to cultivate a sense of cultural pride, encouraging artistic pursuits and preserving the rich heritage that defines Dinagatnons. This holistic approach aims not just to alleviate poverty but to instill a robust identity, fortifying the community against adversity.

 

In essence, Barug Dinagat Foundation is a testament to resilience, a guiding light that seeks to eradicate poverty while nurturing the essence of being Dinagatnons. It stands unwavering, fueled by the fervent belief that with dedication, collaboration, and a shared dream, a brighter, more dignified future for Dinagat Islands is not just a possibility but an inevitable reality.