Multi-purpose Cash Assistance: A Respite for a Displaced Family

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“I can still remember it clearly,” says Lyka, 38, as she reflects on the night of February 6, 2024. “The rain wouldn’t stop, and at 7:26 pm, we heard a loud crash. The massive landslide came tumbling down, burying our homes in rocks and mud.”

The relentless rains wreaked havoc in the mining town of Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro, displacing over 1,250 families. Lyka’s husband, Ronald, 58, worked as a pipeman and had just bought an electric motorcycle earlier that day—only for it to be swept away a few hours later by the surging waters. It was meant to be an additional source of income and to take the family to church every Sunday.

Lyka’s family and fellow Masara residents temporarily stay in tents provided by the local government and the Swiss Red Cross at a resettlement site in Maco. Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger

“Just like that, everything was gone—our home, all our belongings,” Lyka recalls. The family evacuated to a nearby school before moving to a tent in a valley in Maco. This temporary shelter became a refuge for flood and landslide victims, offering a place to regroup and start over.

In photo: Lyka (far left) and Ronald (far right) inside the financial service provider where they will receive the multi-purpose cash assistance from USAID-BHA through Action Against Hunger. Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger.

“During those first few days after the landslide, the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance through Action Against Hunger, provided essential hygiene kits that were a great help to my family,” Lyka adds. Adjusting to life in a tent, surrounded by hundreds of others under the blazing sun, was tough, but she remains grateful that they are alive and safe.

Lyka’s youngest daughter, just six years old, still struggles with the trauma of that night, but Lyka reassures her that with time, things will get better, and there is hope for their lives to return to normal.

In photo: Action Against Hunger staff counts the cash assistance before handing it over to Lyka. Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger.

“We learned about USAID-BHA’s Multi-purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) through Action Against Hunger’s emergency response. They asked about our situation. We were so relieved when we found out that we would be one of the families who will receive the assistance,” Lyka explains. The cash assistance aims to meet the immediate food and basic needs of the most vulnerable households affected by floods and landslides in Davao de Oro. Families like Lyka’s were asked to visit a nearby payout center in town, where they received Php 10,120.00. The United States Government had provided nearly P70 million in humanitarian aid to support communities affected by severe flooding and landslides in Mindanao.

Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger.

“I plan to buy what we need most—food for my family, basic goods like rice, fish, fruits, and vegetables. We are so thankful for organizations like Action Against Hunger and USAID who continue to support us. We hope that our community in Barangay Masara can recover through other livelihood opportunities and that the government will relocate us to a safer place,” Lyka says with a hopeful smile.

Her husband is back at work, and the family remains optimistic about the future. They hold on to the hope that their children can complete their education.

In photo: Lyka and her husband ride a tricycle going to the market after receiving the cash assistance. Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger

 

On market day, Lyka and Ronald travel to the nearest public market by tricycle to make their purchases. They greet a fish vendor and choose the freshest catch to bring back to their children, their hands filled with bags of fruits and vegetables.

In photo: Lyka and Roland buy fresh produce from the nearby market. Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger.

 

In photo: After receiving the cash assistance, Lyka buys fish from the nearby market. Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger

Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger.


With the support of the American People through funding of the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA), Action Against Hunger’s Mindanao Flooding Emergency Response has reached around 7,500 people in the Province of Davao de Oro with emergency assistance following the devastating floods and landslides in late February 2024.

Written by Shirin Bhandari, edited by Joyce Sandajan Read more

Life After Loss: A Father’s Promise to His Daughters

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“Say a prayer for your mama and ate (older sister),” Orlando Malacaste, 58, whispers to his two younger daughters. They stand in front of the graves of their mother and eldest sister, located in a Muslim Cemetery in Pandapan, Tagum City. They traveled from the municipality of Maco to honor the memory of their lost loved ones.

Orlando and his daughters have come to pay their respects to his wife and eldest daughter who passed away due to the landslide in Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro. Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger.

On February 6, 2024, at 7:30 PM, a rain-induced landslide struck the mining village of Barangay Masara, in the municipality of Maco, Davao de Oro, killing 98 people and displacing more than 2,400 families. “After I came home from work, we knew something was wrong. It was raining continuously, and we heard a loud crashing sound, even louder than thunder. My wife called out to our eldest daughter Shaira, 17, to bring her youngest sister to safety. By the time I looked back, they were all gone,” recalls Orlando. He and his middle child, Shaina Mae, 8, narrowly escaped.

On February 6, 2024, at 7:30 PM, a rain-induced landslide hit the mining village of Barangay Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro, killing 96 people and displacing over 1,250 families. Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger

After 60 hours, rescuers found his 3-year-old daughter Sheena, who survived being buried in the mud and rubble. “She is our little miracle,” adds Orlando. Rescuers carried Sheena, wrapped her in an emergency blanket, and provided lifesaving aid before bringing her to the hospital.

“I lost my wife and 17-year-old daughter Shaira to the landslide. Shaira was about to finish high school. She wanted to become a teacher,” Orlando says with deep sadness in his voice. “But luck was not on her side,” he adds.

In the aftermath of the landslide, houses and vehicles were wrecked. Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger

Heavy rain throughout Mindanao was intense during the first quarter of 2024, triggering numerous landslides and flooding, destroying homes, vehicles, and infrastructure. Over 590,000 people in Davao de Oro alone were affected, with around 95,000 displaced to emergency shelters across several municipalities in the province. Landslides are a recurrent risk across the Davao region due to the mountainous terrain. Masara is near Mt. Leonard Kniaseff, a stratovolcano that is the source of pyroclastic soil in Davao de Oro. When aggravated by extreme weather disturbances, this can be extremely hazardous to the exposed population.

In the first few days of the disaster, Action Against Hunger, with funding support from the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, provided water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) kits to families in the municipalities of Monkayo, Montevista, New Bataan, Mawab, and Maco, which were heavily affected by the flood. Within the next six months, emergency response efforts included rehabilitating damaged water supply facilities and providing multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA). The beneficiaries also attended hygiene promotion sessions during the WASH kit distributions.

Orlando’s family and fellow Masara residents temporarily stay in tents provided by the local government and the Swiss Red Cross at a resettlement site in Maco. Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger

In photo: Orlando and his daughters walking towards their tent. Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger

Orlando’s family and fellow Masara residents temporarily stay in tents provided by the local government and the Swiss Red Cross at a resettlement site in Maco. Although still mourning the loss of his wife and daughter, Orlando now must deal with the reality of their situation. He used to work as a security guard, but his workplace was also affected by the recent disaster. Left with no house, no belongings, and no source of income, he worries about how he will provide for his remaining children and afford to send them to school in Tagum City.

Given the unfortunate circumstances, Orlando was one of the beneficiaries to receive 10,120 pesos through the MPCA. The assistance aims to cover food supply and other basic daily needs while they slowly rebuild their lives.

In photo: Action Against Hunger staff hands over the cash assistance to one of the beneficiaries of the MPCA. Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger

For Orlando, his children’s education is a priority. He plans to use a large portion of the money to support his two girls when they go to school in July. Shaina and little Sheena will be staying with their aunt in Tagum. Orlando will send the money to his sister, which he says should be enough to cover essentials like food, water, and school supplies. “During the week, my children stay with their relatives in Tagum so they can continue their schooling. Sheena will be starting daycare soon. The cash assistance from Action Against Hunger and USAID has been a tremendous help to us,” Orlando explains.

In photo: Inside their tent, Orlando fixes one of his daughters’ hair while the two girls play with each other. Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger

 

“Even though we have lost our home and belongings, my daughters must continue their education. I just want them to finish their studies,” he adds. Before the tragedy, Orlando would fetch his daughters from Tagum so that they could spend time as a family on the weekends. After losing two of their family members, he plans to continue this routine once the school year starts.

 

In photo: Shaina Mae and Sheena playing in the open area of the resettlement camp in Maco. Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger

In photo: Action Against Hunger staff accompany Shaina Mae and Sheena as they buy snacks in the neighborhood sari-sari or sundry store. Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger

While they wait for the government’s plans for their relocation, they make the most out of their tent. In one corner is a special area with a small paper box containing a few toys so his daughters can play and enjoy their time together. Orlando knows their situation is difficult, but after everything they’ve been through, what matters most is that they are safe and have each other.

Orlando is optimistic about returning to work as a security guard. “Seeing my girls alive and well gives me hope. Life goes on. I need to be strong for them,” he shares.

Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger.

 

 

With the support of the American People through funding of the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA), Action Against Hunger’s Mindanao Flooding Emergency Response has reached around 7,500 people in the Province of Davao de Oro with emergency assistance following the devastating floods and landslides towards the end of February 2024.

Written by Shirin Bhandari; edited by Joyce Sandajan


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Empowering Remote Villages with Accessible Water

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MABINI, DAVAO DE ORO ─ “We had to cross the mountain to fetch water,” Michelle Esperanza, 36, recalls. The rough terrain and muddy dirt paths made it hard for the residents of the remote mining town of Sitio Mascareg, in the community of Barangay Anitapan to collect water for drinking, bathing, and usage for their daily chores.

Jay-ar and Michelle Michelle gather firewood for cooking in Sitio Mascareg, Barangay Anitapan, Mabini, Davao de Oro. Access to safe and potable water has been a pressing issue in their village. (Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger)

Getting clean water was already a chore for some families in Mascareg. But this became a bigger struggle in the first quarter of 2024 after Davao de Oro experienced a succession of rains and floods that triggered landslides across the hilly area. This destroyed homes and roads and cut off families like Michelle’s from their water source. “We were asked to evacuate our homes in February 2024. The heavy rains caused landslides in the surrounding areas, destroying most of the roads that lead up here,” says Michelle.

The remote geographical location of Sitio Mascareg offers limited livelihood opportunities for its residents. Jay-ar works as a part-time electrician while Michelle is tasked with the responsibilities of tending to their home and children. (Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger)

Whenever it rains hard, it makes the town equally vulnerable. Aside from restricting their movement to fetch water, flooding destroys and contaminates water sources. Without clean water, illnesses like diarrhea, parasites, and chronic intestinal inflammation are common. It also prevents children from absorbing key nutrients and makes them more susceptible to malnutrition and other health issues. This was a main concern for Michelle and her husband having children themselves.

In the initial days of the flood’s aftermath, affected families needed basic supplies such as food and clean water. With the support of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), they received emergency aid on water, sanitation, and hygiene through the ACCESS project. Water kits which contained basic hygiene items, jerry cans, and water purification tablets to name a few, were also provided.

Action Against Hunger Philippines was the first to respond after the heavy rains flooded the Davao region. Michelle’s family received cash for food and water assistance made possible by funding from ECHO.  (Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger)

Aside from WASH support, families in Anitapan that were affected by the flood also received multi-purpose cash assistance thanks to the funding support of ECHO. Families who lost their livelihoods like Michelle’s used the cash assistance to buy basic supplies while they looked for other means to provide for their families. “The cash provided by Action Against Hunger and ECHO allowed me to buy the essentials, like rice, food, and medicine. There are not enough livelihood opportunities in our area, so this was a great help to all of us,” Michelle smiles.

Emergency response efforts do not stop there. More than providing immediate life-saving aid at the onset of the disaster, we remained in close coordination with the province of Davao De Oro in continuously assessing the situation of the flood-affected areas in the municipalities of Mabini, Mawab, Maco, Nabunturan, and its displaced communities. Sitio Mascareg was one of those in dire need of immediate access to safe water and improved WASH facilities.

Action Against Hunger Philippines assessed the situation of Sitio Mascareg and worked tirelessly to provide potable and accessible water to the community. Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger

It has been life-changing, we do not have to go far or climb steep hills just to wash our clothes. Now we can have safe water to drink, cook with, and clean ourselves and our homes,”

Action Against Hunger’s ACCESS team has since installed a water pump facility adjacent to the barangay hall and community basketball court of Sitio Mascareg. Family members arrive with blue water containers to fill up. Getting water is no longer an ordeal since they can now fill their buckets with potable water just a few steps away from their homes.

“I do not have to cross mountains to fetch water, our town is overjoyed. We are thankful that Action Against Hunger continues to check on us. It has been life-changing, we do not have to go far or climb steep hills just to wash our clothes. Now we can have safe water to drink, cook, and clean ourselves and our homes,” Michelle smiles.

Over 150 families in Anitapan, including Michelle’s will now have easier and safer access to clean water with the rehabilitated water system that came with a newly installed solar light.

Now, Michelle and other residents arrive with their blue water containers just a few steps away from their homes and have an abundant supply of potable water. Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger aims to ensure that every Filipino has access to clean water, enabling them to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. With the unwavering support of ECHO and our ACCESS partners, we are committed to transforming communities, enhancing resilience, and creating a brighter, healthier future for all.

The Mindanao Flooding Emergency Response is made possible through the ACCESS Project with the funding support of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and implementation of consortium members Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines, Humanity & Inclusion (HI), and Save the Children together with local partners from ACCORD Incorporated, Community Organizers Multiversity, Integrated Mindanaoans Association for Natives, Inc. (IMAN), Leading Individuals to Flourish and Thrive Inc. (LIFT), Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress, Inc. (MOSEP), Notre Dame of Jolo College, and National Rural Women Coalition (PKKK).

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From Hazard to Harvest: Community Garden Sparks Change in Kapatagan

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MUNICIPALITY OF KAPATAGAN, LANAO DEL SUR —Vulnerable families living in a multi-hazard community in Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur start to earn through its community garden supported by Action Against Hunger.

The community in Kapatagan is beaming with pride as they reap the rewards of their hard work, harvesting organic and fresh produce from their thriving community garden. Not only are they enjoying the fruits of their labor, but they are also sharing the bounty by selling these nutritious goods to their neighbors and nearby communities.

Photo by Kit de Galicia for Action Against Hunger

The fresh produce is selling well according to Noraima, a mother and iPrepared resilient livelihood beneficiary. “Just this week, we have harvested 170 kilos of cucumber sold for thirty pesos [51 American cents] per kilo. We also sold our okra and eggplant. Sometimes, the vegetables won’t even reach the market as neighbors would already come to the garden to buy them,” she shares.

With the funding support of the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA), Action Against Hunger’s iPrepared project integrates community gardens for families prone to disaster to learn the value of preparedness through food security and resilient livelihoods.

Community orientation about the Climate Resilient Farm Schools (CRFS).

Barangay Bakikis is one of the communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. It is often affected by disasters such as flooding and landslides, as it is surrounded by a river. It is also subject displacement due to local conflicts.

The community garden in Barangay Bakikis is just one of the six community gardens in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Sur supported by the project. These are the outcomes of the Climate Resilient Field School (CRFS) iPrepared training sessions introducing alternative tools and approaches compared to regular gardening.

“The integration of food security and resilient livelihoods on disaster preparedness ensures vulnerable families prone to the disaster have access to food and protection of its livelihood during and immediately after an emergency, empowering them to recover more effectively and build resilience against future disasters,” says Action Against Hunger’s Food Security and Livelihood Project Officer for iPrepared, Renee Galeos.

 

In the short time that they’ve been involved in the field school, Noraima is already seeing the difference in their finances.

“The extra income is a great help to our family─for our daily expenses and allowance for my children. It’s our way of saving for the rainy days,” says Noraima.

The Inclusive Disaster Preparedness for Local Resilience in Areas at High Risk of Natural and Human-Induced Hazards in BARMM, Mindanao is made possible with the support of the American people through the funding of USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.

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Mental Health Support for Distressed Communities in BARMM

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Our dedicated team recently traveled to Barangay Kabasalan, a remote area in the Municipality of Ligawasan, in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The community, often impacted by flooding and displacement, is one of the covered areas of our ACCESS Project through the European Union Humanitarian Aid’s funding.

Elevated wooden house near the fields with low flooding.

When heavy rains occur, Barangay Kabasalan experiences flooding.

“Thank you so much, within that moment you made us happy.”

In times of emergencies, mental health support becomes crucial. Despite the flooding, our unwavering commitment to aiding the most at-risk individuals helped bring a ray of hope and relief. Our ACCESS team conducted Mental Health and Psychosocial Support sessions to empower women, men, boys, and girls in the community facing these ongoing challenges.

“Maraming salamat po, sa maikling panahon ay napasaya niyo po kami, (thank you so much, within that moment you made us happy),” shares one of the females during the protection and gender-based violence orientation of the MHPSS session.

Photos by Ruchel Manuel and Nihada Sultan-Sambas for Action Against Hunger.

ACCESS is a consortium project funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Humanity & Inclusion – Philippines, and Save the Children Philippines, together with local partners from ACCORD Incorporated, Community Organizers Multiversity (COM), Integrated Mindanaons Association for Natives (IMAN), Leading Individuals to Flourish and Thrive (LIFT), Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress, Inc. (MOSEP), Notre Dame of Jolo College, and National Rural Women Coalition (PKKK).

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Building Resilience: Datu Piang’s Community-Wide Disaster Preparedness Drill

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A community emergency drill is not just a test—it empowers conflict-stricken and disaster-prone communities to be more resilient.
 

Residents from vulnerable communities in Datu Piang, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao test their knowledge, attitude, and practices on disaster preparedness during the typhoon preparedness community-wide drill held last May 8, 2024.

Residents from vulnerable communities in Datu Piang, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao test their knowledge, attitude, and practices on disaster preparedness during the typhoon preparedness community-wide drill held last May 8. (Photo by Maryann Zamora for Action Against Hunger)

 
“It is our first time to experience a drill as big as this wherein over 300 people participated in and with support from different state agencies like the Bureau of Fire, Social Welfare and Development and Disaster Risk Reduction Council from the province and municipal level. This drill is important to us, knowing how to improve and prepare better when another disaster might happen to us,” says barangay captain Manny Kuda.

In photo: Participants do a simulation of a rescue operation during the community drill (Photo by Maryann Zamora for Action Against Hunger)

The community drill is the capstone of a comprehensive training series under the iPrepared Project, covering everything from First Aid to Water Search and Rescue. This is part of a larger effort to integrate disaster preparedness into local plans, ensuring resilience from the ground up while working closely and directly with communities, local government units, and other key partners in BARMM.
 
Funded by the American people through USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and implemented by Action Against Hunger, this initiative isn’t just about responding to disasters. It’s about empowering communities to stand strong in the face of adversity.
Written by Maryann Zamora

Empowering Local Responders: Water Search and Rescue Training in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur

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Several community responders took part in a Water Search and Rescue training sessions organized by Action Against Hunger’s iPrepared Project from April 22 to May 5, 2024.

Several community responders took part in a Water Search and Rescue training sessions organized by Action Against Hunger’s iPrepared Project from April 22 to May 5. In photo: Participants get ready to get into the water as part of the training. (Photo by Chaz Mabunga for Action Against Hunger)

The goal is to equip community responders from seven municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur and Lanao del Sur with the skills needed to handle floods and typhoons confidently.

The training session covered water and flood awareness and quick flood response techniques.

Several community responders took part in a Water Search and Rescue training sessions organized by Action Against Hunger’s iPrepared Project from April 22 to May 5. In photo: Participants do one of the exercises during the session. (Photo by Chaz Mabunga for Action Against Hunger)

Several community responders took part in a Water Search and Rescue training sessions organized by Action Against Hunger’s iPrepared Project from April 22 to May 5. In photo: Participants do a simulation of a rescue mission during the training. (Photo by Chaz Mabunga for Action Against Hunger)

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) faces frequent flooding due to its proximity to bodies of water like the Rio Grande de Mindanao and Liguasan Marsh. iPrepared aims to boost disaster readiness in the region, emphasizing inclusivity, gender equality, and community partnerships.

Several community responders took part in a Water Search and Rescue training sessions organized by Action Against Hunger’s iPrepared Project from April 22 to May 5. In photo: One of the participating responders preparing to get in the water as part of the rescue exercise. (Photo by Chaz Mabunga for Action Against Hunger)

With the support of the American people through USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, iPrepared empowers local responders to take charge in tackling climate and disaster challenges.


Written by Maryann Zamora

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Responding to Datu Piang’s El Niño Crisis

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The Philippines is one of the countries experiencing the impacts of El Niño, resulting in agricultural damage and water shortages across multiple provinces. Datu Piang in Maguindanao del Sur faces extreme heat conditions, with temperatures reaching hazardous levels for both agriculture and residents. In addition to the challenges El Niño poses, the residents also grapple with repeated displacement due to local conflict, further exacerbating their struggles. Since late 2023, our teams have been monitoring the impact of El Niño in the areas where we work.

Since late 2023, Action Against Hunger has been monitoring the impact of El Niño by working closely with the communities, local government units, local and national agencies, and other stakeholders.

El Niño is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. It typically occurs every few years and can affect weather patterns globally, leading to various climate changes such as increased rainfall in some areas and droughts in others.

This has affected more than 28,000 people according to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Datu Piang. Crop failures have left four out of sixteen barangays with no income, hitting farmers and fisherfolks the hardest. An estimated 180 hectares of corn have been destroyed, amounting to a loss of approximately 1.6 million pesos. Additionally, groundwater levels in barangays along the Rio Grande de Mindanao River have dropped by 10 to 11 feet, equivalent to the height of a one-story building.

In photo: Action Against Hunger staff monitors the water level of local rivers in our areas of interventions.

The extreme conditions have forced farmers to halt the production of corn, rice, and vegetables due to the rapid depletion of water in creeks and river channels. Crops planted in late January 2024 did not survive, while those planted in late December 2023 to early January yielded only half of the expected harvest. All fishponds have also ceased operations. Because of this, many people are faced with limited livelihood opportunities and even food supplies. More than 2,000 farmers across all barangays in Datu Piang are affected. On April 29, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government declared a State of Calamity for the entire region.

218 farming families in Datu Piang receive 50kg sacks of rice after Action Against Hunger activated the rapid response mechanism of the SUPREME-BARMM project funded by the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).

With a commitment to provide quick life-saving and inclusive emergency assistance to hazard-affected communities, Action Against Hunger, through the SUPREME-BARMM consortium project has activated a rapid response mechanism (RRM) with the support of EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid. The response includes providing food relief to support affected farmers for at least one month, or until the El Niño impact subsides and the anticipated transition to La Niña occurs between June and August. The RRM aims to strengthen the capacity of local institutions and communities to respond to emergencies, enhancing their resilience and preparedness for future incidents.

Despite the dire circumstances, the resilience and unity of the community offer a glimmer of hope. Efforts from the local government along with other humanitarian actors are vital in mitigating the crisis. Quick response efforts focused on food security and livelihood support are more crucial now than ever.

The Strengthening Resilience through Early Warning System, Enhanced Anticipatory Action, and Multi-risk Landscape Approach in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SUPREME-BARMM) Project is funded by the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines CARE, Community Organizers Multiversity, Humanity & Inclusion, Manila Observatory People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network, Inc., Plan International, and Oxfam Pilipinas.

Written by Mark Dalin-as| Edited by Joyce Sandajan

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Restoring Cleanliness and Hope: How hygiene supplies go a long way in times of emergencies

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Leizel, 42, used to live a quiet and humble life in Barangay Mainit Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, with her husband and children. Their small store and her husband’s income were enough to meet their daily needs. However, their simple life took a complete turn almost overnight when continuous heavy rains caused severe flooding in their community, damaging their home and belongings.

While out of town in Cagayan de Oro City, Leizel received the heartbreaking news of their home’s destruction. Upon returning, she and her family found their possessions destroyed and their home unlivable. They were subsequently relocated to an evacuation center, where they had to adapt to life with limited access to basic needs.

Life at the evacuation center was particularly challenging for Leizel and her family. Accessing water required hours of waiting, and maintaining hygiene was difficult due to the lack of necessary supplies. They often had to line up for food, eating only once or twice a day depending on the availability of supplies.

Witnessing these struggles, Action Against Hunger provided hygiene kits through the ACCESS project funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Operations (ECHO) immediately after their displacement. These kits included essential items such as bath soap, laundry soap, shampoo, a plastic pail, a plastic dipper, a nail cutter, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and bath towels. On an average day, these items are often taken for granted. But, in times of crisis, they were instrumental in helping Leizel’s family maintain good hygiene during this difficult time.

I am immensely grateful to Action Against Hunger and ECHO for their support and commitment to helping people in need during emergencies. The hygiene kit has made a significant difference in our lives.

“The hygiene kit was a lifeline for us, as we were struggling to maintain our hygiene while being displaced from our homes due to an emergency,” said Leizel.

In photo: Action Against Hunger Field Officer shows to the beneficiaries of Barangay Mainit the contents of the hygiene kit.

Leizel expressed her deep gratitude for the support. “Dako kaayo akong pasalamat sa Action Against Hunger ug sa ECHO sa ilang suporta ug pagsalig sa pagtabang sa mga nagkinahanglan panahon sa emergency. Dako kaayo ang natabang sa hygiene kit sa amoa. (I am immensely grateful to Action Against Hunger and ECHO for their support and commitment to helping people in need during emergencies. The hygiene kit has made a significant difference in our lives.)”

Evacuees in Barangay Magsaysay in Nabunturan also received hygiene kits from Action Against Hunger through the ACCESS project.

Leizel stays strong for her family as they recover from the impacts of the flooding. She found solace in the kindness and support of volunteers and fellow evacuees, who became friends through their shared adversity. “Bisan pa adunay mga kalisod sa among pagpuyo sa evacuation center apan nahimo usab kini nga nagpamatood nga adunay kasingkasing sa pagkamaloloy-on. Nakita nako ang pagkamanggihatagon ug pagkahiusa sa mga volunteers ug uban pang evacuees. (Although residing in an evacuation center has presented difficulties, it has also served as evidence of humanity’s resilience and compassion. I have observed amazing acts of generosity and solidarity from volunteers and other evacuees, despite the uncertainty and discomfort),” she shares.

Beneficiaries from Barangay Bayabas attend a hygiene promotion session before receiving their hygiene kits.

ACCESS is funded by the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid and implemented by consortium members ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Humanity & Inclusion Philippines, Integrated Mindanaoans Association for Natives, Inc. (IMAN), Leading Individuals to Flourish and Thrive Inc. (LIFT), Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress, Inc. (MOSEP), Notre Dame of Jolo College, National Rural Women Coalition (PKKK), and Save the Children Philippines.


Written by Jenelyn Flores| Contributor: Edited by Joyce Sandajan

 

Responding to the Mindanao Flooding Crisis

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As Mindanao grapples with the aftermath of devastating flooding and landslides, Action Against Hunger is mobilizing to respond to the urgent needs of affected communities. The recent onslaught of heavy rains, warned by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on January 18, 2024, has left a trail of destruction in its wake, particularly in Agusan del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao Del Norte, and Davao Oriental, affecting nearly 1.1 million people and displacing 354,000 individuals.


In Davao De Oro (DDO), a tragic landslide incident buried vehicles and resulted in injuries, compounding the challenges faced by already vulnerable populations. Homes, agriculture, and infrastructure were severely damaged across the region. Despite efforts from the national government and humanitarian organizations, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) providing essential aid, the scale of the disaster requires additional resources and support with some provinces expressing the need for assistance to complement their response efforts.


Action Against Hunger has been on the ground since February 8 to identify the immediate humanitarian needs of those affected. Our Mission Emergency Response team has been coordinating with local authorities and partners to address the immediate needs of communities in distress. We have established contacts and partnerships in the affected provinces, enabling us to respond effectively and efficiently. As assessments continue and the need for assistance grows, Action Against Hunger is gearing up to provide vital relief to those affected.


Identified needs include food assistance, water, sanitation, shelter, healthcare, agricultural support, and fuel for cooking. Action Against Hunger is committed to addressing these needs comprehensively, focusing on the most vulnerable populations in evacuation centers and host communities. Our response will encompass a range of interventions, including food distribution, and water, sanitation & hygiene (WASH) initiatives.


One of the displaced families, Donabelle, shared her harrowing experience of the disaster. Pregnant and with her husband unable to work as a carpenter due to displacement, she faces an uncertain future in the evacuation center. The fear and uncertainty surrounding their situation are palpable, underscoring the urgent need for support and assistance.

Action Against Hunger’s next steps involve a targeted and coordinated response, prioritizing the most pressing needs of affected communities. With our teams mobilized and resources at the ready, we are poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those impacted by this tragedy.

With the support of the American people through the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, Action Against Hunger is initiating an emergency response to support flood-affected communities in the Davao Region. We will be providing immediate humanitarian aid in water, sanitation, & hygiene (WASH) in the next few days.

Our focus includes distributing emergency WASH kits, and multi-purpose cash assistance to support at least 7,500 people through this emergency response. We stand ready to provide hope and assistance to those in need during this challenging time.

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