For eight years, Tarhata Watamama has served as the daycare worker in Barangay Mapayag with patience, commitment, and an unshakable belief in every child’s right to learn and grow in a safe and healthy environment.
DATU ANGGAL MIDTIMBANG, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR ─ At 40 years old, she currently teaches 32 students daycare learners (12 boys and 20 girls) in a small daycare center where limited resources services and structural gaps pose daily challenges. One of her long-standing struggles had been access to clean water.
“Mula po nung nasira ang aming handwashing [facility], hindi na po nakakapaghugas ng kamay ang mga bata tuwing may klase. Minsan po ang mga magulang ng mga bata ay nag-iigib ng tubig sa mga kapitbahay. (Ever since the handwashing facility broke down, the children could no longer wash their hands during classes. Sometimes, the parents would fetch water from neighbors,)” she explained.
While the barangay local government unit (BLGU) has been supportive in trying to meet the center’s needs, the lack of a functioning water supply system and adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities remained unresolved for a long time. Water had to be fetched from nearby homes and stored for use in washing and cleaning the daycare center, making daily hygiene activities difficult.
“Ever since the handwashing facility broke down, the children could no longer wash their hands during classes. Sometimes, the parents would fetch water from neighbors.” – Tarhata
“Hindi talaga kami makapaghugas ng kamay nang maayos. Wala rin kaming mga gamit tulad ng sabon, panlinis, o kahit timba. (We really couldn’t carry out proper handwashing. We didn’t even have basic supplies like soap, cleaning materials, or even pails.”)
With no anthropometric tools of their own, growth monitoring, which is essential for tracking the physical development of young children, was also hampered. Tarhata had to borrow tools such as height boards and weighing scales from the nearby barangay health station (BHS), just to fulfill her responsibilities as an early childhood care and development (ECCD) worker.
But things started to change when the center was selected as one of the beneficiaries of the “Strengthening Health and Nutrition Service Delivery Capacities in Early Learning, Alternative Learning, and Community Health” project.
With funding from the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Action Against Hunger and UNICEF Philippines aim to improve access to health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and education services for over 20,000 people in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through this project. With a special focus on young children, pregnant & lactating women, and persons with disabilities, the initiative is strengthening the capacity of 19 health and learning facilities across the region.
Following a series of consultations with the MSSD and the Municipal Government of Datu Anggal Midtimbang and joint technical assessments by Action Against Hunger and UNICEF, critical WASH and nutrition-related interventions were carried out at the daycare center. These included the repair of the water supply through the installation of a water pump, which was then piped directly to the daycare center’s toilet and a newly constructed handwashing station. A rainwater catchment system was also installed to further enhance water availability. In addition, the handwashing facility was improved, and the daycare center was provided with essential supplies and materials for hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition—including soap, pails, drinking water containers, cleaning materials, and growth monitoring tools such as a height board and weighing scale.
“Napakalaking tulong po talaga itong ginawa po ni UNICEF at Action Against Hungert sa aming daycare center. Ngayon, di na kami mahihirapan. May tubig na po, may hugasan ng kamay. Bago mag-recess pinapahugas ko na ang mga bata (This is such a big help. Thanks to UNICEF and Action Against Hunger, it’s no longer difficult for us. We now have water and a handwashing station. I let the children wash their hands before eating at recess.)” Tarhata shared with a smile.
With access to water restored, Tarhata immediately began integrating proper hygiene practices into daily routines. The children, she noted, were more than willing to embrace the change.
“Thanks to UNICEF and Action Against Hunger, it’s no longer difficult for us. We now have water and a handwashing station. I let the children wash their hands before eating at recess. It’s wonderful to see the children enjoying handwashing now that there’s plenty of water, a proper station, and soap. They want to wash their hands all the time.”
“Nakakatuwa nga po dahil sa meron nang maraming tubig, handwashing area, at mga sabon, ang mga bata ay nag-eenjoy at gusto laging maghugas ng kamay, (It’s wonderful to see the children enjoying handwashing now that there’s plenty of water, a proper station, and soap. They want to wash their hands all the time.)” she added.
The impact goes beyond just hygiene. The daycare center also received height boards and weighing scales, allowing Tarhata to carry out growth monitoring on site. Parents no longer need to fetch water every morning. Children no longer need to leave the daycare premises just to wash up, which helps reduce potential risks and disruptions during class time.
“Isa din po sa pinasasalamatan po namin ay yung mga gamit tulad ng timba, lalagyan ng inuming tubig, sabon, at gamit panlinis. Lalo na po ang height board at timbangan. Wala po kaming kakayahan na bumili ng mga ito. May tulong po ang LGU, at suportado naman po ni Kapitan, pero kulang pa rin. Kaya salamat po talaga sa Action Against Hunger at UNICEF, (We’re really thankful for the supplies—pails, drinking water containers, soap, cleaning materials, and especially the height board and weighing scale. We could never afford these. Our LGU and Barangay Captain are supportive, but their resources are limited. That’s why we are truly grateful to Action Against Hunger and UNICEF.)” she emphasized.
For Tarhata, this is more than an improvement in infrastructure—it is an investment in dignity, safety, and opportunity.
“Sana po itong project ay marami pang matulungan na daycare centers at daycare workers, (I hope this project can reach more daycare centers and workers like me. Many still need help—especially when it comes to having access to water.)” she said hopefully.
Her story is a powerful example of how the right support, provided at the right time, can uplift not just a center or a worker—but an entire community.
The “Strengthening Health and Nutrition Service Delivery Capacities in Early Learning, Alternative Learning, and Community Health” project is implemented by Action Against Hunger together with UNICEF, thanks to the funding support of the Korean government through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Written by Joyce Sandajan. Contributors: Debbie Alaban, Moner Dipatuan Photos by Noraisa Labing Duton and Norkisa Ayob Musa for Action Against Hunger
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1000056273.jpg16001200Adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAdmin2025-09-05 07:44:302025-09-05 07:44:30Washing Away Worries: How a Day Care Worker’s Persistence Helped Bring Water and Hope to a Remote Community
On the inland plains of Maguindanao del Sur, just 5.5 kilometers from Pagalungan’s town center, lies BarangayBagoenged—a community shaped by history, self-reliance, and water. Nestled near the sprawling Liguasan Marsh, one of the largest wetlands in the Philippines, the community is surrounded by winding tributaries of the Rio Grande de Mindanao, a river that nourishes its fields and fishponds yet threatens its homes when the rains come.
In photo: An aerial view of the river surrounding Barangay Bagoenged in Maguindanao del Sur. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
Houses stand on stilts, connected by narrow wooden walkways. Children sometimes wade or paddle to reach the lone elementary school. Livelihoods depend on both the soil—over 2,100 hectares farmed for rice, corn, and coconuts—and the water, with over 1,200 hectares dedicated to fishing. But seasonal flooding, droughts, earthquakes, and occasional displacements from local conflict make life unpredictable.
In photo: ACCESS Team visits one of the houses in Barangay Bagoenged by crossing a narrow elevated pathway connecting the stilted house to the main street. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)
In Bagoenged, strength and hope are built in small, steady acts—by people like Mariam, the health worker who has served for decades; Pem, the young female leader who makes sure her voice is heard; and Abdullah, the fisherfolk learning to act before the waters rise.
In photo: Portraits of Mariam, Pem, and Abdullah. (Photos by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
Mariam: A Lifetime of Care
At 66, Mariam Abas, known to all as Babu Mariam, is as much a fixture in Bagoenged as its stilted houses and Balikakabtrees. Her career in service began in 1987 as a daycare teacher, before she became a local health worker in 2000—a role she has held for 25 years.
“I want children to grow up healthy and have a future.”
— Mariam
In photo: Mariam prepares the oximeter to be used on one of the patients in the temporary health facility. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
Her devotion is rooted in personal loss. Years ago, her first child died from diphtheria despite being vaccinated. “Maybe I don’t want anyone here to experience what I did,” she says. “I want children to grow up healthy and have a future.”
After separating from her husband, she returned to Bagoenged to serve her own people. “I knew I wanted to be useful—to serve my own people, my own community. Because who will be more ready to serve your own people if it’s not you?”
In the early years of her career, she worked only as a volunteer. She would tend to her crops at dawn before fetching children for daycare or visiting households to promote health and sanitation without pay.
In photo: ACCESS team and a few residents of Barangay Bagoenged visit the old barangay health center. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)
Since Bagoenged lies in a low-lying area near major tributaries of the Mindanao River Basin, it becomes extremely vulnerable to frequent and intense flooding. Mariam shares that over the past decades, a cut-off channel diverted floodwater into the area, almost wiping the barangay off the map. With rainfall intensifying due to climate change, nowadays, floods go as high as an average person’s height, submerging homes, farmland, and health facilities.
This tested Babu Mariam and her fellow health workers’ resolve. When the barangay’s original health center became unusable due to mud and water damage, Babu Mariam and her colleagues carried medical equipment from one house to another, setting up makeshift clinics in dry spots. For years, the community’s health station lay in disrepair, forcing residents to rely on the roving health workers.
This began to change when, in 2023, Action Against Hunger introduced the ACCESS project to the community. With support from the EU Humanitarian Aid, ACCESS helps communities, local governments, and civil society groups prepare for and respond quickly to disasters. The project’s goal is to ensure that communities like Bagoenged can access vital services like health care, clean water, sanitation and hygiene, education during emergencies, mental health & psychosocial support, and protection among others.
“Who will be more ready to serve your own people if it’s not you?”
In communities like Bagoenged, this has meant rehabilitating damaged health facilities, providing essential equipment, and empowering residents through hands-on preparedness activities — ensuring they are not only recipients of aid but active partners in building resilience. Through the ACCESS project, a building was rehabilitated into a temporary health facility, furnished with a birthing bed, chairs, tables, a wheelchair, and life-saving kits. “Eighty percent of the barangay comes here now,” Babu Mariam says. “You can see now, people want to visit us often. A lot go here for check-ups, prenatal, and immunization. If we don’t know how to handle it, we refer them to hospitals. It seems every day is my busiest day.”
In photo: Mariam updates a health chart of one of their patients. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
Beyond providing health services, she teaches households how to purify water with charcoal, stones, and boiling—to prevent waterborne diseases. Moreover, she has tirelessly advocated for improved sanitation. “I lobbied to install toilets in the barangay, but they were lost in the floods.”
In July 2024, the worst flood hit. “In the worst flood, the water was higher than a person. I was on top of my house rescuing children and bringing them to safety. The first round of the flood took five days to subside.” Babu Mariam did not let this deter her. Rather, this urged her to give more input on the community’s disaster preparedness plans, building focus on addressing the health needs of the community in times of emergencies.
In photo: Mariam shows photos of the July 2024 flood to Action Against Hunger team member. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)
“A lot go here for check-ups, prenatal, and immunization. If we don’t know how to handle it, we refer them to hospitals. It seems every day is my busiest day.”
Babu Mariam shares how the knowledge she gained from participating in the training sessions helped her skills in disaster preparedness. Action Against Hunger launched a series of learning sessions as part of the ACCESS project to enhance local disaster response capacities. These efforts focused on equipping residents with essential emergency response and risk management skills. Babu Mariam participated in training sessions, covering the barangay disaster risk reduction and management plan, life-saving techniques, anticipatory and quick response, contingency planning, and early warning systems. “No other [organization] have done what you have done. And my training sessions are priceless. I might have spent thousands of pesos in school to learn all this, but ACCESS gave me this training. I learned so much—it’s priceless.”
In photo: On the left, Mariam and her fellow health worker talk about their patient’s check-up; on the right, Abdullah and his son wait for the health consultation to begin. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
When asked what she considers most important from all her years of working, she answers without hesitation: “Climate change. It’s real. We can’t stop it now—but we can adapt and learn to live with it. That’s what I teach now.”
Through the ACCESS project, she has found new tools to match her lifelong commitment, ensuring that the people of Bagoenged are not just surviving floods and hardship, but actively shaping a safer, healthier future—one that she hopes will outlast her years of service.
In photo: Mariam, whose hands have provided guidance and care to hundreds of families for decades. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
“Climate change. It’s real. We can’t stop it now—but we can adapt and learn to live with it. That’s what I teach now.”
For Babu Mariam, the true measure of success is not only in the number of patients she has treated, but in the strength and readiness of the community she has served for nearly four decades. From cradling toddlers in her daycare to guiding young leaders, her journey reflects the heart of Bagoenged’s strength wherein generations learn from one another, standing together when the waters rise, and passing on the skills to face whatever comes next. In Babu Mariam, we are reminded that Bagoenged, shaped by history, carries forward the lessons of its past to prepare for the future.
PEM: LEADING WITH COURAGE
When Pembraida “Pem” Andoy-Santiago, 29, walks through Bagoenged, it is clear she knows almost everyone. Children wave, elders nod, and neighbors call her by name. She greets them in turn, asking about their families, checking on sick relatives, and sharing quick laughs.
In photo: Pem smiles, behind her are abundant water crops that sprung as a result of the area regularly being submerged to floodwaters. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
Whenever Bagoenged gets visitors, Pem would usually become their guide. She would lead them down the narrow wooden walkways between houses on stilts, pausing to point out the river—its slow, silty current the lifeblood of the community. “Most people here fish,” she explained, “but when the floods come, the fisherfolk still struggle.”
She passes by the old barangay hall and health center, now covered in thick mud, mold, and weeds. “Because these were constantly submerged, we grew tired of evacuating and moving the equipment over and over,” she recalled. “So, our leaders decided to rebuild elsewhere.” For years, there was no permanent health center—only roving workers who set up mobile clinics each day. “It wasn’t until ACCESS rehabilitated one of our buildings into a temporary health facility that our health workers finally had a place to stay and serve people properly. There are still plans to build a new permanent health center, but until funds come in, this one will do.”
In photo: Thick mud and overgown weeds cover the old barangay health center in Bagoenged. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
Reaching Bagoenged is never simple. During the rainy season, the road becomes a muddy track; in summer, it cracks and hardens under the heat. “The services provided by the municipality or province don’t always reach us,” she explained. Most offices and facilities are based in Poblacion, the town center, making it difficult for residents here to access them. “For us, it’s not just about whether services exist,” Pem told us, “but whether we can physically get to them in time.”
Pem knows the ins and outs of her community, as well as the struggles its people face. She knows how difficult it is for residents to access services, and that is precisely why she chose to take part in improving their systems and plans. This commitment led her to become part of the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, where she eventually joined the training sessions organized by Action Against Hunger through the EU Humanitarian Aid-funded ACCESS project.
In photo: Pem (wearing a hat and a brown jacket) accompanies the ACCESS team around the community of Bagoenged. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
“I want to save myself, my loved ones, and my community when disaster comes. Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility.”
— Pem
At the early stages of the project’s implementation, she stressed the challenges of responding to emergencies with limited resources. “We lack the funds to purchase early warning devices. Not every area in the barangay has [telecommunication] signal, which makes information dissemination so hard for us. For the meantime, we are using two-way radios, but we don’t have enough.” Despite this, she remained determined: “I want to enhance the community’s resilience and improve our disaster preparedness. Those are the goals I really want to achieve as part of the disaster risk reduction management council.”
Through ACCESS, Pem helped her community develop crucial plans—the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, anticipatory action plans for both flooding and armed conflict, and contingency measures that laid the foundation for early warning systems. For Pem, preparedness is not just technical—it is personal. “I want to save myself, my loved ones, and my community when disaster comes. Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility.”
In photo: Pem and Mariam make their way to the barangay’s covered court, as they prepare the health workers’ lunch for the day. Behind the is the temporary health facility rehabilitated through the ACCESS project. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
For many in Bagoenged, Pem is more than just a volunteer—she is a symbol of what young women can achieve in a community where leadership is often reserved for men. Bagoenged is a close-knit, Maguindanaon-speaking, predominantly Muslim community. Pem shares that for a young woman here, leadership is not easily earned. “[Our culture] is very patriarchal,” she says. “Often, men are given more value in governance… But I never believed I should stay quiet. Whatever men can do, I can do too—and sometimes even better.” But she admits it is not always easy, and that her education—a degree in Political Science and postgraduate law studies—helped strengthen her confidence and her voice in decision-making spaces.
Pem’s deep knowledge of Bagoenged also comes from a lifetime in public life. Her father was a community leader, and at 16 she became the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson. She later served as desk officer for cases of violence against women and children. Despite being urged to pursue a political career, Pem shares she’s perfectly able to help her community and happy to do so without an official title. “I’m happy working in the [background],” she says. “It’s not required that I sit as chairperson or councilor just to be able to participate. I can still contribute in any way I can within the community.”
In photo: Pem and a fellow member of the barangay’s disaster risk reduction & management council (BDRRMC) having a discussion with ACCESS team member. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
“You have to trust yourself. People won’t have confidence in you if you don’t believe in yourself first.
Your only competition should be who you were yesterday. Be better today, and even more so tomorrow.”
Pem’s journey shows how leadership can take many forms—sometimes in the council room drafting disaster plans, sometimes walking visitors through the narrow paths of Bagoenged, or sometimes simply encouraging a young girl to believe in herself. In Pem, Bagoenged has not only gained a dedicated advocate for preparedness but also a voice that challenges barriers and inspires others, proving that true community strength grows when women are given space to lead.
“You have to trust yourself. People won’t have confidence in you if you don’t believe in yourself first. Your only competition should be who you were yesterday. Be better today, and even more so tomorrow,” she says as a message to young girls in her community.
Her persistence, confidence, and service have carved out a space for women’s voices in disaster preparedness and local governance. In choosing to lead not from a position of power but from a place of commitment, Pem has become a role model for young girls who see in her proof that leadership is not defined by gender, but by courage, responsibility, and a genuine desire to serve. Pem’s story mirrors Bagoenged itself: a community shaped by self-reliance, drawing on its own determination to meet challenges head-on.
Abdullah: A Fisherfolk Living Between Catch and Current
For Abdullah Dawadi, 49, fishing is both a livelihood and a lifeline. On a good day, he earns 500 pesos (less than 8 euros); on most days, closer to 150 pesos (around 2 euros). His small, weather-beaten boat and worn fishing gear limit his catch, even when floodwaters bring fish nearer. Yet like many in Bagoenged, Abdullah endures—adapting to the ebb and flow of a life shaped by the river.
In photo: Abdullah paddles his small boat along the river in Barangay Bagoenged, where fishing remains both a livelihood and a lifeline for many families. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
Bagoenged itself reflects the complex realities of life on the floodplain. At noon, children rush out of school, racing toward the nearest sari-sari or local sundry store, their laughter echoing past the stilted houses perched high above muddy ground. In the afternoons, men haul logs from the nearby marshlands, paddling through shallow canals in small wooden boats—the same boats they rely on for fishing. This way of life may look simple, but beneath the surface lies a complex reality.
In photo: Families leave their footwear on the road, right before the tree trunks that they would turn into bridges for their elevated homes. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
The community’s six sitios face overlapping hazards: seasonal floods that submerge homes and farms, prolonged droughts that parch crops, earthquake risks that threaten fragile structures, and local conflicts that occasionally displace families. Access to services and livelihoods is limited, especially when floods isolate the community from the main town center. “Here we have limited access to other livelihood options,” Abdullah says. “Sometimes our children go to school without eating. If they study outside the area, we can’t afford to support them. We don’t have a motorcycle. The broken bridge is also a big challenge, limiting the transport of goods.”
In photo: Three of Abdullah’s children spending time together inside their elevated home. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
But even in the face of inevitability, Abdullah believes preparation makes a difference. Through the ACCESS project, he joined community disaster preparedness drills. “I learned the importance of understanding early warnings to be able to do early evacuation,”he shares. “Now, we move our things to higher ground even before the floods come.” He hopes there won’t be another deep flood to test them, however, Abdullah says he feels more confident knowing what to do when disaster strikes.
“I learned the importance of understanding early warnings to be able to do early evacuation.”
— Abdullah
In photo: A sign showing the way to the evacuation center, which was installed in the community after the ACCESS community drill back in February 2025. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
Preparedness is only one part of survival. Health care is another. Abdullah and his wife regularly bring their children to the newly rehabilitated health facility in the community—a service that was unavailable just a few years ago, and a practice that families like theirs were not usually accustomed to.
In photo: Abdullah takes his youngest son to the temporary health facility for a regular check-up. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
“Before, health workers walked around without a schedule, and we had to go to the rural health unit, which is far,” his wife explains. “Now, basic health care is more accessible. Our children got vaccinated, and we visit whenever medicine is available.”
Abdullah navigates the river in Bagoenged, where fishing provides a livelihood but frequent floods continue to disrupt daily life. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
In moments like these, the threads of community, preparedness, and health are woven together. What ACCESS provided was not just a structure or a drill, but a framework that the people themselves, like Abdullah, put into action.
Abdullah’s narrative reflects what many in Bagoenged live every day—not resilience for its own sake, but the continuous work of adapting, learning, and strengthening systems so the community can face the next flood with greater security. As a fisherfolk, father, and resident of Bagoenged, he has seen firsthand how floods disrupt livelihoods, displace families, and endanger lives. Yet he has also seen how training, cooperation, and accessible services can turn vulnerability into preparedness. The ACCESS project brought vital support, but it is the community’s own resolve—families like Abdullah’s—that ensures these lessons endure. Abdullah’s story is a reminder that Bagoenged, shaped by water, continues to find ways to live with it, adapt to it, and prepare for what it may bring.
Full Circle: A Community Leading Its Future
Shaped by history, self-reliance, and water, Bagoenged has carried the weight of struggle. Now, these same forces have become the foundation of its resilience—one built not on endurance alone, but on agency, preparedness, and the shared strength of its people.
In Bagoenged, resilience is not just built by projects—it’s carried in the hands of its people; tied to collective action and not just enduring suffering. Mariam ensures health care is within reach. Pem ensures every voice is heard, including women, youth, and people with disabilities. Abdullah puts preparedness into practice at home.
The ACCESS project, funded by EU Humanitarian Aid and implemented by a consortium of partners, including Action Against Hunger, gave them tools, training, and facilities. But the determination to act comes from the community itself.
In photo: Balikjakab trees line the edge of Bagoenged, their roots gripping the flood-prone soil. (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)
As the rainy season approaches once more, Bagoenged knows the floods will return. And when they do, its people will be ready—not only because of what they have endured, but because they have learned, together, to carry forward the lessons of their history, their self-reliance, and their life by the water.
Running from 2023, ACCESS addresses the complex and overlapping risks faced by communities in Mindanao and other parts of the Philippines, including recurrent armed conflict, natural hazards such as floods and droughts, and the growing impacts of climate change.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/when-the-waters-rise-01.png505831Adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAdmin2025-08-28 14:47:522025-08-31 06:43:28WHEN THE WATERS RISE: STORIES OF STRENGTH FROM BAGOENGED
Within just one week, three consecutive tropical cyclones—Crising, Dante, and Typhoon Emong (internationally named Wipha, Francisco, and Co-may, respectively)—struck the Philippines, affecting 34 provinces across Luzon, Visayas, and some parts of Mindanao. These storms, intensified by the Southwest Monsoon, unleashed widespread flooding, landslides, and destruction, underscoring the growing toll of climate change on the country’s most vulnerable communities.
The compounding impacts have affected an estimated 7.5 million people or over 2 million families according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development[1], with more than 203,000 individuals displaced and nearly 30,000 homes damaged. Typhoon Emong, the strongest among the three, made two landfalls in Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur, submerging towns, destroying farmlands, and cutting off access to basic services.
Since July 22, Action Against Hunger has been actively responding to the crisis through coordinated humanitarian operations and joint rapid needs assessments. Our Mission Emergency Response Team (MERT) in the Philippines was immediately deployed to affected areas in Metro Manila, as well as devastated municipalities in the provinces of Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, and Pangasinan.
In photo: Action Against Hunger MERT visits one of the affected indigenous peoples’ communities in Payangan, Dinalupihan, Bataan. (Photo by Lorena Sanz for Action Against Hunger)
“We didn’t expect the water to rise and reach our house because we live in what’s considered a high area. We let our guard down, so we didn’t move our things to higher ground. But the flood reached us anyway,” said Janice (not her real name), a 44-year-old mother from one of the river-adjacent barangays in the Municipality of Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Province of Rizal. “I had to carry my 5-year-old child as we made our way to the evacuation center. The water was chest-deep.”
In photo: Barangay Manggahan in Rodiguez, Rizal is covered in thick mud in the aftermath of the flooding that occurred due to the heavy rains caused by the multiple storms and southwest monsoon.(Photo by Tom Lamache for Action Against Hunger)
According to Janice, flooding has become a regular part of their lives. Just last year, during Super Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi), the floodwaters rose all the way to their ceiling. “I just want to experience a life where we don’t always have to evacuate whenever it rains,” she added.
With the support of European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), Action Against Hunger activated its Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) under the ACCESS Project. Through this, we were able to distribute emergency water and hygiene kits to 150 displaced families in Rizal, 67 in Hagonoy, Bulacan, and 25 in Dinalupihan, Bataan by July 30. These distributions were complemented by awareness sessions on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), disease prevention, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), child safeguarding, and camp coordination and management. Simultaneously, with support from AECID, hygiene kits were distributed to more than 80 families in the province of Rizal. These efforts form part of a broader emergency response in Rizal Province, where Action Against Hunger is set to reach at least 700 families with Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) and additional WASH support.
In photo: Janice unpacks the contents of the WASH kit she received from Action Against Hunger’s AECID-funded emergency response. (Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger)
Despite these coordinated efforts, assessments highlight deepening vulnerabilities. Many families have lost access to food and income, creating urgent needs for extended food assistance and livelihood recovery. Contaminated water sources, flooded latrines, and the lack of hygiene supplies continue to increase public health risks. Mental health and psychosocial support services remain limited, with few safe spaces and unclear referral pathways for those in distress. Overcrowded shelters have raised protection concerns, including heightened GBV risks, while damaged homes and disrupted schools add further pressure on already vulnerable families.
In the coming weeks, Action Against Hunger will continue conducting rapid needs assessments in underserved areas, especially those not yet reached by other responders. These efforts will inform expanded interventions, including the distribution of hygiene and water kits, hygiene promotion sessions, minor WASH infrastructure repairs in evacuation centers, and sensitization activities on camp coordination and inclusive protection practices. We are committed to ensuring that our humanitarian response is inclusive, gender-sensitive, and responsive to the specific needs of indigenous peoples, women, and persons with disabilities.
In photo: Members of the Ayta Ambala community in Barangay Payangan, Dinalupihan receive WASH kits funded by the EU Humanitarian Aid through ACCESS. (Photo by Beverly Dycoco for Action Against Hunger)
To support long-term recovery, we will scale up emergency food security and livelihood programs, particularly in areas where flooding has disrupted markets and agriculture. We also aim to expand support for WASH facility repairs, mental health and psychosocial services, and GBV mitigation. Recognizing the environmental dimension of the crisis, Action Against Hunger is also working with local partners to integrate waste management and sanitation into a broader WASH strategy, especially in urban flood-prone areas.
Amid increasingly frequent and intense climate-related emergencies, Action Against Hunger remains committed to delivering life-saving, inclusive, and environmentally responsible humanitarian assistance. By working hand-in-hand with local governments, national agencies, humanitarian partners, and affected communities, we strive to bridge critical response gaps and ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind in the face of growing climate risks.
Check out our latest situation report for more information about our emergency response.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/PH_2025-0726_BEnriquez_MERT-Assessment-in-Hermosa-Bataan-16.jpg7201280adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngadmin2025-07-31 15:06:062025-07-31 15:30:37ACTION AGAINST HUNGER DELIVERS LIFESAVING AID AFTER TRIPLE STORM EMERGENCY IN THE PHILIPPINES
With the support of the European Union in the Philippines, we are advancing solidarity and volunteerism to help build resilient, inclusive communities and protect our environment for future generations. Earlier this week, our EU Aid Volunteers had the unique opportunity to meet H.E. Ambassador Massimo Santoro of the European Union to the Philippines.
Together with Action Against Hunger Philippine’s Country Director, Suresh Murugesu, they shared their firsthand experiences from the field, working alongside communities affected by crises and learning from the realities of disaster risk and response.
Through their work, these volunteers help make the European Union’s support tangible on the ground and bridging solidarity with action and contributing to lasting, positive humanitarian impact.
📷 Photo courtesy of the European Union in the Philippines
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Image-1.jpeg7501000Adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAdmin2025-07-24 06:21:552025-07-24 06:21:55Bridging solidarity with action: EU Aid Volunteers meet Ambassador Santoro to share humanitarian experiences
Action Against Hunger Philippines, in partnership with UNICEF and with funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, continues to work closely with local governments to implement the “Typhoon Odette Recovery and Rehabilitation Towards Climate-Resilient Programme”, in Siargao Island. At the heart of this initiative is a shared commitment to improve WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services and governance, while also promoting climate adaptation strategies. This June, during the 2025 national campaign “Brigada Eskwela”, we joined hands with local government units (LGUs), schools, and communities to raise awareness and inspire action—especially among children and youth.
In the Philippines, Brigada Eskwela, also known as the National Schools Maintenance Week, is an annual program led by the Department of Education that mobilizes community stakeholders and volunteers to prepare public schools for the start of the next academic year. This year, Brigada Eskwela placed a special emphasis on the Filipino spirit of bayanihan (community spirit / cooperation) , a spirit that aligns closely with our vision.
In fact, at Action Against Hunger, we believe that building a world free from hunger begins with empowering communities, especially the youngest among them. Children are not only among the most vulnerable, but they are also the future advocates, leaders, and changemakers of their communities. That’s why our work doesn’t stop at delivering aid: we also focus on education, prevention, and building lasting partnerships.
And, in Siargao, where we implement two ongoing projects, our efforts highlight the power of cooperation and collaboration. When local governments, schools, and humanitarian actors work together, we can create spaces where children are not only protected but also empowered.
In this way and in the spirit of Bayanihan, we joined hands with local government units (LGUs), schools, and communities by participating at Brigada Eskwela 2025 through several awareness-raising activities focused on engaging children and youth, teachers and health workers. At the heart of our engagement remains the shared goal to strengthen WASH services, while promoting climate-resilient practices.
CHILDREN’S MURAL PAINTING
From June 6 to 17, 2025, as part of the Araw ng Burgos commemoration, we co-organized a Children’s Mural Painting activity along the Burgos seawall. In collaboration with the LGU, and community members, over 170 children expressed their hopes and commitments through colorful, climate-conscious murals focused on water conservation. Many tourists, local artists, and other representatives from tourism-related establishments also participated.
This vibrant activity not only beautified a public space but also became a platform for children and youth-led climate action.
STRENGTHENING YOUTH PARTICIPATION THROUGH WASH
Alongside the mural, on June 17, a WASH-focused exhibit booth was installed. This promotion session directly engaged 33 children who learned about safe hygiene practices and water-saving behaviors.
In picture : Photo by Victoria Valderama and Roland Pereyra for Action Against Hunger.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the start of classes, we supported the Brigada Eskwela 2025 campaign. Working closely with the Siargao Schools Division of the Department of Education, twelve partner schools from the municipalities of Burgos, Del Carmen, Pilar, San Benito and Santa Monica participated in our WASH initiatives.
Awareness-raising activities on hygiene, handwashing, and the distribution of cleaning kits in these twelve schools were conducted by Action Against Hunger team, to ensure that every child learns in a clean, safe, and healthy environment.
The main goal of this activity was to raise awareness among teachers and parents about improving WASH in Schools (WinS), to address waterborne related diseases, thereby ensuring a healthy environment for children since it directly affects children’s learning performance.
This initiative aligns with our commitment to help schools improve their WINS star ratings, a Department of Education benchmark that promotes better water and sanitation facilities, regular hygiene practices, and health education.
STRONG LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS
The impact of these activities and the work of our teams on the ground, was recognized during the State of the Municipality Address, where the Mayor of Burgos cited Action Against Hunger’s contributions to local WASH and Circular Economy.
But its important to remember that our work is possible thanks to the commitment of local leaders — barangay officials, school heads, health workers — who understand that building resilience begins with investing in children. They help open doors, engage communities, and foster a shared sense of responsibility.
By working together, and by integrating WASH education into cultural events and national school campaigns, like Brigada Eskwela, we strengthen the local systems that protect children and promote healthier futures.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Childrens-Mural-Painting_June7-16-12-scaled.jpg19202560Alexane Simonhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAlexane Simon2025-06-30 06:44:442025-06-30 07:12:53A SPIRIT OF BAYANIHAN IN ACTION : WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFER SCHOOLS AND EMPOWERED CHILDREN
On March 27, Action Against Hunger Philippines, in partnership with UNICEF, organized a meeting with youth leaders from the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Local Youth Development Office (LYDO) to strengthen Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) strategies for climate action.
Seven youth leaders from the municipalities of Burgos, Del Carmen, Santa Monica, and San Isidro sat down with Action Against Hunger last March 27 to share their ideas, voice the challenges in their communities, and help shape practical solutions for climate action and clean water access. This meaningful discussion marked the start of a series of activities aimed at empowering young leaders in Siargao to take the lead in creating safer, more climate-resilient communities.
This collaboration is one of the initiatives to strengthen climate-resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in disaster-affected areas, which is part of the Typhoon Odette Recovery and Rehabilitation Towards Climate-Resilient Programme, a partnership between Action Against Hunger Philippines and UNICEF, funded by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The program is focused on improving local government WASH services, governance mechanisms, and climate adaptation strategies.
For one year, the program will focus on improving local government WASH services, strengthening governance systems, and supporting climate adaptation strategies across the municipalities of Burgos, San Benito, Del Carmen, Pilar, and Santa Monica in Siargao — emphasizing both technical upgrades and community empowerment.
YOUTH LEADERS AT THE CENTER OF CHANGE
Our meeting with the youth leaders marks the beginning of deeper conversations and lasting collaboration with youth representatives in Siargao. Our goal is clear: to ensure young leaders — especially from the Sangguniang Kabataan and the Local Youth Development Office — are not just included but actively engaged in our efforts. As key advocates for their peers, they play a vital role in raising awareness on clean water, sanitation, and climate change. By equipping them with practical tools and knowledge, we’re helping empower the next generation to lead meaningful, sustainable change in their communities.
Through this collaboration, we also aim to support youth leaders by helping them develop the skills and knowledge they need to guide positive and lasting changes in their communities, especially as part of local decision-making and leadership. Their unique perspective and strong connection to their communities make them essential in promoting lasting behavior change and ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and reflected in local development efforts.
In photo: Louie Ville Oro, the Municipal Agriculturist in Santa Monica and LYDO Designate of Santa Monica in-charge to perform and supervise all youth programs.
“Young people are crucial in influencing local government policies and implementing sustainable solutions for climate resilience and WASH improvements,” said Louie Ville Oro, the Municipal Agriculturist of Santa Monica and LYDO representative. “I’m positive that through this session, we can harmonize our outcomes at the LYDO level and integrate them into the Local Youth Development Plan. That way, whenever there are financial opportunities or budget alignments, the municipality can support.”
The initial meeting served as a vital space to align youth leaders on shared strategies and directions for climate action, while also laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration. Importantly, this is only the beginning. This is the first session of planned engagements with this youth leader. Future sessions will support them in developing clear and actionable social and behavior change strategies tailored to the context of their community, ensuring their ideas and initiatives are translated into concrete actions and integrated into local development planning.
During the discussion, Louie emphasized how young leaders can lead locally grounded solutions, even with minimal resources. “The facilitator gave us a toolkit from UNICEF — that is the one I was looking for, and I’m excited to go deeper. Because that toolkit will be the guide for the SK to roll it out at the barangay level: to identify the problem, to analyze a possible solution that can be feasible at the SK level considering the minimal budget.”
Through dynamic focus group discussions, participants carried out a rapid behavior assessment, providing valuable insights into the challenges their communities face around WASH and climate resilience. Working together in a spirit of openness and mutual learning, the youth leaders thoughtfully analyzed key local issues. This process helped them identify specific behavioral changes needed in their communities and propose concrete solutions to address them.
This initiative underlines the crucial role youth play in shaping their future, especially in the face of a climate crisis that disproportionately affects the Philippines. Between 2016 and 2021, nearly nine million Filipino youth were impacted by climate change-related disasters, according to UNICEF.
And it’s more than true in Siargao where the environmental pressure is growing. Not just from natural factors but also from tourism, waste management challenges, and fragile ecosystems.
The island also experiences limited freshwater supply, with local springs drying up during summer and groundwater sources experiencing saltwater intrusion. These issues disproportionately affect disadvantaged and remote communities, leaving them without potable water for drinking and domestic use.
“I’m expecting that we will go deeper as we move forward…It’s an eye opener because it’s a new challenge but we’re going to be involved more, especially since we live in an island community and taking climate action is very important,” said Louie.
These young leaders in Siargao are determined now more than ever to dedicate time and energy in helping shape how their communities approach water, sanitation, and hygiene — especially in the face of disasters and a changing climate. Their fresh perspectives and creative ideas open up new ways of tackling long-standing challenges, often bringing to light practical solutions that may not have been considered before.
Additionally, youth leaders are digitally savvy and can leverage technology for awareness campaigns, data collection, and communication about WASH, DRR, and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA). Their ability to harness technology and digital communication tools allows them to run effective awareness campaigns, collect data, and engage peers in positive WASH behaviors and DRR practices.
“I think that [a strong familiarity with technology and digital tools] is one of the best assets of today’s youth. Considering the technology available, it is possible that the SK can elevate strategies and drive changes,” said Louie. However, he also points out that not all communities can rely on digital tools alone, so a combination of traditional and modern channels must be explored and there’s a growing need for adaptive communication strategies. “Maybe we can utilize another platform of communication. Some barangays in Siargao have public audio systems : they can broadcast. Those are early warning systems or even for barangay assemblies.”
A NEW GENERATION DRIVING LOCAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Action Against Hunger and UNICEF are fostering a new generation of climate advocates who will drive sustainable change in their communities by equipping youth leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need. This initiative affirms the influence and capability of youth-led solutions to tackle the pressing environmental challenges affecting vulnerable populations across the Philippines, especially in Siargao.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/March-27-Youth-engagement_Alexane-Simon-8-scaled.jpg17072560Alexane Simonhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAlexane Simon2025-05-27 03:24:552025-05-27 03:26:23SIARGAO YOUTH TAKING THE LEAD IN CLIMATE ACTION
Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines — When the rain started pouring hard on May 14, 76-year-old Lambaino from Barangay Dabenayan did not think much of it. “We saw the clouds and thought it would rain,” she said. “But we didn’t expect it would be that strong. Before we knew it, the flood was inside our house.”
Since May 14, 2025, more than 230,000 individuals across Maguindanao del Sur have been affected by massive flooding following days of continuous heavy rain, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The floods have submerged over 100 barangays across the province. The municipalities of Ampatuan, Datu Piang, and Mamasapano have officially declared a state of calamity as floodwaters continue to rise and disrupt daily life. Flooding has also reached parts of Maguindanao del Norte.
Based on our initial rapid assessments, only limited aid has reached some communities since the flooding began. As a result, there is a growing need for food, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene kits, medicines, and other essential support. Illnesses such as fever, diarrhea, and skin infections are spreading, and mental health support is becoming increasingly important as families cope with stress and uncertainty.
More than 1,000 families in Mamasapano were initially displaced to evacuation centers, but have recently returned to their homes or are staying with relatives in higher areas. People are relying on small loans and borrowing goods from local stores to get by. Others are waiting for the floodwaters to subside so they can return to farming.
Lambaino’s family is one of the families in Mamasapano facing this difficult situation. While they did not evacuate, she shares that ever since the flooding started, whenever it rains, they would seek shelter far from coconut trees or large branches that may fall on their home which they fear may not withstand the impact.
Her family also depends on farming for their daily survival. But the recent floods have destroyed their crops such as rice, vegetables, and even newly planted fields. “Now we’re borrowing rice from stores along the highway just to eat,” she said.
In photo: Lambaino with the emergency kits her family received from ACCESS. (Photo by Aladin Dadir for Action Against Hunger)
Action Against Hunger is rapidly responding to these needs, delivering emergency aid through the ACCESS project, with funding support from EU Humanitarian Aid. In Mamasapano, we are reaching at least 552 families—including those in Barangay Dabenayan—with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) kits and basic food pack, including 10 kilograms of rice per household as an effort to complement the local government’s ongoing initiatives.
When asked how they plan to move forward, Lambaino reflects, “if we ever rebuild, it needs to be a two-story house. You can’t build too high because of the strong winds, but it’s not safe to stay low either.”
In photo: Families from Barangay Dabenayan, Mamasapano affected by the flood received WASH kits and food aid consisting of basic food supplies and 10 kg of rice as part of ACCESS’ rapid response. (Photo by Aladin Dadir for Action Against Hunger)
Recovery will take time, but through the collective efforts of the ACCESS consortium and with the support of EU Humanitarian Aid, we are working with communities in Mamasapano so that affected families like Lambaino’s receive the urgent assistance they need to cope during these hard times. Action Against Hunger is continuously coordinating with local stakeholders and partners to respond to this emergency and identify remaining gaps in access to clean water, food, and safety.
The ACCESS consortium, funded by the EU Humanitarian Aid, comprises five international and nine national and local organizations, including CARE, Action Against Hunger, Save the Children, Humanity and Inclusion, Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development (ACCORD), Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK), Community Organizers Multiversity (COM), Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress (MOSEP), Integrated Mindanaoans Association for Natives (IMAN), Notre Dame of Jolo College Community Extension Services and Peace Center (NDJC), Nagdilaab Foundation, and Leading Individuals to Flourish and Thrive (LIFT).
Written by: Joyce Anne Sandajan
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PHA1BW_2025-0522_Aladin-Dadir_MDS-Flooding-RRM-in-Mamasapano-08.jpg14031870Alexane Simonhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAlexane Simon2025-05-23 10:23:322025-05-23 10:24:04COMMUNITIES IN MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR GRAPPLE WITH WIDESPREAD FLOODING AND URGENT NEEDS
Siargao, a world-renowned island in the Philippines famous for its heavenly beaches, is more than just a paradise for surfers and travelers. It is home to many communities facing significant environmental and economic challenges. Climate change, unsustainable waste management, and socio-economic vulnerabilities threaten the livelihoods of its residents. Recognizing the urgency of these issues, Action Against Hunger, with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), has launched the Resilient and Sustainable Green Economy Project, also known as the Siargao Green Economy Project.
The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Siargao, located within the Caraga region (Region XIII) of Mindanao, is no exception. The island faces multiple threats due to climate change, including rising sea levels, intensifying tropical storms, and the degradation of its marine ecosystems.
These environmental risks are not only catastrophic for ecosystems but also have a direct impact on the local population, particularly fisherfolks who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods.
In December 2021, Super Typhoon Odette (internationally known as Rai) made landfall in Siargao, bringing catastrophic damage to the island. Nationwide, the typhoon affected almost 8 million people across 11 regions. In Siargao alone, Odette displaced around 14,000 families and generally affected more 130,000 people.
The devastation extended beyond the tourism sector, severely impacting local communities: homes were destroyed, livelihoods — particularly those dependent on agriculture and fishing — were disrupted, and essential services such as education and healthcare were interrupted. The recovery process was arduous; while the initial restoration of power and communications occurred within a month, it took residents a year or more to rebuild their homes and reestablish their livelihoods.
Additionally, the rapid increase in tourism has placed significant stress on Siargao’s limited natural resources and fragile ecosystems. While tourism is an important source of income for the island, it also presents serious environmental challenges. One of the most pressing being the surge in municipal solid waste production.
Without sustainable waste management solutions and green economic alternatives, the long-term health of Siargao’s environment and communities remains at risk.
THE SIARGAO GREEN ECONOMY PROJECT
Since 2020, Action Against Hunger Philippines has been actively working in Siargao, supporting communities affected by Typhoon Odette through emergency response, recovery, and resilience programs. Since the devastating storm, we have helped rebuild livelihoods, improve food security, and strengthen disaster preparedness in the island.
As Siargao continues to face environmental and socio-economic challenges, we are expanding our efforts to promote sustainable development and climate resilience – ensuring that communities are not only recovering but thriving in the long term.
Recognizing these challenges, the Siargao Green Economy Project, implemented by Action Against Hunger with funding from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), aims to improve solid waste management and promote green economic initiatives across the island.
By enhancing community resilience and environmental sustainability in four municipalities : General Luna, San Isidro, Del Carmen, and Burgos. There, we are working to improve waste reduction, promote sustainable economic practices, foster climate resilience, and strengthen disaster risk reduction. Our approach is community-driven and gender-inclusive, ensuring that solutions are both sustainable and equitable.
The success of the Siargao Green Economy Project relies on strong partnerships. We are collaborating closely with local government units (LGUs), private sector stakeholders, and local communities to develop locally driven, long-term solutions. By integrating environmental sustainability into economic development and governance, we aim to create a resilient, self-sustaining green economy in Siargao.
Through this initiative, we are not just addressing immediate concerns — we are investing in a greener, more resilient future for Siargao and its people.
What is ‘Green Economy’?
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a green economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. It is a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive economic model that focuses initiatives such as renewable energy, efficient waste management, circular economy practices, and eco-friendly technologies to improve human well-being without harming the environment.
Building a sustainable future for island communities requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both environmental and socio-economic challenges. The Siargao Green Economy Project focuses on practical, community-driven solutions that not only protect natural resources but also create long-term opportunities for local residents.
From improving waste management to promoting inclusive economic growth, the project is built on four key components that work together in building a resilient, thriving, and sustainable Siargao:
Sustainable Solid Waste Management plan
Proper waste management is essential for both environmental conservation and disaster resilience. The Siargao Green Economy Project actively supports communities by improving waste reduction, recycling, and safe disposal methods through the establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs). These initiatives not only curb pollution but also raise public awareness, encouraging long-term behavioral shifts toward responsible waste management.
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA)
To further strengthen these initiatives, our project integrates waste management strategies into disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs. Indeed, it remains crucial to develop contingency plans for waste management during natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. The objective? To enable communities to significantly reduce the effects of disasters, better prevent damage and impacts on the environment.
In parallel, educational programs and awareness campaigns are conducted to encourage responsible waste disposal practices and climate change mitigation.
Trade and rural development
A thriving green economy depends on sustainable livelihoods. The Siargao Green Economy Project promotes circular economy practices by supporting community-led recycling initiatives and repurposing waste materials into livelihood opportunities. Additionally, the project encourages the development of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic-based packaging, providing sustainable income sources for local businesses.
Public awareness platforms also play a key role in promoting green initiatives, ensuring that residents, businesses, and tourists actively participate and commit to a collective action toward a greener economy.
Gender-inclusive climate resilience and governance
A truly sustainable future must be inclusive. The Siargao Green Economy Project ensures that women, persons with disabilities, and older people have meaningful participation in solid waste management, DRR, and climate change adaptation efforts. By fostering inclusive governance, the project not only promotes gender equality but also ensures that all sectors of society not only benefit from but also contribute to shaping a resilient, greener and sustainable community.
At Action Against Hunger, we believe that addressing environmental challenges is key to breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty. Through the Siargao Green Economy Project, we are paving the way for a future where communities are empowered to thrive despite climate and economic challenges.
To know more about the Siargao Green Economy project, click here to consult the
This publication was produced with the support of the Spanish Cooperation through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). The content is the sole responsibility of Action Against Hunger and does not necessarily reflect the views of AECID.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Picture-1-Picture.jpg503671Alexane Simonhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAlexane Simon2025-05-16 06:55:062025-05-16 06:59:21SIARGAO GREEN ECONOMY PROJECT: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
As climate change intensifies the frequency of environmental calamities and human-driven conflicts force entire populations to be displaced, vulnerable communities in the Philippines regularly face humanitarian crises. Despite good intentions, emergency interventions by different actors have sometimes unintentionally worsened ecological damage, posing long-term challenges for recovery and resilience. The Environmental Actions for Resilience and Transformative Humanitarian Interventions (EARTH) project seeks to reverse this impact by combining nature-based solutions with community-led actions to restore the environmental ecosystems damaged in the cities of Zamboanga and Malabon. This replicable model aims to pave the way for more ecologically sustainable practices in humanitarian responses.
In the Philippines, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events have exposed vulnerable communities to a heightened risk of displacement, leading to environmental degradation and ecosystem damage. These events have left lasting scars on the well-being and livelihoods of some communities.
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONS
In addressing these crises, sometimes, well-meaning humanitarian interventions have paradoxically contributed to environmental degradation. Relief efforts following disasters have sometimes led to an influx of non-biodegradable materials. Without a comprehensive waste management strategy, these materials accumulate in vulnerable ecosystems, straining natural resources and compromising long-term recovery efforts. Additionally, degraded environments—such as deforested coastal areas and clogged waterways—exacerbate disaster risks, making communities even more vulnerable to future hazards.
Mangrove ecosystems, essential for coastal protection and biodiversity, have particularly suffered due to poor waste management in emergency shelters and resettlement areas. These challenges highlight the urgent need to integrate ecologically sustainable practices into humanitarian responses to ensure they do not inadvertently harm the ecosystems and populations they aim to protect.
Recognizing these challenges, Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines and ACCORD Inc. through the support of the European Union Humanitarian Aid, launched the Environmental Actions for Resilience and Transformative Humanitarian Interventions (EARTH) Project.
This project aims to restore environmental ecosystems damaged in the cities of Zamboanga and Malabon and to promote sustainable livelihoods to strengthen community resilience, reducing both environmental degradation and the risks associated with climate-induced disasters.
CLOSER LOOK: THE CASES OF ZAMBOANGA AND MALABON
The cities of Zamboanga and Malabon exemplify the link between humanitarian crises and their environmental repercussions. In these locations, vital coastal mangroves, crucial for storm protection and biodiversity, have been destroyed by urbanization and human activities. Rivers and waterways have turned into dumping grounds for waste, increasing the risk of flooding and waterborne diseases.
ZAMBOANGA CITY: ENVIRONMENTAL AFTERSHOCKS OF CONFLICT
In photo : Assessment in Zamboanga where mangrove ecosystems are degraded and heavily polluted. (Photo by Juan Blenn Huelgas for Action Against Hunger)
In Zamboanga City, the aftermath of the 2013 siege highlighted how poor waste management planning during large-scale humanitarian interventions can exacerbate environmental damage. In fact, the displacement of thousands led to deforestation of mangrove ecosystems near shelters and an accumulation of single-use plastics from relief materials.
“The relocation site is now livable, but challenges are still here,” – Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, Head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
This not only harmed the environment but also increased community vulnerability to future disasters. Degraded mangrove ecosystems in these areas make them more susceptible to severe impacts from hazards such as floods and typhoons.
The decline of mangrove vegetation, coupled with inadequate sanitation and water shortages, left resettled families struggling to rebuild their lives sustainably.
MALABON CITY: AN URBAN LANDSCAPE PRONE TO FLOODING
In photo: Assessment in Malabon City – Tullahan River separating residential houses and factory – (Photo courtesy of ACCORD)
Meanwhile, Malabon City, a densely populated area, faces a different but equally crucial set of challenges. The Tullahan and Batasan rivers, vital waterways for the community, have become heavily polluted due to unregulated waste disposal.
Waste bins installed along the rivers collect up to 16 cubic meters of garbage daily, underscoring the impact of human activity. However, during the monsoon season, these bins are regularly removed to prevent obstruction of water flow, causing a massive overflow of waste into mangrove ecosystems and Manila Bay, contributing to the coastal pollution.
Despite efforts to mitigate these issues, the absence of coordinated waste management plans in barangays has not only compounded environmental challenges but also increased potential public health risks, such as waterborne diseases.
INTRODUCING THE EARTH PROJECT
Launched on December 2024, the Environmental Actions for Resilience and Transformative Humanitarian Interventions (EARTH) Project represents a transformative approach to addressing the crosscutting challenges of humanitarian crises and environmental degradation. Rooted in the vision of community resilience, the project employs a people-centered, multisectoral, nature-based solutions (NBS) model to drive meaningful change, piloted in the cities of Zamboanga and Malabon.
The EARTH Project merges advocacy with practical interventions in areas such as mangrove reforestation, solid waste management, water conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. By restoring critical ecosystems, the project aims at the end, to mitigate environmental risks while empowering local communities.
“We want to engage local organizations and universities to see what models we can replicate and improve the living conditions of the people,” – Suresanathan Murugesu, Country Director of Action Against Hunger Philippines.
COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION THROUGH SAVINGS GROUPS
In coordination with the City Agriculture Office, City Environment and Natural Resource Office (CENRO), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), Community Savings Groups (CSG) will be established as a mechanism to manage the activities.
Composed of “waste/eco warriors”, CSGs members will participate in the ecosystem restoration efforts while cultivating economic resilience. Members will be trained in financial literacy, mangrove nursery management, waste segregation, and sustainable livelihoods, equipping them with the skills needed to enact long-term change.
MANGROVE REFORESTATION AND ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION
In coordination with local government units, the project targets six hectares of land for mangrove reforestation—three hectares each in Zamboanga and Malabon.
Mangrove nurseries equipped with rainwater harvesting systems will play a pivotal role in the project’s success. These nurseries will cultivate 15,000 indigenous mangrove propagules, including Bakauan Bangkaw, Bakauan Babae, and Bakauan Lalake varieties.
Harvested rainwater will ensure a steady water supply, even during dry spells, supporting the healthy growth of seedlings before their transplantation into coastal areas. The nurseries will also serve as hubs for community engagement, fostering a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS
To start the planting of mangroves, these currently polluted sites will be prepared and completely cleaned to ensure that the propagules thrive.
In addition to ecosystem restoration, the EARTH Project will promote sustainable waste management practices. In line with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003), waste reduction and environmental sustainability will be emphasized, focusing on the implementation of ecological solid waste management strategies, including Material Recovery Facilities (MRF), to reduce pollution and improve urban living conditions.
Households and local communities will encourage waste recycling and composting, transforming biodegradable waste into valuable fertilizer to create urban gardening initiatives.
Ultimately, the EARTH Project will not only reduce contributions to landfills but also support local food security.
AWARENESS-RAISING AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGE
To ensure the long-term impact of these interventions, the EARTH Project emphasizes awareness-raising and behavioral change. Through multi-stakeholder meetings, community assemblies, and targeted educational campaigns, the project fosters a culture of environmental responsibility. Households will be encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, while advocacy efforts address gaps in waste management coordination and resource allocation.
ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL AND HUMANITARIAN CHALLENGES
The EARTH Project ultimately aspires to pave the way for a future where vulnerable populations can thrive in harmony with their environment by blending ecological restoration with community-driven risk reduction strategies, and advocacy. This initiative underscores the vital role of nature-based solutions in resilience-building. Over time, it will serve as a replicable model to minimize the ecological impact of humanitarian responses while strengthening communities’ ability to recover and prepare for future hazards.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PHA1CG_2023-0809_Juan-Blenn-Huelgas_Assessment-in-Zamboanga-11-1-scaled.jpg12442560Alexane Simonhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAlexane Simon2025-04-22 07:20:362025-05-14 04:19:40COMBATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF HUMANITARIAN CRISES IN THE PHILIPPINES: EARTH PROJECT
SIARGAO ISLAND – Access to clean and safe water is a critical issue in Siargao, where climate change and pollution threaten water security for children and communities. To address this, Action Against Hunger and UNICEF led initiatives, supported by New Zealand Aid, in Burgos, Siargao, in celebration of World Water Day. These activities focused on reducing pollution through a coastal clean-up and educating communities on sustainable water management, aligning with both organizations’ commitment to safeguarding access to clean water and promoting climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.
Water security in Siargao is not only about access but also about protecting the island’s natural water sources from pollution. The increasing accumulation of waste along the coastline directly threatens marine biodiversity and the cleanliness of freshwater supplies.
To address this, on March 24, as part of the World Water Day celebration,a community-led coastal clean-up was conducted, bringing together residents, barangay officials, and government agencies to clear debris from a 5-kilometer stretch of Burgos’ shoreline.
Through this clean-up initiative, part of the “Typhoon Odette Recovery and Rehabilitation Towards Climate-Resilient Programme”, Action Against Hunger highlights the importance of waste management in maintaining water security. Indeed, left unchecked, waste accumulation on beaches and coastal areas degrades water sources, making it even more challenging to provide clean and safe drinking water.
Around 30 people from different barangays of the municipality of Burgos participated in the post-celebration activity for World Water Day. Action Against Hunger, together with the community members and the local government representants, took part in collecting a total of 17 sacks of waste from the shoreline.
Action Against Hunger team, community members, and local representatives joined forces to clean the beach in Barangay Baybay in Burgos, as a post-celebration activity of World Water Day. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger.)
In photo: Plastic waste collected during the beach clean-up session in the Municipality of Burgos, Siargao Island. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger.)
Among the collected waste, a significant portion consisted of plastics. These include plastic bottles washed ashore, broken fishing nets, and microplastics. The presence of microplastics is particularly alarmingas these tiny fragments enter marine ecosystems and ultimately pose serious risks not only to marine species but also to human health through food consumption.
This issue is even more pressing given that Siargao Islands is a Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS), a designated conservation area aimed at preserving its rich biodiversity and natural resources. The accumulation of plastic waste in such a protected zone highlights the urgent need for stronger waste management practices and community engagement to safeguard the island’s ecosystems.
In photo: Wendie Gonia, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Burgos introducing the advocacy of the World Water Day Celebration to the students of Burgos Central Elementary School. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)
In this way, the community of Burgos is already taking proactive steps in this direction. This clean-up session is not the first one they’ve conducted this year.
“A month ago, we already conducted a beach clean-up session and collected 25 sacks of waste. This brings the total to 42 sacks of waste gathered within less than a month,” says Wendie Gonia, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) for Burgos.
By participating in these kinds of activities, residents and local representatives are actively contributing to the coastal and environmental protection including local water sources and further reinforcing the vital link between clean water, proper sanitation, and environmental health. “It is clear that we need to advocate to change practices and behaviors to protect our coasts,” she emphasized.
Effectively controlling pollution is crucial, as poor waste management threatens water quality and endangers ecosystems and human health. Coastal pollution – particularly plastic waste – contaminates marine environments and increases the risk of waterborne diseases, directly affecting communities’ access to safe drinking water.
What happens to the collected waste after the clean-up?
After the clean-up, the collected sacks were subsequently transported to a designated center. In the municipality of Burgos, the waste is carefully sorted for proper disposal, with most recyclable materials transported to the local government’s material recovery facility (MRF) in Barangay Poblacion. Meanwhile, residual waste is taken to the residual containment area in Sitio Patag.
Finally, plastic bottles and metal waste are collected by a local company responsible for processing recyclable materials off the island. These are then repurposed into useful items such as school chairs. Glass waste, on the other hand, will be processed locally, by the LGU within the month using the newly acquired equipment.
By involving community members and with the mobilization of the local government, the initiative fosters environmental responsibility and raises awareness of the vital connection between pollution control, clean water access, and climate resilience.
Specifically, the participation of the Office of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources (MENRO),the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Protected Area Management Office of the Protected Landscape and Seascape (DENR-PAMO–SIPLAS) , is crucial as these key representatives play a vital role in enforcing long-lasting positive change.
It’s important to note that Siargao’s coastal and island communities are among the most at-risk in the Philippines, frequently facing natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, and landslides. The island’s limited infrastructure and geographical isolation pose additional challenges, including restricted access to clean water and sanitation services. Many municipalities, including Burgos, San Benito, Del Carmen, Pilar, and Santa Monica, are classified as 4th to 6th class – these are considered low-income municipalities and are often faced with limited resources to invest in critical lifelines for their constituents.
The devastating impact of Typhoon Odette in December further exacerbated these vulnerabilities, causing widespread damage, reducing household incomes, and increasing health risks—particularly for children, women, and other vulnerable groups. In response, Action Against Hunger has been actively supporting the island’s recovery through resilience-building initiatives to ensure that their communities are better equipped to face future challenges.
SCHOOL INTERVENTION ON WASH PROMOTION
In addition to the clean-up activity, World Water Day was also an opportunity to engage with students and school personnel on the importance of WASH. Action Against Hunger conducted an interactive session in the Burgos Central Elementary School to present key WASH promotion initiatives, focusing on hygiene practices and safe water consumption.This intervention was an opportunity to raise awareness among young people about their role in adopting sustainable hygiene behaviors.
In Picture: Action Against Hunger team introducing sustainable hygiene behaviors to the students of Burgos Central Elementary School – Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger
During this intervention, DENR-PAMOSIPLASalso participated – introducing their action, explaining to the students the biodiversity and the importance for them to preserve the forests of their island. By involving schools in WASH and environmental advocacy, the initiative reinforces the long-term sustainability of sanitation practices ensuring that future generations understand and uphold these essential principles.
OUR ACTIONS
“Typhoon Odette Recovery and Rehabilitation Towards Climate-Resilient Programme,” a partnership between Action Against Hunger Philippines, UNICEFand New Zealand Aid, aimed at strengthening climate-resilient WASH services in disaster-affected areas.
Our action aims to improve local governments’ WASH services and governance mechanisms for disaster recovery, rehabilitation, and climate change adaptation and to improve access to clean water, promote hygiene, and ensure proper sanitation to reduce waterborne illnesses and improve public health.
Through technical training, resource provision, and strategic planning, the project enhances regional and provincial capabilities in WASH and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). By aligning operational management with national and regional action plans, the project ensures long-term sustainability and community resilience in the municipalities of Burgos, San Benito, Del Carmen, Pilar, and Santa Monica, in Siargao Island.
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
By fostering sustainable practices and strengthening local capacities, this initiative contributes to the long-term well-being of Siargao’s communities, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for future generations. The project aligns closely with UNICEF’s advocacy for children’s rights, ensuring that underserved areas receive the necessary support for resilient and inclusive development.
The World Water Day beach clean-up and school intervention serve as crucial reminders that improving water quality and sanitation requires both community participation and systemic change. By addressing pollution, raising awareness, and enhancing WASH services, this initiative ensures that access to clean water is not only about infrastructure but also about advocating to preserve the environment that sustains it.
Written by: Alexane Simon Contributors / Editors: Maricel Vina Menez, Joyce Sandajan
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DSC_0471-scaled.jpg17072560Alexane Simonhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAlexane Simon2025-04-03 07:21:482025-06-30 06:59:30WORLD WATER DAY – ADVOCATING FOR CLEAN WATER FOR CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION IN SIARGAO
