Clean water, caring hands: Two women working for children’s health in Mindanao

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In the quiet mornings of Barangay Adaon in the Municipality of Datu Anggal Midtimbang, life begins before sunrise. For many parents in the community, every day begins with the same hope: that their children will grow up healthy, strong, and able to pursue brighter futures.

For Alima “Lengs” Zacaria, a 36-year-old mother of three, that hope shapes every part of her day.

But in the Rural Health Unit (RHU) located in their community, another woman begins her day with the same purpose. Sujahani “Sujan” Amander, a 41-year-old nurse serving the municipality, spends her days ensuring families like Lengs’ can access the health services they need.

Together—one as a parent, the other as a health worker—they are part of a quiet but powerful effort to protect children’s health in their community.

A family’s daily routine

Image 2. In photo: The Zacaria family from, left to right, outside their home in Barangay Adaon, Datu Anggal Midtimbang: Azmi, Radzia (4), Rajib (3), Alima “Lengs” (36), and Rayhana (9) | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger, 2026

 

At 4:30 in the morning, Lengs’ husband, Azmi, quietly leaves the house to attend the first Salah prayer at the mosque. By the time he returns around five o’clock, he begins preparing breakfast for the family. Azmi wakes Lengs and the children. Soon their small home fills with the sounds of spoons clinking against plates and children preparing for school.

Their days begin early—and rarely slow down.

After breakfast, Azmi heads to the farm to work while Lengs takes her children to their classes. After this, she opens the small printing and lamination shop she runs from their house. Some days, business is slow, and she earns around 300 to 400 pesos.

When schools have many requirements, however, customers come steadily, and she can earn as much as 1,000 pesos. Between assisting customers and managing household tasks, her morning passes quickly. Later in the day, she tutors some neighborhood children, patiently teaching them how to read and write and helping them learn basic subjects like colors and math.

Image 3. In photo: Leng’s workstation at home, which consists of a computer, a printer, and a laminating machine for the printing services she provides. | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger, 2026

By noon, Azmi finishes his farm work and immediately begins another job—driving a payong-payong, a small local transport like a tricycle—looking for passengers around the neighborhood to earn extra income for the family.

From early morning prayers to late afternoon tutoring sessions, the couple spends nearly the entire day working to support their family, balancing farm labor, transport services, a small business, childcare, and education.

Despite the long hours and responsibilities, Lengs says her efforts give her a sense of fulfillment.

“Nararamdaman ko naman yung hirap kasi minsan nakakapagod mag-alaga ng bata tapos nagtuturo pa ako. Pero sa kabila ng lahat ng pagod, nagiging masaya rin ako kasi pag nakikita ko yung pinaghirapan kong kita, nabibili ko yung mga gusto kong bilhin para sa mga anak ko na hindi na rin ako humihingi sa asawa ko (I do feel the exhaustion sometimes because caring for children and teaching can be tiring. But despite the fatigue, I feel happy when I see the income I worked hard for, and I can buy things my children need without asking my husband,” Lengs shared

 

A parent’s sacrifice

Years earlier, Lengs made a difficult decision that many parents in her community understand all too well. When her first child was only nine months old, she left home to work overseas in Saudi Arabia. She spent six years abroad, saving money to support her family and build a more stable future.

Image 4. In photo: Lengs with her children inside their home. | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger, 2026

“Sobrang sakit kasi pag malayo ka sa pamilya mo parang araw-araw gusto mo silang makita kahit picture lang (It is very painful when you are far from your family. Every day you want to see them, even if only through pictures),” Lengs recalls.

Now her focus is raising them, guiding them in their studies, and helping them pursue their dreams.

Lengs hopes: “Ang pangarap ko lang naman sa kanila ay yung makapagtapos silang lahat mag-aral kasi ‘yun lang talaga ‘yung pamana na hindi talaga mananakaw sa kanila. Tapos, sana maging malusog sila, hindi magkakasakit at lumaki silang maging mabuting tao.”

“My dream for them is that they all finish their education, because that is the one inheritance that can never truly be taken away from them. And I hope they grow up healthy, free from illness, and become good people.”

Sujan’s sacrifice takes a similar form.

Image 5. In photo: Sujan stands outside the rural health unit of Datu Anggal Midtimbang. | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger, 2026

As a nurse serving the RHU, her days begin early and often end late. The work requires traveling long distances, responding to community needs, and spending long hours in barangays conducting consultations and health education.

Image 6. In photo: In a classroom, Sujan speaks in front of students as she conducts a health awareness session for World Tuberculosis Day. | Photo courtesy of RHU Datu Anggal Midtimbang / Sujan Amander

Like many parents working in public service, balancing work and family life is not always easy.

Sometimes, the demands of her work mean missing important moments with her children.

“Minsan hindi ko na nasasabayan kumain ang mga anak ko, basta may pagkain na sila sa bahay (Sometimes I cannot even eat breakfast with my children anymore, as long as I know they already have food prepared at home),” she shares. There are also school activities she cannot attend because of scheduled visits to communities.

“May mga events sila sa school na hindi ko naa-attendan kasi may schedule kami sa barangay. Yun ang isa sa mga sakripisyo ng trabaho ko. (There are school events I cannot attend because we have schedules in the barangays. That is one of the sacrifices of this job.”

Image 7. In photo: Sujan at the receiving desk of the rural health unit of Datu Anggal Midtimbang, preparing documents for her work day ahead. | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger, 2026

Yet despite the challenges, Sujan continues her work with dedication—knowing that the care she provides helps protect the health of many families in the community.

 

Seeking care at the Rural Health Unit

Ensuring her children remain healthy is one of Leng’s biggest priorities. With that, the rural health unit has become an important part of her family’s life.

Image 8. In photo: Lengs at the rural health unit of Datu Anggal Midtimbang. | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger, 2026

“Simula po sa panganay ko, lahat sila napacheck-up at napabakunahan ko sa RHU. Kahit noong buntis ako, lagi ako pumupunta doon para sa check-up,” shares Lengs.

“From my first child until now, all of them have been checked and vaccinated at the RHU. Even when I was pregnant, I regularly went there for check-ups.”

The health unit is not close to their barangay. Lengs estimates it is a thirty-minute walk to reach the RHU from her sitio. While she is able to drive a small motorbike to get there, many parents in the community make the journey on foot. Even for her family, the cost of fuel adds another expense they must carefully consider whenever they need to travel for health services.

Still, for Lengs and many other parents in the community, the health center remains the most accessible place to seek care when their children fall ill.

“Kapag nagkakasakit yung mga anak ko, dito agad kami pumupunta. Mabilis ang tulong nila at libre pa yung gamot (When my children get sick, we go there immediately. Their help is fast, and the medicines are free),” she says.

She remembers a moment when one of her children developed severe allergies.

“Nagpantal yung anak ko at namaga yung tenga niya. Agad-agad pumunta ako sa RHU. Sobrang bilis nilang tumulong at may gamot agad para mawala yung allergy (“My child developed rashes and his ears became swollen. I rushed to the RHU. They helped immediately and gave medicine to treat the allergy), Lengs recalls.

 

Health workers are going the extra mile.

While some parents travel distances to seek care, Sujan—being a nurse and nutrition focal person at the RHU—travels every day to make sure those services remain within reach for families who might otherwise struggle to access them.

Sujan lives in the neighboring municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat, which means commuting daily to the RHU. The journey costs her around 300 pesos each day—a significant amount for a public health worker. “Gumigising ako ng 5:30 ng umaga kasi kailangan kong humabol sa van papunta sa trabaho (I wake up at 5:30 in the morning because I need to catch transportation going to work),” she mentions.

Still, she makes the trip without hesitation. The expense and long commute are simply part of her commitment to the communities she serves.

Image 9. In photo: Sujan stands outside the public health nurse room of the RHU of Datu Anggal Midtimbang. | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger, 2026

Earlier in her career, she worked in a hospital, where patients who received a prescription could usually obtain their medicines immediately. But in rural communities like Barangay Adaon, the reality is often different.

“Sa hospital kasi pag nagbigay ka ng reseta alam mong makukuha agad ng pasyente ang gamot. Dito sa community iba. Kahit sabihin mong dalhin na sa hospital, minsan sasabihin nila wala silang pera,” Sujan explains.

“In the hospital, when you give a prescription, you know the patient can get the medicine right away. Here in the community, it’s different. Even if you advise them to go to the hospital, sometimes they say they do not have money.”

 

Image 10. In photo: Sujan measures the blood pressure of a patient in the rural health unit. | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger, 2026

This means that providing care requires more than clinical knowledge. It requires understanding people’s realities and finding ways to support families who face financial and logistical barriers to accessing health services.

Over time, this experience reshaped her perspective on healthcare. “Ngayon mas gusto ko na dito sa community. Dito kasi naiintindihan mo ang buhay ng mga tao. Nakikita mo kung paano ka nakakatulong sa kanila. Parang nagagamit mo talaga ang passion mo bilang nurse.”

“Now I actually prefer working in the community. Here, you understand people’s lives. You see how you can help them. It feels like you truly use your passion as a nurse.”

Image 11. In photo: Sujan (center) talks to one of the parents in the community during one of their daily barangay health visits. | Photo courtesy of RHU Midtimbang / Sujan Amander

Her work has also inspired her own family. One of her children has even shared a dream of becoming a nurse one day after seeing the impact of her work.

 

Clean water, stronger community health

For Sujan and other health workers, treating illness is only one part of their work. Preventing disease is just as important—and that begins with access to clean water and proper hygiene.

In several barangays across Datu Anggal Midtimbang, reliable water supply remains a challenge. Not all households are connected to a formal water system, and many families rely on wells or manual water pumps.

Image 12. In photo: Lengs inside their kitchen shows where they store their household water which they fetch from a deep-well or underground pump. | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger, 2026

“Sa ibang lugar lalo na sa looban, kumukuha sila ng tubig sa balon o manual water pump (In some areas, especially in interior communities, people collect water from wells or manual pumps),” Sujan explains.

While these sources provide water for daily use, they also raise concerns about water safety.

“Yun ang kinakatakutan namin na baka magkaroon ng outbreak ng cholera o ibang sakit (That is what we worry about—that it could lead to outbreaks of cholera or other diseases),” she says.

Although respiratory infections remain the most common illnesses in the municipality, health workers remain vigilant, especially during the rainy season when cases of diarrhea can increase.

Safe water and proper hygiene practices are among the most effective ways to prevent such illnesses—particularly among children.

Recognizing these challenges, improvements were made to the hygiene facilities at the RHU.

Before the intervention of Action Against Hunger and UNICEF, the health center did not have a proper handwashing station for patients and visitors. Now, the facility has its own water tank supplying a newly installed handwashing station outside the building, making it easier for families to practice proper hygiene while visiting the center.

Image 13. In photo: Health workers of the rural health unit of Datu Anggal Midtimbang wash their hands at the handwashing station built by Action Against Hunger and UNICEF. | Photo by Marlou Nacaytuna for Action Against Hunger, 2026

These improvements were made through the joint efforts of Action Against Hunger and UNICEF, with support from the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Together, the goal is to improve access to essential health, nutrition, and WASH services for more than 20,900 people across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, particularly children, adolescents, and other vulnerable groups.

According to Lengs, these changes make a real difference, especially for parents like her.

“Sobrang nagpapasalamat po kami sa naibigay na handwashing station ng UNICEF at Action Against Hunger. Matuturuan na talaga ang mga bata kung paano maghugas ng kamay nang tama habang nasa center kami,” she says.

“We are very grateful for the handwashing station provided by UNICEF and Action Against Hunger. Children can now truly learn how to wash their hands properly when we are at the center.”

Lengs also shared that health workers often conduct health education sessions at the center. Having a dedicated handwashing station allows parents and children to immediately practice what they are taught—turning lessons about hygiene into everyday practices.

In the case of her family, those lessons continue long after leaving the health center. At home, she teaches her children how and when to wash their hands.

“Yung maliliit pa, yung three at four years old, tinuturuan ko sila kung paano maghugas ng kamay (My younger children, who are three and four years old, are still learning how to wash their hands properly),” Lengs explained.

She shows them how to clean their hands using a dipper of water and reminds them to wash before eating and after using the toilet.

Image 14. In photo: At their backyard, Lengs carries her youngest child, Rajib. Behind them is her eldest daughter, Rayhana. | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger, 2026

“Sinasabi ko sa kanila na kapag hindi sila naghuhugas ng kamay, magkakaroon sila ng germs, (I tell them that if they don’t wash their hands, they can get germs),” she explains.

Her eldest daughter also helps reinforce these lessons, encouraging her younger siblings to wash their hands and sometimes teaching them good hygiene habits.

These small routines help protect children from illness and build lifelong habits.

 

Supporting community health through improved WASH facilities

For Nurse Sujan, the improvements to the RHU represent more than infrastructure—they strengthen the ability of health workers to serve their communities.

“Sa UNICEF at Action Against Hunger at sa lahat ng NGOs na tumutulong sa community, sana ipagpatuloy ninyo ang inyong ginagawa,” she says.

Image 15. In photo: Sujan stands next to the newly constructed handwashing station at the rural health unit of Datu Anggal Midtimbang. | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger, 2026

“To UNICEF, Action Against Hunger, and all the organizations helping communities, I hope you continue your work.”

She emphasizes that support from humanitarian and development partners makes it possible for local health workers to deliver better services.

“Malaking tulong po sa amin ang mga resources at support na binibigay ninyo. Hindi namin kakayanin na kami lang ang magbigay ng lahat ng serbisyo sa community.”

“The resources and support you provide help us greatly. We cannot deliver all these services to the community on our own.”

From traveling long distances to patiently convincing families about the importance of preventive care, working in the community comes with many challenges, explained Sujan. But it is also deeply rewarding.

“Masaya ang trabaho sa community kahit mahirap (Working in the community is challenging, but it is also fulfilling),” she says. “Dito naiintindihan mo ang buhay ng mga tao. Nakikita mo kung paano sila nagbabago at kung paano sila natutulungan (Here you understand people’s lives. You see how they change and how they are helped.”

Over time, she has witnessed families who once refused health services eventually return to the center to seek care.

“Kapag nakikita mo na dati ayaw nila pero ngayon sila na ang lumalapit sa health center, parang fulfillment na rin sa sarili mo bilang health worker.”

“When you see that people who once refused services are now the ones coming to the health center, it gives you a deep sense of fulfillment as a health worker.”

Looking ahead, Sujan hopes that communities will continue to receive the resources they need—especially reliable water supply and health services that reach every barangay.

“Sana magkaroon ng mas maayos at safe na water source sa bawat barangay,” she says.
“I hope every barangay can have a safe and reliable water source.”

In Datu Anggal Midtimbang, the health of children depends on many quiet efforts: parents like Lengs who nurture and protect their families, and health workers like Sujan who travel long distances to serve their communities.

Together, their dedication shows how access to clean water, healthcare, and community support can help in building healthier futures for children across Mindanao.

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, with funding support from the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

 

Written by Joyce Sandajan

Thousands Displaced as 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Mindanao; Safe Water and Emergency Support Urgently Needed

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Mindanao, Philippines — Communities across Mindanao are struggling to recover after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani Province on the 8th of June, causing widespread destruction, displacing thousands of families, and disrupting access to essential services.

The earthquake, one of the strongest to hit the region in recent years, was felt across several regions in Mindanao. In the hardest-hit areas of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Davao Occidental, and General Santos City, homes, schools, roads, bridges, and water systems sustained significant damagefamilies seek safety in evacuation centers, open spaces, and temporary shelters according to latest report of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as of June 10.

For many communities, the crisis did not end when the ground stopped shaking from the earthquake.

In photo: Debris surrounding a damaged house in Barangay Sapu Masla, Malapatan. Its residents are forced to evacuate since the structure of the home is no longer safe. (Photo by Yasraf Gayao for Action Against Hunger)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) records that more than 2,000 aftershocks have been recorded since the main earthquake, forcing families to remain outdoors and heightening fears of returning to damaged homes and buildings. In several municipalities, residents continue to sleep in makeshift shelters or along roadsides, uncertain whether their homes are safe. Aftershocks have also compounded the damage to infrastructure, triggering landslides and destroying roads, leaving some areas isolated and inaccessible to first responders.

Water systems damaged, communities face growing risks

Among the most urgent concerns identified by emergency response team of Action Against Hunger and our partners, is access to safe water.

In the municipality of Glan, which is one of the areas most severely affected by the earthquake, critical water infrastructure has been heavily damaged, leaving communities without reliable access to potable water. In Malapatan, families are relying on untreated spring water sources while local authorities struggle to meet growing demand through limited water rationing efforts.

“After the earthquake destroyed our home, we had nowhere to go,” shares Evelyn, 43, living in Barangay Poblacion in Malapatan.

She shares that when the earthquake struck, they could not leave because she was recovering from a  post-cesarean operation. Her family decided to build a makeshift shack as their temporary shelter.

“Now we survive in our small shack, I stay afloat by sharing the only clean water source I have with others for a small fee, so I can provide for my children.”

In photo: Evelyn, one of the residents whose house in Barangay Poblacion, Malapatan was completely destroyed following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Sarangi Province, shows Action Against Hunger and MOSEP emergency response team what’s left o her old home. (Photo by Yasraf Gayao for Action Against Hunger)

In evacuation sites across affected municipalities, water supply remains insufficient and sanitation facilities are stretched beyond capacity.

“Safe water is emerging as one of the most immediate humanitarian needs,” says Action Against Hunger Country Director, Suresh Murugesu.

“Without urgent support, communities face increased risks of waterborne diseases, particularly among children, older people, and vulnerable households.”

Communities remain displaced amid ongoing aftershocks

The earthquake has caused extensive displacement across coastal, urban, and upland communities.

In Sarangani Province, many families are choosing to stay in open spaces rather than enter buildings due to concerns about structural damage and continuing aftershocks. In some municipalities, damaged roads and collapsed bridges have made it difficult for responders to reach isolated communities and fully assess the scale of the damage.

In photo: Evacuees sheltering in modular tents provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Población, Municipality of Glan (Photo by Macy Daproza for Action Against Hunger).

Schools have also been heavily affected, with more than 1,000 classrooms reported major damaged across Mindanao as reported by the Department of Education. Since the earthquake struck on the first day of school, classes remain suspended as safety concerns and infrastructure damage have disrupted normal operations. Health services remain under pressure as hospitals and medical facilities continue treating injured individuals while facing shortages of medical supplies.

Beyond the visible damage, many affected families are experiencing fear, uncertainty, and trauma. Children, women, older persons, and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable as displacement continues and access to support services remains limited.

 

Action Against Hunger Deploys Emergency Teams

Within hours of the earthquake, we mobilized our Mission Emergency Response Team (MERT) and deployed staff to Sarangani Province and General Santos City to conduct rapid needs assessments and coordinate with local authorities, humanitarian partners, and community leaders.

Working alongside members of the ACCESS Consortium and local partners such as the Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress (MOSEP), Action Against Hunger is assessing the situation in affected municipalities, identifying priority needs, and supporting coordination efforts to ensure assistance reaches the most vulnerable communities.

We are also coordinating closely with government agencies, humanitarian partners, health authorities, and WASH stakeholders to support information sharing and preparedness planning as the situation evolves.

To enable a rapid response, Action Against Hunger is in the process of commencing initial and small-scale life-saving multi-sectoral emergency interventions in affected areas. As assessments continue and needs become clearer, we are seeking additional support to expand the emergency response capacity, with priority multi-sectoral interventions including multi-purpose cash assistance and health support, with hopes of enabling affected households to address their most pressing needs with dignity.

Priority needs continue to emerge

While assessments are ongoing and access remains challenging in some locations, several urgent needs have already been identified:

  • Safe drinking water and emergency water supply
  • Hygiene kits and sanitation support
  • Emergency shelter materials and essential household items
  • Food assistance for displaced and isolated communities
  • Medical supplies and support to health facilities
  • Psychosocial support for affected families and children

Humanitarian needs are expected to become clearer in the coming days as assessment teams gain access to more communities and authorities continue validating damage reports.

Standing with communities in their recovery

As aftershocks continue and communities begin the difficult process of recovery, Action Against Hunger remains committed to supporting affected families and working alongside local authorities, agencies, and partners to address immediate needs and help communities rebuild safely.

We continue to monitor the evolving situation and stand ready to scale up our response as the needs increase.

Action Against Hunger is calling for continued support to ensure that families affected by the earthquake have access to safe water, food, shelter, healthcare, and protection as they recover from this devastating disaster.

Read our latest Situation Report on the

SitRep #5: Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake in Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN)

SitRep #4: Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake in Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN)

SitRep #3: Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake in Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN)

SitRep #2: Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake in Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN)

SitRep #1: Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake in Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN)

From Rainwater to Safe Sanitation: Nirajon’s Story

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Nirajon, 66, lives in Barangay Baybay, Burgos, Surigao del Norte. She leads a humble life together with her husband, Segundo, 63. Together, they take care of their home and share daily responsibilities, from preparing meals to washing clothes and dishes, tasks that depend heavily on access to water. In their community, owning a proper toilet is sometimes considered a luxury for many families, and access to clean water has long been a serious challenge. Now, after working with UNICEF and Action Against Hunger, she has realized how something as simple as a proper toilet and reliable water access can make a big difference in everyday life.

A simple life shaped by hardship

Nirajon lives a humble life together with her husband, Segundo. They take care of their home and share daily responsibilities, from preparing meals to washing clothes and dishes. Originally from the municipality of Santa Monica, Nirajon married Segundo Segundo in 2007, 19 years after her first marriage. Together, they form a big family: she has six children from her previous marriage, all of whom now have their own families and live in different places. Segundo also has seven children.

In photo: Nirajon (right) and her husband, Segundo (left, outside their home in Barangay Baybay. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger, 2026

Financially, they mostly rely on the government’s social pension program, receiving limited financial aid as senior citizens. Sometimes, their children help them cover basic needs.

“It is very hard for us to get through the month,” shares Nirajon. “We buy rice first, then, if there is money left, we buy vegetables, fruits, coffee, meat, but it really depends on our children’s support.”

A typical day for Nirajon begins with breakfast and preparing rice, the essentials of their meals. Together, they take care of their home and rest after lunch, listening to music, relaxing, or going to church. Their routine is simple, but it reflects the care they have for each other.

But Nirajon shares that her life has not always been simple.

In photo: Nirajon looks outside her window. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger, 2026.

Growing up as the eldest of eight children, Nirajon spent her childhood helping her family with chores, collecting firewood, and missing out on leisure. She recalls, “My entire life, I never had relaxation. Since I was a child, I have had no free time. After school, I had to work and help my family. On Saturday, I had to go to the mountains to collect firewood. When I was a child, I used to look at children playing and feel sad because I could not join them. I could not have that type of luxury, relaxation.”

Married at 18, she faced additional challenges raising six children largely on her own without her first husband’s support. She was 48 years old when he passed away.

 

When disasters make survival even harder

Like the lives of many Filipinos, environmental disasters have also affected her life.

“In my life, I also experienced severe typhoons, including Yolanda¹ in 2013 and Odette². In 2021, which was the strongest typhoon I have ever experienced to this day. I remember everything flying around. It was very scary. My house was totally damaged.”

She recalls the night of Typhoon Odette vividly. “The house was destroyed by very strong winds. That night, I remember thinking I hope nothing like this will happen ever again. I hope I won’t have to experience anything like this ever again in my life.”

“Recovering after Typhoon Odette was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. All my belongings were wet and damaged. My main worry at the time was how to provide food and water. I was able to recover thanks to the aid of different NGOs.”

 

A daily struggle for water and sanitation

In photo: Nirajon in the backyard of their home, making sure that the buckets are filled with water for her daily necessities. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger, 2026

Access to water and sanitation has long been a challenge for Nirajon and her family. In the past, they relied on a hand pump in their community that often broke, leaving them without a reliable water source for days. Drinking water had to be purchased separately, and everything—from cooking to bathing—was affected by the lack of clean water.

The household also lacked a proper toilet.

In photo, Nirajon takes a break from cleaning their backyard. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger, 2026

“When I was younger, I used a simple squat-type toilet provided by the government. It was just a plastic bowl over a pit with bamboo walls for privacy. I remember it was very difficult to manage my menstrual period there.”

When she got married for the first time, she started to use only wooden toilets in her new home because they were the cheapest option. “The wooden toilet was uncomfortable. But we had no choice. We could not afford anything else.”

After marrying her husband, Segundo, 63, they started to share the toilet with their neighbors. “It was very difficult to share the toilet because we could not access it 24/7. It was always busy, especially when there were visitors during celebrations or gatherings. I had to wait a lot before using it.”

A turning point: rebuilding with support

Everything began to change when Nirajon’s family, with support from the Typhoon Odette Recovery and Rehabilitation towards Climate Resilience project, began building a resilient toilet with a rainwater collection system.

The project is implemented by Action Against Hunger and UNICEF, with funding support from the Government of New Zealand through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In photo: Nirajon and her husband Segundo talk to the team of UNICEF and Action Against Hunger about the benefits provided by the resilient toilet and the water collection system in their backyard. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger, 2026.

Through the project, Action Against Hunger and UNICEF provided technical guidance and key materials for the septic tank, helping establish a model for safer and more resilient sanitation facilities. This technical guidance included site assessment and planning, guidance on the design and layout of the toilet, supervision during key stages of construction, and practical advice to ensure the structure would be safe, durable, and resilient to flooding and extreme weather conditions. Support was also provided on how to properly install and maintain the rainwater collection system to ensure a reliable and safe water supply.

To complete the construction, however, families were expected to take an active role by contributing labor and covering the remaining costs. For Nirajon, this was made possible with the support of her daughter, who works abroad and contributed significantly to the expenses needed to finish the toilet.

This shared effort reflects the approach of the initiative, where communities are supported with the knowledge and initial resources to build improved facilities. At the same time, households take ownership of completing and maintaining them. Alongside this, a community water system was also established, improving access to water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

In photo: Nirajon stands outside the resilient toilet that they were able to build in her backyard with the support of Action Against Hunger and UNICEF. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger, 2026

“It was very important for me to prioritize the resilient toilet construction. For too long, we did not have our own proper toilet facilities. Now, at our age, with the support we received, it was finally time to complete it,” she explains.

“Before, we could not build a toilet because we had no financial means. When we found out about the Action Against Hunger and UNICEF project, we thought it was the right moment to do it.”

 

Privacy, dignity, and comfort at last

Now, Nirajon and Segundo, along with their house guests, can use the toilet anytime. She no longer has to ask or wait. The new system provides privacy, convenience, and proper hygiene, allowing her to maintain her dignity and health, and ensuring that even when their grandchildren visit, they also have access to a safe and proper toilet.

“Now we have water every time I need to use the toilet. This allows us to maintain proper hygiene. That water can also be used to take a bath,” she says. “For the elderly, this toilet is way more comfortable.”

In photo: Nirajon and Action Against Hunger staff check the rainwater collection system next to the resilient toilet. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger, 2026

A model for the community

Beyond her household, Nirajon sees how access to sanitation remains a challenge for many in her community. She shares that many families still lack proper toilet facilities, and some continue to practice open defecation. For many, having a toilet is still seen as a privilege.

“I think the main constraint that prevents people in the community is the financial one. Some people are also not allowed to build on the land they live in because they don’t own it, or they are not allowed to construct.”

In photo: Action Against Hunger and UNICEF staff use the water system installed through the project in Barangay Baybay, Surigao del Norte. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger, 2026

Nirajon’s and Segundo’s resilient toilet has now become a model for the community. She hopes others will be encouraged to replicate it in their own households.

 

A continuing need for safe water and sanitation

Nirajon’s story shows how essential access to water and sanitation is for everyday life. Clean water and safe sanitation are not only basic needs for hygiene and dignity, but also critical foundations for good health and nutrition. Without them, families are more exposed to disease, and children and older people are especially at risk of malnutrition and illness that can deepen cycles of hunger. Through initiatives such as the Typhoon Odette Recovery and Rehabilitation towards Climate Resilience Program, communities are supported to rebuild safer and more resilient sanitation facilities.

Yet for many families, having a safe and dignified toilet remains out of reach.

Nirajon’s experience highlights the urgent need for continued support, greater awareness, and sustained investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene. Ensuring universal access to these services is not only about infrastructure, but about protecting health, improving nutrition, and advancing the broader goal of ending hunger.

 

[1] International name: Haiyan

[2] International name: Rai

Written by: Martina Vercoli

Strengthening Barangay Resilience: Finalizing Disaster Risk Reduction Plans for a Safer, Greener Siargao

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As Siargao faces growing environmental pressures—from stronger storms to increasing waste challenges—local planning has never been more critical. To support safer and more resilient communities, Action Against Hunger, in partnership with the Municipal Government of General Luna, held a two-day workshop on the follow-through and finalization of the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plans last February 19–20, 2026 at Cabuntog Hall and Museum Center.

This activity is part of the broader Siargao Green Economy project funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, which promotes environmentally responsible practices while strengthening the resilience of communities that rely on the island’s ecosystems and tourism economy. Updating and refining barangay-level DRRM plans is a key step toward protecting lives, livelihoods, and the natural resources that sustain the island.

Photo by Jaz Dajuya for Action Against Hunger

The workshop opened with a welcome and inspirational message from the Committee Chair on Environment, John Cristopher Silvosa, delivered on behalf of General Luna’s Municipal Mayor, Hon. Johnson Sajulga. He highlighted the municipality’s commitment to strengthening planning at the barangay level and stressed that disaster preparedness is not just a document to complete—it is a shared responsibility that safeguards people, food security, and livelihoods.

Participants from all nineteen barangays attended the workshop, including Punong Barangays, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, Barangay Secretaries, Barangay Treasurers, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS). Their diverse perspectives ensured that the BDRRM Plans were reviewed and refined through a participatory, multi-sectoral approach, reflecting governance, health, and environmental concerns.

The workshop emphasized the importance of integrating solid waste management into disaster preparedness. In island communities like Siargao, unmanaged waste can worsen flooding and damage the coastal ecosystems that communities depend on for food and livelihoods. Aligning disaster strategies with barangay SWM programs, projects, and activities helps prevent environmental hazards while building stronger mitigation and response capacities.

The workshop concluded with the refinement and validation of barangay-level plans, reinforcing the municipality’s commitment to coherent and forward-looking local planning.

About the Project

The Siargao Green Economy Project is implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines with funding from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).

The project fosters climate resilience and green economies in Siargao Island through inclusive, gender-transformative governance, strengthened solid waste management systems, and circular economy initiatives—supporting communities in building a more sustainable and resilient future.

Written by: Joyce Sandajan
Contributors: Conie Ann Isabel Canto, Jaz Dajuya

Water for Equality: A School Where Girls Can Learn with Dignity

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March 22 marks World Water Day, a global moment to reflect on the essential role of water in our lives. This year, the theme “Water for Equality” reminds us that the water crisis affects everyone, but not equally. When safe water and sanitation are out of reach, inequalities deepen, and both women and young girls carry the heaviest burden. According to the United Nations, across the world, females spend more time collecting water, face greater health and safety risks, and are more likely to miss out on education and opportunities.

Where water flows, equality grows. And when water is absent, inequality flourishes.

For young female students, these challenges start early. In the Philippines, the World Bank states that 8% of girls have reported skipping classes due to their menstruation and the challenges it entails, including the lack of water and the difficulty of maintaining proper hygiene in schools. In Siargao, water shortages are common for young students, even though the island receives a lot of rain each year. Rapid tourism growth and changing weather patterns continue to put pressure on local water sources.

In the municipality of San Benito on Siargao Island stands Nuevo Campo Elementary School, a small public school serving 60 children from kindergarten to Grade 6. Each day, young learners fill their classrooms with energy and hope. For years, limited access to water affected the daily routines of both students and teachers.

In photo: Teacher Elisavil stands in front of the classroom where she teaches daily at Nuevo Campo Elementary School in the Municipality of San Benito. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.

While the lack of water affected all children, it had a particularly different impact on young female students.

“Without water in the restrooms, girls could not wash themselves properly or manage their hygiene with dignity,” says Elisavil, a grade six teacher  who has taught for 16 years. According to her, girls faced confusion and discomfort during their first menstruation. Having no water in the restrooms made the situation worse. Some delayed changing their sanitary pads, leading to stains on their clothes, and comments from male classmates often caused embarrassment and shame. In some cases, girls would go home to clean themselves at the expense of valuable learning time.

In the past, Elisavil recalls the frustration of being unable to fully support her students. “Many girls skipped classes to manage their periods at home, missing lessons and opportunities,” she shares.

In photo: Elisavil discusses in one of the classes of Nuevo Campo Elementary School in the Municipality of San Benito. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.

Today, she actively promotes hygiene and equality in her classroom, guiding proper handwashing and toothbrushing practices, and educating students about responsible water use.

Privacy concerns were also significant. Students sometimes entered bathrooms assigned to the opposite gender to find water, creating uncomfortable situations.

In photo: Jena, President of the Parents-Teachers Association at Nuevo Campo Elementary School in San Benito, Surigao del Norte. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.

Jena, 49, a parent and now president of the Parents and Teachers Association, confirmed these struggles. Having grown up in Nuevo Campo and attended the same elementary school, she now voluntarily manages school maintenance, ensures Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene facilities function properly, and oversees the safety and well-being of students. She is, in every sense, the guardian of the school’s water system.

In photo: Jena, President of the Parents-Teachers Association at Nuevo Campo Elementary School in San Benito, Surigao del Norte, washes her hands inside the school kitchen. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.

Jena’s day begins early by cleaning the surroundings, checking the water system, and turning on the pump when pressure is low to ensure water reaches all faucets. Before the rehabilitation of the WASH facilities, she would walk back and forth up to five times a day to nearby water sources to ensure students had access, especially girls needing privacy for menstrual hygiene. She also cooks for the students, distributes food, washes dishes, and helps maintain the school garden.

Amid the challenges they faced, figures like Elisavil and Jena, became pillars of support.

In photo: Jena and Action Against Hunger Engineer, Mark Alain Punzalan, stand in front of the new pump house and elevated water tank at Nuevo Campo Elementary School in San Benito, Surigao del Norte. This was implemented by Action Against Hunger together with UNICEF. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.

Through the Typhoon Odette Recovery and Rehabilitation towards Climate Resilience project, implemented by Action Against Hunger and UNICEF, with the funding support of the government of New Zealand through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the school received a pump house and an elevated water tank, ensuring a consistent water supply. Handwashing facilities were also repaired, providing students with safer and more reliable access to water.

Improved water access has made daily routines easier, particularly for young girls. They can manage hygiene more safely and privately, attend classes more comfortably, and focus better on their studies.

For Jena, “water for equality means that reliable access allows young girls to attend school with dignity, confidence, and equal opportunities to learn.” Elisavil echoes this, explaining that water for equality ensures every child has equal access to sanitation facilities, recognizing that the same problem, like lack of water, does not affect all students equally.

When communities put women and girls at the center of water solutions, everyone benefits.

Women like Elisavel and Jena, who support young female students during critical moments, are true water heroes—leaders, caretakers, and advocates for change.

Written by: Martina Vercoli
Editor: Joyce Sandajan

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Finding space to learn: How a safe and dignified classroom is helping young mothers like Riza stay in school

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For Riza Mae Basalan, a 16-year-old Alternative Learning System (ALS) learner at Campo Cuatro Elementary School in Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao del Sur, growing up in the remote community of Sitio Bisang meant dealing with distance and everyday challenges that made staying in school difficult.

 

After completing elementary school, she continued studying until Grade 8, but her family’s limited income from farming was barely enough to meet their daily food needs.

With no resources to support her schooling, Riza made the painful decision to stop studying and look for work at a young age.

“I stopped studying after Grade 8 because we could no longer afford the daily expenses of going to school. When I was in a regular school, I needed to bring money for food every day since school lasted the entire day,” she said.

Riza also shared that she had to walk to and from school to save money, but still, her financial situation forced her to stop studying. Despite these challenges, Riza held on to her dream of finishing school.

In June 2025, she enrolled in the ALS Center at her community as a Grade 9 learner, choosing an alternative pathway to continue her education.

In photo: Riza on her way to school. (Photo courtesy of Riza Basalan)

Getting to class, however, remains a daily challenge. At her young age, Riza is also a single mother to a six-month-old baby.

“Now, my mother takes care of my child back at the farm when I have school so that I can work and attend my classes,” Riza explains.

As a working student and a single parent, Riza needs to balance her time well and make sacrifices.

In photo: Riza and her child. (Photo courtesy of Riza Basalan)

During weekdays, she works, and then takes time off from work to attend her half-day classes about three to five times a week. She tries to save every peso she can.

“I prioritize my needs and my baby’s needs,” she shared, explaining why even basic school requirements, such as hygiene items, were often beyond her reach.

When the learning environment became a barrier

Unfortunately, for Riza, returning to school also meant learning in conditions that made studying even more difficult. When Riza began her ALS classes in June, the room had not yet been fully designated as a learning space.

“Before, our ALS center was just a storage room for supplies. When we would have our classes, there were different items piled up at the back sometimes, so the room looked messy and cramped,” Riza shares.

Teacher Ombai Piodena, the ALS Teacher at Campo Cuatro Elementary School noted that the space was only used for its intended purpose after she requested a designated room for ALS students.

“Lessons took place amid piled-up materials, making the space cramped and distracting. During heavy rains, water leaked through holes in the roof, forcing students to crowd into the few dry corners of the room,” she said Teacher Ombai.

In photo: Damaged roof of the Alternative Learning System Center of Campo Cuatro Elementary School (Photo courtesy of Ombai Piodena)

The situation was especially challenging during hot afternoons, when the heat inside the small, poorly ventilated room made it hard for students to concentrate during lessons

“At noon, my students would often ask, ‘Ma’am, do we still have class this afternoon? It’s so hot, Ma’am.’ They were really uncomfortable because the room was humid and stuffy,” said Teacher Ombai.

In photo: Damaged roof of the Alternative Learning System Center of Campo Cuatro Elementary School (Photo courtesy of Ombai Piodena)

For many learners, especially those attending afternoon sessions, the physical discomfort added another layer of difficulty to staying focused and engaged in their lessons.

Access to proper sanitation and hygiene remained also a concern, with the toilets near the ALS Center rendered unusable due to structural damage, including gaps in the walls that raised safety concerns among students.

“Ma’am Ombai no longer allows us to use the toilet here before. It was blocked off with a cabinet because there was a hole at the back, and we were afraid snakes might enter. So, whenever we needed to use the toilet, we went to the regular students’ classrooms. The teachers also offered their office, but we felt shy going there, so we just used the toilets in the regular classrooms.” – Riza

Creating a safe, inclusive, and dignified learning space

With the support from UNICEF and with funding support from the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Action Against Hunger implemented the project Strengthening Health, Nutrition, and WASH Service Delivery Capacities in Early Learning, Alternative Learning, and Community Health Centers, which aims to improve access to essential services for more than 20,900 people across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, with a strong focus on children, adolescents, and other vulnerable groups.

At the Campo Cuatro ALS Center, this support is already making a visible difference.

In photos: The Campo Cuatro ALS Center after the repairs done by UNICEF and Action Against Hunger. (Photo courtesy of Ombai Piodena)

Repairs to the classroom roof and ceiling now protect the learning space from flooding, while newly installed lighting and ceiling fans have made the room cooler and more comfortable.

Gender-segregated toilets were rehabilitated and made safe and accessible, with proper lighting, water supply, and cleaning materials. A group handwashing station, waste bins, and hygiene supplies further support daily hygiene practices at the center.

“The classroom also looks better now, it’s clean, with ceiling fans installed. We don’t feel too hot anymore, especially in the afternoons.” – Riza

Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) corners were also placed to support the menstrual health needs of learners and to serve as a safe breastfeeding and resting space for young mothers like Riza.“Before, there were times I had to be absent because of the menstrual cramps and because I needed extra napkins. Now, we have a place to rest, and there are supplies available in the classroom, so it’s much easier,” Riza said.

In photo: Riza opens the door to the toilet for females, rehabilitated by the UNICEF and Action Against Hunger. (Photo by Debbie Alaban for Action Against Hunger.

The project also provided hygiene kits, easing the financial burden on learners who could not afford basic hygiene items.

Since the renovations, Teacher Ombai has observed increased attention and focus among learners, particularly during afternoon classes that were previously the most challenging. “The students have been more attentive after the improvements made to the ALS center,” she explained.

Enrollment at the center has since grown, reflecting a growing sense of confidence among learners and families that the ALS Center is a safe and supportive place to learn.

“Now, we even have more enrollees. Before, I only had 22 students, but now there are 35 ALS learners enrolled in the center.” – Teacher Ombai

“With a more conducive and responsive learning environment, I now feel confident inviting more out-of-school youth to enroll in ALS, knowing the center can better accommodate their needs,” said Teacher Ombai.

In photo: Teacher Ombai and Riza outside their ALS Center classroom. (Photo by Debbie Alaban for Action Against Hunger.

She also shared that the project has been a significant support for their center.

“Before, I would ask myself when we would ever have a proper ALS room, one that we didn’t just borrow. Then, in July 2025, Action Against Hunger and UNICEF visited, and now we finally have it,” she added

As an ALS educator, Teacher Ombai also expressed her appreciation to the training sessions they’ve participated in through the project, noting that ALS teachers are not often included in capacity-building activities of this kind

“We learned so much, and we felt that we are part of the program, that ALS is not neglected, and that we are included among the priorities,” she shared

As for the learners, Riza also shared how the changes have allowed her to learn more comfortably.

“The classroom looks better now. It’s clean, with ceiling fans installed. We don’t feel too hot anymore, especially in the afternoons,” she explained

She now feels safe and secure using the toilets, which are clean, enclosed, and free of the holes that once caused fear, with separate facilities for males and females.

In photo: Riza uses the handwashing station of Campo Cuatro ALS Center. (Photo by Debbie Alaban for Action Against Hunger. )

“The repairs were such a big help. We no longer worry about how to manage when heavy rain comes, and the room gets wet again,” Riza added

Beyond improving the physical condition of the classroom, the changes also affected how learners experienced their day-to-day schooling.

And for Riza, these changes mean more than comfort.

“The area you set up for us to rest is wonderful. If mothers like me bring their children, we can breastfeed and let the baby sleep there while we study,” she said.

Looking ahead, Riza hopes to finish her studies and pass, despite the many struggles she faces.

“Our wish as ALS students is to finish our studies and pass, despite all our struggles. I am also thankful for the help you have given, especially for the improvements made in our ALS center. Now we can truly say that we have a real classroom that is bright, clean, and with our own toilet.”

With continued support from UNICEF and Action Against Hunger, young learners like her are finding not only a place to learn, but the confidence to keep going—one step closer to a better future.

In photo: 16-year old ALS Student, Riza, shares her story with Action Against Hunger team. (Photo by Fahad Miro for Action Against Hunger)

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, with funding support from the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Read Riza’s story offline

Written by: Joyce Sandajan
Edited by: Jezreel Salazar Ines, Reven Bryan Dela Pena
Contributors: Debbie Alaban

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Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology joins Action Against Hunger Philippines in advancing Nature-Based Solutions

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Action Against Hunger and the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) formalized their partnership on January 15, 2026 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the EARTH Project funded by the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO). The collaboration aims to strengthen applied research, academic engagement, and community-based initiatives focused on sustainable coastal resource management and nature-based solutions.

ZSCMST serves as a nature-based solutions (NbS) test laboratory, piloting innovations such as mangrove phytoremediation, floating wetlands, and bamboo filter embankments for coastal and water ecosystem restoration. The site contributes to applied research and field-based learning aligned with the principles of the ECHO Greening Humanitarian Action, promoting environmentally responsible programming, ecosystem restoration, and climate-resilient approaches in humanitarian and development interventions.

The laboratory setting is intended to support evidence generation, community-based experimentation, and interdisciplinary learning, while also informing the development of future academic curricula and course offerings for students in environmental science, coastal resource management, and climate resilience programs. Through this initiative, ZSCMST aims to strengthen local capacities in nature-based solutions while contributing to sustainable environmental stewardship and climate-responsive humanitarian action.

Action Against Hunger Philippines and Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) officially signed a partnership to advance research and initiatives on Nature-based Solutions (NbS). This collaboration under the ECHO-funded EARTH Project will support studies on water quality, phytoremediation, and sustainable ecosystem management.
In photo: Dr. Roy Valesco, ZSCMST College President; Dr. Maila Pan, Officer in-Charge Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension of ZSCMST; Philipp Danao, Deputy Country Director for Action Against Hunger, and EARTH Project team members: Roberto Saballero, Jr., Head of Project; Engel Merl De Villa, Project Engineer, and Vanessa Matuguina, Field Officer.

Following the agreement, ZSCMST students and faculty actively participated in the first field activities under the EARTH Project. On February 14 and 21, 2026, participants from the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Bachelor of Science in Fisheries, and the NSTP-ROTC programs conducted a Clean-up Drive and Waste Quantification Activity in the mangrove area at Campus B, the proposed site for the Nature-based Solutions Laboratory.

In photo: The Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) students and faculty actively participated in the first field activities under the EARTH Project last February 14 and 21, 2026. (Photos by Roberto Saballero, Jr. and Engel Merl de Villa for Action Against Hunger)

Held in celebration of World Wetlands Day, the activity generated baseline data on solid waste in the mangrove ecosystem, supporting research on waste reduction, phytoremediation, and water quality improvement.

Faculty and students demonstrated environmental stewardship while strengthening collaboration between the academic and humanitarian sectors, underscoring the important role of ZSCMST in supporting Action Against Hunger’s initiatives in Zamboanga.

Through this partnership, Action Against Hunger and ZSCMST reaffirm their shared commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems, empowering communities, and promoting sustainable, nature-based approaches for the future.

About EARTH

The Environmental Actions for Resilience and Transformative Humanitarian Interventions (EARTH) project is a pilot initiative that integrates environmental safeguarding and restoration strategies into humanitarian action in the cities of Zamboanga and Malabon. Implemented by Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD, and funded by the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, the two-year, community-led project strengthens urban resilience through people-centered, multisectoral, nature-based solutions.

EARTH promotes a nature-based solution model that integrates mangrove reforestation, solid waste management, water conservation, and sustainable livelihoods—reducing environmental risks while restoring vital ecosystems.

Written by: Joyce Sandajan
Contributors: Roberto Saballero Jr., Engel Merl De Villa, Philipp Danao Read more

Give to Gain: A Woman’s Commitment to Multiplying Impact

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On Women’s Day, we highlight, through Wendie’s story, the power of reciprocity among women working to empower individuals toward change. When societies invest in women, opportunities expand, systems strengthen, and everyone benefits. Giving is not a loss when working with communities, but rather an intentional and powerful multiplication of impact.

BURGOS, SURIGAO DEL NORTE – Wendie Goña, 38, is a dedicated champion of community-driven environmental protection in her municipality. Working as the Municipal Environmental Officer in Burgos,  Wendie has provided crucial support to Action Against Hunger initiatives in Siargao, such as the Siargao Green Economy Project, funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the Typhoon Odette WASH Recovery and Rehabilitation Towards Climate Resilience Programme together with UNICEF.

Wendie contributes to advancing programs at the local level, that protect forests, coasts, and marine ecosystems while empowering local communities, particularly women, to take an active role in safeguarding their environment.

Raised in Barangay Danawan, a small island community in Surigao City, Wendie experienced firsthand the challenges fishing families face during monsoon months. As the daughter of a teacher and a fisherman, she developed a deep respect for education and the natural environment, which inspired her to pursue a degree in Fisheries at Mindanao State University in Marawi City.

Over the years, she has worked tirelessly to organize self-help groups, lead mangrove rehabilitation projects, improve solid waste management, and implement climate adaptation initiatives.

Now living in Barangay Baybay, Burgos, Wendie works within a fifth-class municipality facing financial and logistical limitations, yet she continues to lead programs that integrate environmental responsibility, community engagement, and sustainable practices.

In this interview, she shares her journey, the lessons she has learned, her vision for empowering people within the community, and what it means to #GivetoGain in her daily life:

What inspired you to work on environmental protection?

I grew up on a small island, Barangay Danawan in Surigao City, as the daughter of a teacher and a fisherfolk. Life was not easy. During the monsoon, when fisherfolks could not go to sea and fishing was our main livelihood, many families struggled.

I soon realized how deeply we depend on the environment and that I had the power to create positive change in my community. From a young age, I knew I could use my voice and knowledge to empower others toward change. I have always been the type of student who speaks up when she realizes that something is not fair.

Many people have never experienced these challenging situations firsthand, so they often do not understand the difficulties involved. But if you are directly impacted, you know exactly what those struggles mean and how they can impact your daily life.

In photo: Wendie participates in the coastal clean-up organized by Action Against Hunger in 2025. Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger

 

What is a typical day at work like for you?

My work involves implementing municipal environmental programs using a ridge-to-reef approach. This means we take care of the whole environment, from the mountains and forests down to the rivers, coast, and sea. What happens in the upland areas affects the water and life downstream.

For example, protecting forests helps prevent soil and dirt from going into rivers, keeping the water clean, and supporting healthy coastal and marine ecosystems.

I focus on forest management, solid waste management, protecting biodiversity, and adapting to and reducing the impacts of climate change.

Every day is different and challenging. I am not always in the office; sometimes I join community activities, such as awareness sessions on solid waste management. For example, I recently participated in an awareness campaign at Burgos National School under the Siargao Green Economy Project of Action Against Hunger.

 

What values do you bring every day on the job?

I am guided by the principles of change, integrity, accountability and  empathy. My advocacy extends beyond my job because protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.

I strive daily to create a positive impact across different communities, take responsibility for how my actions affect others, and let the experiences that have shaped me guide me to act with heart, both at work and in everyday life.

In photo: Wendie during a raising awareness session on environmental practices with students. Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger.

 

Why is empowerment important in environmental work?

Empowerment is essential in environmental work because real, lasting change happens when communities have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take action for themselves.

What I like most about working with my community is empowering women. Historically, women have had little voice in planning and decision-making, yet they are crucial for analyzing situations, understanding community needs, and providing unique perspectives. Women are natural and great leaders who guide, inspire, and take initiative they provide guidance, perspectives, and can inspire real change in their communities.

I support women in my office and community by sharing knowledge, building networks, and advocating for their representation in local governance. Women’s participation contributes to stronger  community efforts, especially in coastal cleanups, showing that when women are empowered, entire communities benefit.

 

What is something you wish could improve in your community?

One area I wish could improve in my community is solid waste management.

One of the most common issues among locals is improper waste segregation at the household level. To address this, I am proposing to the [local administration] the establishment of a new residual containment area, although this is challenging because the municipality is located within a protected area, so there are legal and environmental restrictions.

Nevertheless, the local administration is highly supportive of solid waste management initiatives.

One major challenge occurs when garbage trucks cannot operate for extended periods due to repairs. When waste is not collected on time, garbage accumulates, and some residents resort to dumping trash along roads. This is also why I promote social behavioral change initiatives, especially among young people or through door-to-door sensitization and actively participate in information and communication campaigns.

For me, the key is to focus on both soft enforcements, such as education and awareness, and hard enforcement, like penalties, to ensure there are no repeat violators. So far, I have seen that this approach works effectively within our community.

 

What challenges have you faced as a woman in your field, and how did you overcome them?

One challenge I have faced is gender bias. Back in college, many female fisheries students were sidelined from fieldwork because we were considered too fragile. I made it a point that we take part fully, recognizing that equal practical experience was essential for our professional growth.

Luckily, my family has been very supportive throughout my education and career. My father, a fisherfolk, has always been proud of my accomplishments and the challenges I have overcome, and his encouragement has been a constant source of strength for me.

 

What does “Give to Gain” mean to you in your work?

“Give to gain” clearly reflects my approach to work. When you give your time, knowledge, and effort sincerely to the community, you gain trust, engagement, and lasting impact in return. By mentoring, educating, and empowering others, especially women who are often hesitant to speak up, you help communities develop the capacity to sustain change themselves.

Environmental conservation is a shared responsibility, and embracing a give to gain mindset creates a win-win situation, ensuring growth and benefits for both the community and the programs we implement.

In photo: Wendie during a raising awareness session on waste management with students in Burgos. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.

 

What have you gained personally and professionally by working with the communities?

By working with the communities for many years now, I have gained resilience, patience, and stronger leadership skills. By resilience, I mean the ability to keep going despite challenges, limitations, or difficulties in my work and community projects.

 

Can you share a specific moment when giving made a difference?

It was not a single moment but an ongoing process. Through advocacy and enforcing local ordinances on solid waste management, we saw people follow the rules more consistently. In the Philippines, many environmental laws exist, but the struggle is in ensuring that we are strongly enforcing them.

Even more inspiring was when communities became proactive and took action on their own, showing that giving guidance truly makes a difference.

I work closely with my team and the community to empower change. For example, seeing women in my team take leadership in enforcing local ordinances or participate actively in cleanups is very heartwarming. It shows that our efforts are influencing the next generation of environmental accountability.

In photo: Wendie (left) and Action Against Hunger staff work together in collecting trash during the World Water Day 2025. Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger

 

What is something a woman or girl has taught you?

Women who have crossed my path have taught me that leadership does not always require formal titles. Even without official recognition, women’s groups at the community level can be highly organized and effective.

In Burgos, they lead cleanups, mobilize neighbors, and sustain environmental initiatives quietly and powerfully.

Wendie’s story reminds us that true impact is not measured by individual accolades but by the ripple effects of giving. By investing her time, knowledge, and energy in her community, especially in empowering women, she multiplies change in ways that endure beyond her daily work.

 

On this International Women’s Day, her example inspires us to recognize that when women lead, support, and mentor others, the gains extend far beyond themselves, shaping stronger, more resilient communities for everyone.

Teaching for the Community, inspired by the Community: A Teacher’s Commitment in a Flood-Prone Community

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TALITAY, DATU MONTAWAL — At 28, Hasna Alilaya volunteers as a teacher in the same remote barangay where she grew up. She lives a simple life with her husband, Norodin, and their young child, finding comfort and security in their modest home within a small, close-knit community. Flooding caused by Typhoon Nando (internationally named Ragasa) disrupted their daily routines, making it even more difficult for the family that is already struggling to make ends meet, to access supplies and seek support from nearby communities.

When Typhoon Nando affected the province of Bukidnon, many low-lying areas were impacted, including Maguindanao del Sur. Heavy rainfall caused the Pulangi River, which is Bukidnon’s major river system and a primary tributary of the Rio Grande de Mindanao, to overflow, resulting in downstream flooding in Maguindanao del Sur. In the Municipality of Datu Montawal, which consists of 11 barangays, Barangay Talitay was among the most affected. Floodwaters rose above head level, submerging Hasna’s home and destroying household belongings, as well as key materials she used for teaching.

Flooding has become a recurring challenge in Hasna’s community. In some months, flooding can occur up to four times. Over the years, these incidents have intensified, resulting in greater damage to homes and livelihoods and increasing the strain on daily life.

In photos: Flooding experienced by Hasna’s community in Sitio Pibpulangian in Datu Montawal. (Photo courtesy of Integrated Mindanaoans Association for Natives (IMAN)

While Hasna’s community is already used to frequent floods, Typhoon Nando brought an entirely different scale of destruction. Unlike previous floods that were usually confined to certain pockets of the sitio and receded within days, Nando inundated the entire area. Floodwaters remained for almost two weeks, submerging homes, pathways, and sources of livelihood for an extended period. The prolonged flooding left families with little time to recover between rising waters and deepened the damage to already fragile living conditions.

The intensity of the flooding was worsened by the collapse of several riverbanks, which caused the water to spread wider and surge deeper into the community. Houses made of light materials were among the hardest hit, with some structures partially damaged and others completely swept away. For residents, the flood brought by Nando was unlike anything they had previously experienced, leaving visible destruction and long-term consequences for safety and shelter.

The impact was felt by every household in the area. All 635 families, representing 100 percent of the sitio’s population, were affected by Typhoon Nando. While a small number of families with relatives outside the barangay were able to temporarily relocate, most had no alternative shelter and were forced to stay in their homes despite the risks posed by rising waters and unstable structures.

In photo: Flooding experienced by Hasna’s community in Sitio Pibpulangian in Datu Montawal. (Photo courtesy of Integrated Mindanaoans Association for Natives (IMAN)

This took a major toll on Hasna’s household. Hasna’s husband, Norodin, earns a living as a fisherfolk, with daily income typically ranging from 100 to 150 pesos (around 1.5 to 2 euros), and only rarely reaching 300 to 500 pesos (4 to 7 euros). Norodin’s income is highly dependent on weather conditions, making the family particularly vulnerable during flooding. According to him, fishing becomes nearly impossible when water levels rise, further limiting their ability to meet daily needs.

In photo: Flooding experienced by Hasna’s community in Sitio Pibpulangian in Datu Montawal. (Photo courtesy of Integrated Mindanaoans Association for Natives (IMAN)

Aside from this, Hasna’s community is among the most remote areas in the municipality. Sitio Pibpulangian in Barangay Talitay is not an island, but it is encircled by the Pulangi River, leaving boat travel as the only reliable way in and out of the area. Reaching the sitio requires an almost hour-long pump boat ride, with transportation costs ranging from 200 to 300 pesos (a little more than 2–4 euros) one way and 500 to 600 pesos (around 7–8.5 euros) for a round trip. This amount is nearly equivalent to what Hasna’s husband earns in a day.

Because of the family’s limited income, Hasna rarely travels outside the barangay. Instead, she often relies on neighbors or acquaintances who are already going to the market to purchase essential items on her behalf, allowing her to manage daily expenses despite their isolation.

“It is difficult to see the damage to belongings and livelihoods in our community. This situation makes daily life more challenging for many families,” Hasna recalled.

Valuing education amid crisis

Nearly two years ago, Hasna made the decision to become a volunteer teacher, not out of ambition, but out of necessity. In their remote community, she was the only one who was able to finish high school. She could not bear to see children miss out on learning simply because the nearest school was too far and too difficult to reach. What began as a small effort to help soon became a responsibility she chose to carry every day.

Each morning, Hasna teaches around 60 learners from Grades 1 to 5. She handles multiple grade levels at once, moving between lessons and age groups in a single day. Classes are held in a small makeshift annex school, where space is limited, and resources are scarce. Some children sit on borrowed chairs, while others hold classes inside the mosque when the classroom can no longer accommodate everyone. Despite the heat, the crowding, and the lack of materials, the children continue to come. For many of them, Hasna is their only access to education.

In photo: Hasna is a volunteer teacher at the Lower Bagoinged Elementary School Extension and has been serving for more than two years. Aside from her teaching duties, she also sells goods in various stores to help support her family’s daily needs.
Photo by: Datoal Mangadad- Integrated Mindanaons Association for Natives (IMAN) Inc.

The alternative is a journey that few young learners can manage. Reaching the nearest main school requires an hour-long pump boat ride and nearly two hours on foot. During the rainy season and periods of flooding, the journey becomes unsafe or impossible. This reality is why Hasna continues to teach in the sitio. What matters is keeping education within reach for children who would otherwise be left behind.

In photo: Lower Bagoenged Elementary School- Annex.
This is the annex school where Hasna Alilaya teaches as a volunteer teacher.
Photo by: Hadjara Umpong- Integrated Mindanaons Association for Natives (IMAN) Inc.

Unfortunately, teaching in Sitio Pibpulangian comes with constant challenges. Some learners miss classes because they do not have basic school supplies. Others arrive at school hungry, unable to focus on lessons. During harvest season, many children are absent for days at a time as they help their families in the fields.

Security concerns have also shaped daily life. The community lies at the far edge of Barangay Talitay, close to Sitio Tukananes in Barangay Dalgan, where terrorist-related bombings and airstrikes occurred from December 2023 to January 2024. Hasna remembers nights filled with fear, families evacuating in haste, and the uncertainty of not knowing when it would be safe again. Even then, she chose to stay. She chose to teach.

Supporting teachers and learners through ACCESS

In the aftermath of the flooding, support through the ACCESS project, funded by the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, helped bridge the gaps Hasna had long been navigating as a volunteer teacher. Through the joint efforts of the Integrated Mindanaoans Association for Natives (IMAN) and Action Against Hunger, all affected households in the community received assistance, including education-focused support for teachers and learners.

Phot courtesy of Integrated Mindanaons Association for Natives (IMAN)

The Learners’ Kits have also made a visible difference. “With the complete sets of school supplies, the children are more eager to come to class. They are proud to bring their own notebooks and pencils to school. The kits have also helped our parents, who often struggle with daily expenses, and made it easier for the children to stay in class instead of staying home or helping out in the fields,” Hasna shared. In a place where education is fragile and easily disrupted, these simple tools have helped sustain Hasna’s efforts and keep learning alive in the community.

“With the complete sets of school supplies, the children are more eager to come to class. They are proud to bring their own notebooks and pencils to school.”

In photo: These are the teachers Kit and Back to School distributed to the Teachers, Volunteer Teacher and Learners.
Photo by: Hadjara Umpong- Integrated Mindanaons Association for Natives (IMAN) Inc.

According to Hasna, receiving a Teacher’s Kit was a meaningful support to her work as a teacher, as it helped strengthen her teaching activities at the annex school. While she also receives learning materials from her mother school, Lower Bagoenged Elementary School, the additional supplies complemented existing resources and allowed her to better respond to the needs of her learners. She expressed her appreciation for the added support, noting how it enhanced her ability to conduct daily lessons.

“I am grateful for the ACCESS project. The support has helped address some of the challenges we previously faced due to the lack of basic teaching materials. With the Teacher’s Kit, we are better equipped to carry out our teaching responsibilities,” Hasna recalled.

In photo: Students with their Learner’s Kit from ACCESS (Photo courtesy of Integrated Mindanaons Association for Natives (IMAN)

The assistance extended beyond Hasna herself. With access to adequate learning materials, children became more motivated to attend classes, even after repeated disruptions caused by flooding. For a community where education is often the first casualty of crisis, the support helped restore routine, reinforce learning, and sustain hope for both teachers and learners alike.

ACCESS is a European Union Humanitarian Aid-funded project serving the most affected and underserved communities in the Philippines, where chronic armed conflict, natural hazards, recurrent displacement, and intensifying climate-related risks continue to threaten lives and livelihoods. It is implemented by a consortium of 14 local and international organizations: ACCORD, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity (COM), Humanity & Inclusion Philippines, Integrated Mindanaons Association for Natives (IMAN), Kadtabanga Foundation for Peace and Development Advocates, Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress (MOSEP), Oxfam Pilipinas, People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network (PDRRN), Plan International Pilipinas, Save the Children Philippines, United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD), and United Youth of the Philippines – Women (UnYPhil-Women).  

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25 Years of Action Against Hunger in the Philippines: Carrying Hunger Solutions into 2026

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As we enter 2026, Action Against Hunger marks 25 years of humanitarian action in the Philippines—a journey shaped by conflict, disasters, climate risks, and the resilience of the communities we serve.

Our work in the country began in 2000, responding to the urgent needs of families displaced by conflict in Central Mindanao. From the outset, Mindanao has been central to our presence and identity, grounding our approach in complex, fragile, and climate-vulnerable contexts.

Communities near Rio Grande de Mindanao (Photo by Martin San Diego for Action Against Hunger)

What began as emergency, life-saving assistance has since evolved into an integrated portfolio that combines humanitarian response, resilience building, and systems strengthening across the country. Throughout this journey, our purpose has remained unchanged: to save lives, reduce hunger, and address the root causes of vulnerability.

Super typhoon Uwan emergency response in Catanduanes in late 2025.

Adapting to a changing humanitarian landscape

Over the past two and a half decades, the Philippines has faced recurring and increasingly complex crises—from armed conflict and large-scale displacement to devastating typhoons, earthquakes, floods, and public health emergencies. Action Against Hunger has played a critical role in major humanitarian responses, including but not limited to Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in 2009, Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, the Marawi Crisis in 2017, the COVID-19 pandemic, Typhoon Odette (Rai) in 2021, Typhoon Kristine (Trami) in 2024, earthquakes in Cebu and Davao, and Typhoons Tino (Kalmaegi) and Uwan (Fung-Wong) in 2025.

Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) emergency response in 2013. Photo by Daniel Burgui

In each of these emergencies, our response adapted to scale and context—delivering timely support in water, sanitation and hygiene, food security, nutrition, health, shelter, and protection. In Mindanao, where conflict and climate shocks often intersect, our sustained presence has enabled rapid response while ensuring continuity of support for communities experiencing repeated displacement and disruption.

As crises became more frequent and protracted, our approach evolved. Beyond immediate response, we expanded into early recovery, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation—recognizing that communities facing repeated shocks need durable, forward-looking solutions alongside emergency aid.

From response to resilience: integrated programming nationwide

Today, Action Against Hunger’s work in the Philippines spans Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH); Food Security and Livelihoods; Health and Nutrition; Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation; Protection; and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. In conflict-affected and underserved areas—particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao—we place strong emphasis on strengthening health and nutrition systems and improving access to inclusive, quality services.

Gender equality and social inclusion are embedded across all sectors, ensuring that women, indigenous peoples, and marginalized groups are not only reached but actively involved in decision-making, recovery, and leadership within their communities.

Emergency response in Porac, Pampanga for IP communities that were affected by multiple storms that hit Central Luzon in July 2025. (Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger)

Reaching nearly one million people in the last five years

Between 2021 and 2025, Action Against Hunger reached more than 980,000 people across the Philippines through multisectoral humanitarian and resilience programming, with some overlap across sectors.

Support during this period focused on:

  • Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene
  • Food security and livelihood recovery
  • Disaster risk reduction and preparedness
  • Nutrition and health services
  • Emergency shelter, protection, and education in emergencies

Thousands of people displaced by disasters received immediate assistance through rapid-response mechanisms that delivered life-saving support within 24 to 72 hours of displacement. These rapid interventions helped families meet urgent needs with dignity while supporting early recovery.

In photo: EARTH champions of Action Against Hunger’s EARTH project plant the mangrove propagules.

At the same time, recent years have marked a clear shift toward resilience-oriented programming. Initiatives such as MOVE UP, Resilient IsLA, iPrepared, EARTH, and the Siargao Green Economy projects reflect this transition—supporting communities in diversifying livelihoods, strengthening preparedness, and reducing disaster risks before crises strike. Through climate field schools, community savings groups, household dialogues, and support to local planning processes, we work with communities and local governments to build capacities that endure beyond project cycles.

Strengthening humanitarian action through partnerships

Beyond direct implementation, Action Against Hunger plays an active role in strengthening humanitarian systems and partnerships—working alongside local, national, regional, and global actors to improve coordination, share expertise, and advance more effective and inclusive responses.

As part of its commitment to advancing innovative and inclusive responses, the organization has been hosting the regional office of the CALP Network in Asia-Pacific for three years now. The CALP Network provides coordination, technical guidance, and policy support to organizations implementing or exploring cash and voucher assistance, helping improve the quality, scale, and effectiveness of cash-based responses across the region.

All of our efforts are reinforced through collaboration with institutional donors—including EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation—as well as partnerships with private sector actors such as Adisseo, Grab, Mastercard, and Metrobank. Local partners such as the Integrated Mindanaoans Association for Natives, Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress, Center for Disaster Preparedness, ACCORD Inc., and the Integrated Resource Development for Tri-People, play critical roles in ensuring programs are responsive, contextualized, and community-led.

In photo: Action Against Hunger staff and partners from the Center for Disaster Preparedness conduct a hygiene promotion seesion for the children of the daycare center learning the importance of proper hygiene practices (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

2025: responding to compounding crises while strengthening systems

The year 2025 highlighted the compounding nature of humanitarian needs in the Philippines.

Action Against Hunger responded to successive storms in Central Luzon, flooding in BARMM, intense earthquakes in Davao and Cebu, and powerful typhoons affecting communities in Masbate, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, and other high-risk areas. Across these responses, teams worked closely with local authorities and humanitarian partners to deliver timely assistance while supporting early recovery and preparedness.

Super typhoon Uwan emergency response in Masbate in September 2025.

Simultaneously, progress continued in strengthening local systems. In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Action Against Hunger formalized collaboration with regional authorities, including the Ministry of Social Services and Development, to improve coordinated crisis response and longer-term social service delivery. Partnerships with UN agencies, particularly UNICEF, strengthened the capacity of health, early childhood, and community facilities to deliver essential nutrition, health, and WASH services.

Super typhoon Uwan emergency response in Catanduanes.

Elsewhere, programs in Siargao focused on strengthening water and sanitation systems, promoting preparedness, and advancing circular economy initiatives. In urban and coastal communities in Malabon and Zamboanga, EU-supported initiatives empowered communities to lead nature-based solutions that reduce environmental risks while supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Looking ahead: commitment beyond 25 years

After 25 years in the Philippines, Action Against Hunger remains committed to sustained engagement in fragile, conflict-affected, and climate-vulnerable contexts—particularly in Mindanao, where humanitarian, development, and resilience needs continue to intersect.

As we move into 2026, we carry forward the lessons of the past while strengthening partnerships and approaches that respond to emergencies and build resilience. Working alongside communities, institutions, and donors, we remain focused on saving lives, reducing hunger, and supporting a more resilient future in an increasingly uncertain world.