The last time she experienced an earthquake of this scale was in the early years of her marriage. Today, Domana “Dagay” Sagli is 83 years old and the eldest in a household shared by four families, including many of her grandchildren. Since the earthquake struck Sarangani, she has not been able to sleep. With limited mobility, she is confined to her home, overcome by dizziness and fear each time the ground begins to shake.
In photo: Domana Sagli, 83 years-old, sits in front of the house she has lived in for 30 years (Photo by Ana Nico Clement for Action Against Hunger)
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Sarangani and nearby areas on the 8th of June 2026 in Mindanao caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, triggering landslides, and cutting off entire communities. Continuous aftershocks and heavy rains have further compounded risks, particularly for remote and already vulnerable populations.
Her son, Nalio, was tending to his farm when the earth, so familiar to him, began to tremble. Putting aside his own fear, he rushed down the mountain to reach his family. Together, they watched as the hill in front of their home crumbled in a landslide that has permanently altered the landscape. Even now, aftershocks and rains continue to trigger soil erosion, making the land increasingly unstable. For families like the Saglis, years of increasing flooding and environmental degradation had already made their surroundings more fragile, amplifying the impact of the disaster.
In photo: View from the Sagli family’s settlement where the landslide has taken away parts of their farming land. (Photo by Ana Nico Clement for Action Against Hunger)
The family has lived on this land for 30 years but over time, the risks have grown. Each year, the water level rises higher, sometimes reaching their home.
“Last year, the water level reached our knees. Our comfort room was washed away,” Nalio recalls. “This time, most of the damage was to our trees.”
When he returned to check on his crops, the losses were clear.
“The crops are damaged. I lost about 200 banana trees. We don’t know how we will keep working. Our livelihood is what will suffer the most.”
With crops destroyed and income disrupted, accessing sufficient food has become increasingly difficult.
In photo: Inside the kitchen of the Sagli family home. (Photo by Ana Nico Clement for Action Against Hunger)
“We have not received any food so far, so we buy at the store and ask to pay later on,” the family shares.
In photo: Domana (right) and Nalio (left) Sagli, mother and son, around a table in their home in Purok Malaygang, Barangay Sapu Masla, Malapatan, Sarangani. (Photo by Ana Nico Clement for Action Against Hunger)
Their situation is further complicated by the isolation of Purok Malaygang, home to the Blaan indigenous community. Normally accessible by crossing a bridge, the area has been cut off since the earthquake destroyed this vital connection. For several days, the passage was not possible, and the few nearby markets remained closed. It has been difficult for families to move and for humanitarian assistance to reach them.
With funding from the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid through the ACCESS consortium’s rapid response mechanism, Action Against Hunger and the Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress (MOSEP) are reaching communities to deliver food kits to the Sagli family and other affected households. Designed to provide immediate life-saving assistance during crises, ACCESS enables rapid support to communities facing sudden shocks, while laying out the groundwork for continued recovery assistance.
In photo: Action Against Hunger’s ACCESS Emergency Response team member presents the food kit to the family. (Photo by Ana Nico Clement for Action Against Hunger)
The delivery of food brings a moment of relief and hope to a family doing its best to cope with compounding shocks. But recovery will take time. For the Sagli family, it is not only about rebuilding what was lost but learning to live with the uncertainty of a landscape that continues to shift beneath them.
Nalio describes the psychological toll:
“Yesterday, there was a big aftershock when I went back. I almost jumped from the trauma. I am still terrified every time I feel it again.”
Children are also struggling to cope.
“When they experience aftershocks, they don’t know where to go and run away.”
These reactions highlight the urgent need for mental health and psychosocial support, particularly for children and older people who are among the most affected. Action Against Hunger is prepared to respond to these needs and support affected communities in their recovery.
Their experience reflects that of many families across affected areas, where loss, fear, and uncertainty continue in the days following the quake. Beyond immediate food shortages, communities face compounded challenges, including loss of livelihoods, unsafe living conditions, limited access to markets and safe drinking water, and increasing psychosocial distress.
As aftershocks persist and access remains fragile, sustained support will be critical. Action Against Hunger remains on the ground in Sarangani, working alongside communities to ensure that recovery reaches even the most isolated, supporting those like the Sagli family, not only to meet immediate needs, but to regain a sense of security.
In photo: Sagli family opening the contents of their food kits. The landslide can be observed in the background (Photo by Ana Nico Clement for Action Against Hunger).
About the response:
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).
Written by: Ana Nico Clement Edited by: Joyce Sandajan
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PH_2026-0614_Ana-Nico-Clement_M7.8-EQ-VFF_Sagli-Family-16-scaled.jpg25601702Adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAdmin2026-06-23 00:47:092026-06-24 23:20:07Family Navigates Loss, Fear, and Recovery in Sarangani
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
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PH_D3CG_2026-0331_Joyce-Sandajan_WASH-support-to-rural-health-unit-in-BARMM-103-scaled.jpg17022560Adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAdmin2026-06-18 09:40:362026-06-19 20:12:56Clean water, caring hands: Two women working for children’s health in Mindanao
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
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Water-Heroes_World-Water-Day_main-photo-website.png6301200Adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAdmin2026-03-19 09:24:182026-03-19 09:24:18Water for Equality: A School Where Girls Can Learn with Dignity
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).
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/photo_2025-12-23_09-21-15.jpg1280960Adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAdmin2026-03-17 04:04:402026-03-17 04:04:40Finding space to learn: How a safe and dignified classroom is helping young mothers like Riza stay in school
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.
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.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PH_2026_Wendie-Gona-for-Womens-Day_MartinaVercoli-5-scaled.jpg17072560Adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAdmin2026-03-05 07:10:222026-03-10 09:29:56Give to Gain: A Woman’s Commitment to Multiplying Impact
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.
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).
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Hasna-Alilaya-1.jpg7021280Adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAdmin2026-02-06 05:58:192026-02-06 05:58:19Teaching for the Community, inspired by the Community: A Teacher’s Commitment in a Flood-Prone Community
Held by hope: Two stories of survival during Typhoon Tino
Razell, 33, and their family friend Kyle, 14, live in Barangay Cabadiangan, Compostela, Cebu with their families. When Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) struck their community, they never imagined that the nearby watercourse would overflow so quickly, washing away homes in the community, destroying most of their belongings, and jeopardizing lives.
The 3rd of November, 2025 is a night they will remember for the rest of their lives. Razell and Kyle recall their experiences of that night, and how they struggled to save themselves and the people they care about. Through their stories, Razell and Kyle offer two perspectives on the same life-threatening event, capturing fear, resilience, and survival in the face of unimaginable danger.
Razell’s fight to keep her family alive
In photo: Razell shares her story with Action Against Hunger staff from the night Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) struck her community. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
COMPOSTELA, CEBU – Razell, 33, lives in Barangay Cabadiangan with her two daughters. In the height of Typhoon Tino’s storm surge, her youngest daughter, Scarlett, was quickly swept away by the floodwaters while trying to reach a shelter located in an elevated area of their community. Razell managed to take refuge on a neighbor’s roof. From there, she watched in fear as Kyle, a 14-year-old family friend, bravely risked his own life to save her daughter.
Razell lives with her two daughters in their home in the municipality of Compostela, Cebu. The family usually manages on their own, as Razell’s husband works as a seafarer and spends most of the year away from home, sending money to support the family. Alongside caring for her household, Razell works remotely as a virtual assistant and earns additional income by baking cakes on commission. When Typhoon Tino struck, her husband was working outside Cebu and was not there when the disaster occurred.
In the early hours of the morning, Razell was alone with her daughters when their lives were suddenly put at risk by the tragedy that was about to happen.
The night Typhoon Tino struck
It was around 2 in the morning on the 4th of November 2025 when Typhoon Tino started tearing through their community, Razell recalls. She and her daughters were asleep when strong winds and heavy rain woke them suddenly. “My eldest daughter began crying and shaking in fear, calling out for her father,” Razell recalls. The family was unable to go back to sleep as the storm intensified.
When floodwater began seeping into their home, they tried to lift their belongings onto cabinets and drawers, hoping the water would not rise any higher. But the nearby river quickly overflowed, and the water continued to climb at an alarming pace.
Realizing the danger was becoming real, Razell decided to evacuate immediately. She took her daughters and rushed to the nearby house of her sister, Roxane, hoping it would be safer. They reached Roxane’s house before help arrived, but the floodwaters followed them faster than expected. Within two hours, the water surged even higher, swallowing the house and turning the surrounding area into a powerful, fast-moving current.
As conditions worsened, Kyle, a 14-year-old family friend who lived in a higher part of the community, arrived with Razell’s cousin to help evacuate those trapped in the house. Kyle immediately stepped in to help everyone get out. He first assisted Razell’s eldest daughter and Roxane, helping them move toward an uphill area where the water was less dangerous.
Scarlett, Razell’s younger daughter, was still inside Roxane’s house with her mother, waiting for her turn to be brought to safety. Seeing how dangerous the situation had become, Razell insisted that her cousin and Kyle focus entirely on getting Scarlett out first, even if it meant leaving her behind.
As Kyle and the cousin attempted to bring Scarlett to the safer area, a powerful surge of floodwater struck without warning. In a matter of seconds, they were violently separated. Razell was no longer with them when it happened. She later saw her cousin clinging to a coconut tree, fighting to save his own life, while Kyle and Scarlett were swept away by the rushing water and disappeared into the darkness.
“At that moment, I didn’t care about the house or my belongings, even though many pivotal things were in there,” Razell shares. “My life and my daughters’ lives were more important.”
In photo: Razell and her daughter Scarlett share their stories with Action Against Hunger staff from the night Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) struck their community. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
By around 5 a.m., Razell managed to climb onto the roof of a neighboring house. From there, she witnessed people desperately clinging to coconut trees as floodwaters raged below. “At first, I thought it was strange,” she says. “I asked myself, are people going to get coconuts now? Then I realized they were clinging to survive. I was shocked.”
n photo: personal belongings soaked in mud next to Razell’s sister’s house in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi). Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
In the darkness, she caught sight of Kyle and Scarlett again, struggling in the water. “When I opened my eyes, I saw Kyle and Scarlett, and they were sinking,” she recalls. Believing she was witnessing their final moments, Razell prayed relentlessly. “I thought they were dead. I thought they were gone.”
The wind continued to strengthen, bamboo trees were uprooted, and debris crashed into houses. Standing on the roof, Razell feared it might collapse beneath her. Between 6 and 9 a.m., the floodwaters slowly began to recede. The wind weakened, but the cold was unbearable. “I kept praying out loud even though I had no voice,” she says.
When she saw residents moving around with ropes to rescue survivors, hope returned. “I thought, someone made it alive,” Razell recalls. “I prayed that the survivor would be my daughter.”
When she finally learned that Scarlett had survived, she could hardly believe it. After being swept away, Scarlett had been lifted onto a pomelo tree by Kyle, where she stayed until help arrived. “In that moment, I felt the biggest joy a parent could ever feel,” Razell says. “It was truly a miracle.”
During the chaos of that night, Razell also saw her older brother, Rodel, as his house began to collapse. “I saw him fall into the floodwaters and disappear,” she remembers. Thankfully, he managed to climb onto a large tree and survive. After the ordeal, all family members were accounted for.
In photo: Action Against Hunger staff walks with Razell towards what now remains of her house destroyed by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) Their old house in Compostela, Cebu, now a pile of debris covered in a blue tarp. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
Life after the storm and the road to recovery
In the days following the disaster, the challenges continued for Razell and her family. From an emotional point of view, the trauma of the event was still present, according to Razell. Scarlett, her youngest daughter, did not speak for several days after what happened.
Their home had been completely washed away; they had no clean and dry clothes. According to Razell, the loss of undergarments, made it especially difficult for the women in the community to manage their menstrual needs: “Since we no longer had any underwear, we had to attach the disposable pads directly to the only dry pair of trousers we had left.” Nevertheless, despite the initial difficulties, she recalls volunteers distributing disposable pads days after Typhoon Tino struck.
“Immediately after the typhoon, we badly needed water and dry clothes. That was the priority for my family… My house was destroyed. Everything I had spent my money on [for income], like my baking tools and my laptop, was gone.”
To seek support, she decided then to go with her daughters to her husband’s family house in Compostela, and they were provided with dry clothes and safe water. “Immediately after the typhoon, we badly needed water and dry clothes. That was the priority for my family.”
“My house was destroyed. Everything I had spent my money on, like my baking tools and my laptop, was gone,” she said, expressing particular sadness over the loss of these belongings since before the typhoon, which were a means to gain income.
With financial help from friends and family, she managed to have her laptop repaired, a crucial tool for her work. “Today, one month after the typhoon, is my first day working again after what has happened.”
With the cash assistance received from Action Against Hunger, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Razell was able to buy groceries, spices, fruits, meat, and replace lost essential items such as shoes, clothes, and underwear. “We were able to buy something nutritious and get a varied diet instead of instant noodles, which had started to irritate our mouths,” she says. She shared everything she bought with her entire family, even though for weeks, she admits: “We struggled with appetite loss due to the trauma of what we had endured.”
In photo: Razell walks into what remains of her house destroyed by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) in Barangay Cabadiangan, Compostela, Cebu. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
In photo: Razell and her daughter Scarlett beside their home comfort room destroyed by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) in Barangay Cabadiangan, Compostela, Cebu. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
With the support received from friends and organizations such as Action Against Hunger, Razell was able to recover from what she and her family had to endure that night.
“I am aware that without this support, my family’s recovery would have been slower and more difficult.”
In photo: Razell and her daughters share their stories with Action Against Hunger staff from the night Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) struck their community. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
Looking ahead, Razell hopes to rebuild her home and return to a sense of normalcy. Currently, she and her daughter’s are staying with her sister, Roxanne. She plans to purchase materials to reconstruct their house and continue providing nutritious food for her daughters as they slowly heal from the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino.
A young life saves another: Kyle’s story of courage
In photo: Kyle in front of his house in Barangay Cabadiangan, Compostela, Cebu. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
Kyle, a 14-year-old Grade 8 student, lives with his family of nine in the elevated part of Barangay Cabadiangan, Compostela, Cebu. His family has long shared a close bond with Razell’s family. On the night Typhoon Tino struck, Kyle was in a relatively safe area, away from the rising floodwaters. Even so, he made the conscious decision to go back down to help others, choosing to put their safety above his own.
Kyle’s household is composed of nine members, including six sisters and his parents. His father works in construction on an on-call basis to support the family, facing several challenges in providing a stable monthly income, while his mother takes care of the home. They live in a house situated in an elevated part of their community. Normally, his daily life as a 14-year-old grade 8 student is quite simple. He spends most of his time at school, where he serves as a class representative, and playing basketball with his friends, his favorite sport.
In photo: The uphill path to the Kyle family house in Barangay Cabadiangan, Compostela, Cebu. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
When the floodwaters began to rise that night, Kyle’s first instinct was to check on his own family. They live in the uphill part of the barangay, and after making sure they were safe, Kyle headed back downhill. He wanted to check on their motorcycle, but when he reached it, he saw it was already floating in the floodwater.
Realizing how serious the situation had become, Kyle went straight to the nearby house of Roxane, Razell’s sister, where several family members had gathered. The water was rising fast. Without hesitation, Kyle began helping people evacuate. He assisted Roxane and Razell’s eldest daughter through the floodwaters and brought them to higher ground near his home.
After escorting them to safety, Kyle went back again. The water was already at neck level, and the ground was slippery and muddy. He saw Razell’s cousin struggling to move with Scarlett, Razell’s younger daughter.
In photo: Razell and Kyle share their stories with Action Against Hunger staff about the night Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) struck their community. The discussion takes place near Kyle’s uphill house, where he evacuated the people, he managed to save. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
Conditions were extremely dangerous, but Kyle did not turn back.
While they were struggling to move uphill because of the slippery and muddy ground, a strong surge of water struck them and violently separated them from the rest of the group. Scarlett was quickly swept away by the strong current.
“He truly risked his own life. He never left Scarlett alone. I thought my daughter was already gone, but he saved her life.” – Razell
Kyle did not hesitate. He immediately swam after her and managed to reach her in the rushing water. For a moment, they climbed onto a damaged piggery structure, but it collapsed and was carried away, pulling them back under. “It was very hard to stay afloat because the water current was so strong,” Kyle recalls.
Still holding Scarlett tightly, Kyle reached a coconut tree and clung to it as the floodwaters continued to surge. In his mind, there was only one thought: “I will secure Scarlett’s life even if I will die.”
Kyle then lifted Scarlett onto a nearby pomelo tree to keep her safe. Afraid the branches would break if they both climbed at once, he stayed below at first, holding onto a floating tree trunk. Eventually, he found support and climbed up beside her. They remained there together as the water slowly began to subside. “I remember the water being very cold,” Kyle mentioned. “With our clothes soaked, we were freezing.”
In photo: Kyle points to the pomelo tree he climbed and lifted Scarlett onto to save her life when Typhoon Tino struck their community in Barangay Cabadiangan, Compostela, Cebu. Photo by Pive Flor Tabique for Action Against Hunger.
When the floodwaters finally receded, their families and neighbors searched for a rope and were able to rescue them.
Later, Razell described Kyle as a real-life hero. “I can’t imagine burying my own daughter,” she said. “He truly risked his own life. He never left Scarlett alone. I thought my daughter was already gone, but he saved her life.”
Challenges and recovery after Typhoon Tino
More than a month later, Kyle shares that he still experiences trauma from heavy rain and remains constantly afraid that the same terrifying night could happen again. At such a young age, it was the first time he had ever experienced anything like that, let alone saved lives.
Kyle returned to school two weeks after the typhoon. Among his classmates, he was the only one who experienced such extreme flooding, as most had pre-emptively evacuated. His family had not evacuated ahead of the typhoon, believing they were safe because their house was in an uphill area and expecting only strong winds.
In photo: Kyle in front of his house in Barangay Cabadiangan, Compostela, Cebu. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
In the aftermath, volunteers distributed food to affected families, and neighbors shared what little they had. The solidarity within the community helped them survive the difficult days that followed.
“I would be happy to do any job that allows me to save people’s lives during emergencies.” – Kyle
Despite this, Kyle’s family continues to face challenges since their house has no proper bathroom, and the roof was badly damaged by the typhoon’s strong winds.
To assist in their recovery, Kyle’s family received cash assistance from Action Against Hunger, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). They plan to use the support to repair their roof, buy nutritious food such as meat and fruits, and replace essential items, including clothes and shoes lost during the disaster.
Looking ahead, Kyle hopes to move beyond the trauma and return to what he loves most: going to school and playing basketball. “I would like to become a professional basketball player on the Philippine national team,” he says. “That is my dream. Or I would be happy to do any job that allows me to save people’s lives during emergencies.”
Despite the fear and trauma left by that night, Kyle continues to move forward with quiet determination. Supported by his family, his community, and the assistance they received after the typhoon, he is slowly reclaiming a sense of normalcy.
In photo: Kyle shares his experience during the night he and others almost lost their lives to Typhoon Tino. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
What happened during Typhoon Tino will always be part of his story, but it does not define his future. For him, the path ahead is one of healing, learning, and holding on to the same courage that led him to protect another life when it mattered most.
Written and Photos by: Martina Vercoli Edited by: Joyce Sandajan Contributor: Pive Flor Tabique
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/4.jpg10001500Adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAdmin2026-01-13 03:43:372026-01-13 07:07:28Held by hope: Two stories of survival during Typhoon Tino
In the Aeta community of Sitio Banaba, survival has always meant carrying heavy loads up steep slopes, gathering food from the mountains, and stretching every peso to buy rice at triple its price in town. But everything worsened after the series of storms in July 2025, when Pampanga declared a state of calamity due to widespread flooding and blocked roads.
“When the rains didn’t stop, everything flooded,” shares 70-year-old Ebyang Canduli. “The roads turned into mud. Trees fell. A small landslide had blocked the road going to the town proper. There were rocks and debris, and the dirt road became very muddy. We couldn’t go to the town at all.”
The successive impacts of Tropical Cyclones Bising, Crising, Dante, and Emong, combined with the intensified southwest monsoon, affected hundreds of barangays and submerged low-lying lying communities. For remote sitios like Banaba—already isolated by uphill terrain and unpaved roads—the blockages meant no food, no access to the market, and no income for days.
The Canduli family lives in one household composed of Ebyang; her long-time partner Ide (50); her mother Sylvia (80); her youngest daughter Batic (22), and Batic’s partner and one year-old child. Ebyang’s son Bernabe (27) lives nearby with his wife and their two small children.
In photo: Ebyang and her family stand outside their home in Sitio Banaba, Barangay Sapang Uwak in Porac, Pampanga. (Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger)
During Typhoon Emong, Ebyang and her family sought refuge in the silong, the small two- to three-foot open space beneath their raised house on stilts. The winds were so strong that they feared the entire structure would be blown away, and that cramped area felt like the safest place they could stay. They remained there overnight until the storm finally weakened. When they emerged, they found their home, made mostly of wood, bamboo, and other light materials, partially damaged, with their entire kitchen almost gone.
In photo: Bernard sits on the ladder leading up to his parents’ house. Behind him is the small crawl space where his mother, sister, niece and nephew hid during the typhoon. (Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger)
For Ebyang, the damage left by Emong was not just another repair to face but a reminder of how exposed their family remains each time a disaster strikes. The storm brought back memories of previous hardships, shaping the story of how they came to live where they are now.
Ebyang’s family was originally from Sitio Batis in Sapang Uwak but were relocated years ago when the land was sold and later developed. “Life became harder in Sitio Banaba,” Ebyang recalls. “There was no cement, no road. My father would carry banana hearts just to feed us. Sometimes, we didn’t eat for days,” said Bernabe.
In photo: Ebyang and her family stand inside their home in Sitio Banaba, Barangay Sapang Uwak in Porac, Pampanga. (Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger)
The family has survived many crises—from the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, which forced them to evacuate to Nueva Ecija for three years, to regular typhoons that destroy their crops and worsen hunger. But July 2025 felt different—the storms completely cut them off from everyone.
Work that begins before sunrise
Even before the storms, food scarcity was a part of daily life for Ebyang and her family.
“Rice here is very expensive—300 pesos for just a few scoops,” she explains. Health workers rarely reach their sitio, and children’s check-ups are irregular, making access to basic care a constant challenge.
The family’s main source of income comes from selling what they grow, such as avocados, when they are ready to harvest. Sometimes, Bernabe and his father take on labor jobs planting or doing other work on the land of non-IP families in the community. From this, they would earn around 300 pesos a day, which is less than five euros, if work is available. This, however, was not regular employment, and they would only go when someone called on them to work.
Their closest thing to steady work is harvesting puso ng saging or banana hearts. “Our regular work is collecting banana hearts, but it is very difficult because the trees are far up in the mountains, near Mount Pinatubo,” Ebyang explains. The trek can take up to five hours through overgrown trails, where snakes are a constant threat. “Sometimes it takes us the whole day to fill a sack, and we skip meals just to have enough time to gather them.”
“After the storms, the trail going there was too slippery, but we still went—because the children needed to eat,” Ebyang adds. Even after a full day of walking, searching, and carrying heavy sacks, the family earns only 200 to 400 pesos (three to six euros), that is if they are able to sell them. Buyers sometimes do not even come, as motorcycles struggle to navigate the rocky, steep, and muddy terrain of barangay Sapang Uwak, specifically, since Sitio Banaba is further up the barangay.
Many days, the family survives on taro, sweet potatoes, or bananas. Breakfast is often skipped, and meat or fish is a rare luxury. When they run out of food entirely, they borrow rice from neighbors. When others run out, they lend whatever little they have in return, an unspoken system of mutual survival that keeps the community going.
Their second-hand motorcycle, which Bernabe saved for three years to buy, is their lifeline. Repairs are frequent and costly, but it allows them to reach town whenever they manage to earn even a little money from selling harvested crops. During good months, their avocado trees can bring in up to 5,000 pesos, or around 73 euros, but this only happens once a year. Most days, earnings barely cover food.
In photo: Bernard, Ebyang’s son, with his motorcycle which he spent three years saving up for. Despite the maintenance costs that they have invested in it, they put high value on this motorcycle as it serves as their main transportation to go to and from the barangay. (Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger.
“We want to save for our house,” Bernabe says. “Our bamboo and wood posts rot every few years because of the storms. I dream of having even half of it cemented so we don’t have to rebuild again and again.”
With food on the table, they can focus more on their future
When ACCESS, through Action Against Hunger, reached Sitio Banaba as part of the emergency response funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), it was the much-needed assistance the community received after the July calamities, according to Ebyang and her son, Bernabe.
In photo: Ebyang and her family stand outside their home in Sitio Banaba, Barangay Sapang Uwak in Porac, Pampanga. (Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger)
“That’s why we are thankful,” says Ebyang. “They reached us even if our sitio is very far. It means a lot to be remembered.”
On the morning of the payout, Ebyang, Bernabe, and Silvia arrived early at the financial service provider. After receiving the cash assistance, they went straight to the nearby market to buy food supplies. With the support, the family was able to purchase vegetables, meat, eggs, sugar, coffee, and half a sack of rice.
Ebyang did not spend the entire amount in one trip. She expects the food to last nearly three weeks and plans to return to the market when it runs out. At every store, she carefully kept the receipts. One vendor even remarked that it was the first time they had seen Ebyang and her family buy so many food supplies.
In photo: Ebyang buys rice in the nearby market after receiving the cash assistance form ACCESS. (Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger)
“This is the first time in so long that we’ve been able to buy this much food,” Bernabe says. “Now, whatever we earn, we can save for house repairs or for the children’s needs.”
With food no longer their daily worry, the family can plan for the future—whether it is fixing their home, saving for school expenses, or preparing for the next storm season.
For the Candulis and their neighbors, the ACCESS assistance meant having the essentials they needed to get through a difficult period after months of isolation and limited resources.
ABOUT THE RESPONSE
The ACCESS Emergency Response provided urgent support to communities affected by the successive impacts of Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, Emong, and the intensified southwest monsoon in July 2025. Across Bataan, Pampanga, and Occidental Mindoro, the response delivered water, sanitation, and hygiene support; multi-purpose cash assistance; and protection services. It prioritized the most vulnerable families, especially Indigenous Peoples in remote and underserved areas.
ACCESS—Assisting the Most Vulnerable Communities and Schools Affected by Complex Emergencies in Accessing Quality and Timely Humanitarian and Disaster Preparedness Services—is a multi-year and multi-organization humanitarian initiative implemented by ACCORD, Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines, Humanity & Inclusion Philippines, Oxfam Pilipinas, People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network, Plan International Pilipinas, and Save the Children Philippines.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ACCESS_Pampanga_Cyclones-Crising-Dante-Emong-ER_Ebyangs-Story_Joyce-Sandajan-AAH-15.jpg10001500Adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAdmin2026-01-07 09:00:452026-01-22 07:14:14Storms, Scarcity, Strength: A Family’s Story from an IP Community in Pampanga
DATU ANGGAL MIDTIMBANG, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — In Barangay Mapayag, where resources have long been scarce, midwife Zei has become a constant presence, ensuring mothers and children receive the care they need.
For more than a decade, Zei, 53, has walked the extra mile—literally and figuratively—for her community. A midwife at the health station in Barangay Mapayag, Zei travels two hours every day from her home in Sultan Kudarat just to open the small facility that caters to more than 3,700 residents.
In photo: Before assessing a child’s nutritional status, the Zei carefully gathers essential details such as medical history, appetite, and overall health condition. Photo by Moner Dipatuan for Action Against Hunger
Her commitment to her work never wavered, yet the conditions she faced each day were far from ideal. For years, the barangay health station in Mapayag struggled without a reliable water supply. Maintaining basic sanitation and hygiene, which is a necessity in any health facility, became a constant uphill battle.
“I buy two big buckets from a water truck every week for fifty pesos. Sometimes, when it rains, we collect water just so we have something for cleaning.” – Zei, Midwife
Zei bore much of the cost herself, spending around fifty pesos a week from her modest salary to buy water from a truck, just to keep the health station clean. She claims, “mula pa noong 2013, wala pong sariling tubig ang BHS. Ang ginagawa ko, bumibili ako ng tubig mula sa water truck—dalawang malaking balde, bale fifty pesos iyon bawat linggo. Minsan kapag umuulan, nag-iipon din po kami para may magamit panglinis” (Since 2013, the BHS hasn’t had its own water supply. I buy two big buckets from a water truck every week for fifty pesos. Sometimes, when it rains, we collect water just so we have something for cleaning.)
n photo: A child’s weight, height, and MUAC are measured to monitor nutritional status and check for signs of malnutrition. Photo by Moner Dipatuan for Action Against Hunger
The strain was not hers alone to carry. Families who came to the health station also shared the burden, especially expectant mothers. Zei shares that “kapag may naganganak, pinapadala ko ang husband or kamag-anak nung manganganak ng dalawa hanggang tatlong timba ng tubig para may malinis na magamit” (Whenever someone is about to give birth, I would ask the husband or relatives to bring two to three buckets of water so we would have clean water to use.)
“Before, I had to close the BHS as early as 3PM. I worried about the lack of light, the lack of water, and my safety if I stayed longer. So when emergencies happened at night, people went straight to the hospital because the BHS was closed.”
By 2017, another challenge made the situation even more difficult: the health station lost electricity. Without power, the facility was plunged into darkness by late afternoon, forcing Zei to close as early as 3 PM.
The lack of lighting not only limited services but also raised safety concerns. Emergencies that occurred at night went unanswered, leaving families with no option but to travel far to the nearest hospital.
“Dati maaga pa lang, mga 3PM, nagko-close na po ako ng BHS. Concern ko talaga yung walang ilaw, walang tubig, iniisip ko rin ang safety ko if mag-stay dito. Kaya pag gabi na may emergencies, diretso na ang mga tao sa hospital kasi sarado ang BHS” (Before, I had to close the BHS as early as 3PM. I worried about the lack of light, the lack of water, and my safety if I stayed longer. So when emergencies happened at night, people went straight to the hospital because the BHS was closed,) she added.
Despite these hardships, Zei pressed on—often improvising with outdated or makeshift equipment, and carrying the weight of her community’s needs almost entirely on her own.
In 2025, UNICEF, together with Action Against Hunger, began formally working with the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through the project “Strengthening Health and Nutrition Service Delivery Capacities in Early Learning, Alternative Learning, and Community Health,” supported by funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The project seeks to enhance the capacity of Early Childhood Care and Development facilities to deliver essential health, nutrition, and water, sanitation & hygiene services. Through this initiative, the BHS in Mapayag started experiencing long-awaited improvements in its facilities and services.
“This project by Action Against Hunger and UNICEF has been such a huge help. First of all, we now have water both inside and outside the BHS. I no longer need to buy or fetch it myself.”
In Mapayag, one of the first major changes was access to water. A rainwater catchment system was installed and connected through piped water to the health station. Handwashing stations were also built—both inside and outside the facility—for the use of staff and patients alike. For the first time in more than a decade, Zei no longer had to buy or fetch water herself.
Families also felt the difference, as they no longer needed to bring buckets during childbirth. “Sa tulong po na ito, I hope na mas marami pa ang mga taong maserbisyuhan, makita nila ang kahalagahan ng kalusugan, lalo na sa mga bata” (Because of this support, I truly hope that more people will be served and that they will come to recognize the importance of health, especially for their children,) said Zei.
Another long-awaited change came with the installation of solar power.
The provision of a solar panel system, complete with battery and inverter, meant that the health station could finally function even after dark.
For Zei, this was a turning point—allowing her to stay at the BHS 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday. Emergencies at night could now be attended to within the community, rather than requiring long trips to distant hospitals.
She shares, “ngayon, kahit may manganak ng gabi o madaling araw, andito ako. Open po ang BHS” (Now, even if someone gives birth late at night or early in the morning, I’m here. The BHS is open.)
“Now, even if someone gives birth late at night or early in the morning, I’m here. The BHS is open [..] Since we were trained under PIMAM, I now know the proper way to check children. Even the barangay health workers and nutrition scholars are more confident now and I have more support.”
The project also addressed small but crucial details that affected daily health practices. Soap and cleaning materials were provided to help maintain hygiene standards. Drainage issues behind the facility, once a source of stagnant water and potential disease, were resolved through a proper soak pit system.
Patients visiting the BHS could now wash their hands easily, helping promote better hygiene behaviors such as frequent handwashing and safe waste disposal.
In photo: The rain water catchment system in the barangay health station of Mapayag. Hygiene advocacy materials were also placed near the handwashing station. Photo by Moner Dipatuan for Action Against Hunger
Equally important were the tools that made Zei and her colleagues’ work more accurate and effective.
For years, they had been using improvised equipment—bathroom scales meant for adults to weigh children, and torn paper charts taped to the wall as makeshift height boards. With new anthropometric tools such as height boards, weighing scales, and MUAC tapes, health workers could now properly monitor children’s growth and detect malnutrition early.
Training and capacity building completed the transformation. Barangay health workers (BHWs) and barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) received guidance that gave them more confidence in assisting Zei.
“Since we were trained under PIMAM, alam ko na po ang proper way ng pag-check sa bata. Kahit ang mga BHW at BNS ngayon, confident na sila. Hindi na ako lahat ang gumagawa gaya ng dati” (Since we were trained under PIMAM, I now know the proper way to check children. Even the barangay health workers and nutrition scholars are more confident now and I have more support,) Zei added.
In photo: Zei administers routine immunizations, conducted every Wednesday at the BHS. Photo by Moner Dipatuan for Action Against Hunger
The results are clear in the numbers: immunization rates in Mapayag rose from 39 in July to 76 percent by August 2025, while the number of consultations nearly doubled within the same period. Mothers who previously resisted bringing their children now come voluntarily.
Zei explains, “ngayon din po, ‘yong mga nanay ng mga batang mahirap papuntahin dito sa BHS at magpa immunize ng anak nila, ay pumupunta na po dito sa BHS at hindi na kailangan pilitin at balik-balikan. Siguro dahil narinig nila yung tulong na ginawa ng Action Against hunger at UNICEF, pati ang pagbabago dito sa BHS ay na-engganyo na silang pumunta dito na di na kailangan pilitin katulad dati” (These days, even mothers from farther side of the barangay, those we usually struggle to convince, are now coming to the barangay health station to have their children immunized. We no longer need to convince them or follow up repeatedly. I think it’s because they’ve heard about the support provided by Action Against Hunger and UNICEF, and they’ve seen the improvements made to the BHS. The changes have encouraged them to come voluntarily—unlike before, when it was a struggle to get them here.)
Her colleagues in other barangays have also taken notice. “Madalas sinasabi nila, blessed daw ako at ang BHS namin kasi kami ang napiling tulungan. Sana matulungan din ang ibang BHS na nangangailangan ng parehong support” (Other midwives often say how blessed I am, that our BHS was chosen to receive support. I hope other health stations in need will also be helped in the same way,) said Zei.
“We no longer need to convince them or follow up repeatedly. I think it’s because they’ve heard about the support provided by Action Against Hunger and UNICEF, and they’ve seen the improvements made to the BHS. The changes have encouraged them to come voluntarily—unlike before, when it was a struggle to get them here.”
For Zei, the transformation of the health station in Mapayag is more than just about infrastructure—it is about dignity, safety, and hope.
Families who once had to endure long travel for care now find reliable support close to home. And for the midwife who has walked this journey for over a decade, the changes have strengthened her resolve to keep serving.
*PIMAM – Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition
The “Strengthening Health and Nutrition Service Delivery Capacities in Early Learning, Alternative Learning, and Community Health” project is implemented by Action Against Hunger together with UNICEF, thanks to the funding support of the Korean government through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Photo-3_HCF-as-Birthing-Clinic.jpg20481536Adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAdmin2026-01-07 03:03:062026-01-07 03:03:06Lighting the way for health: A midwife’s journey to bring safer health services to mothers and children in Mapayag
COMPOSTELA, CEBU – When Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) hit Barangay Mulao in Compostela, several families lost what was most precious to them, caught in violent flooding they had never expected from what they thought would be just strong winds. Among them was Emily (45), who had experienced what no parent should ever have to endure: losing three of her six children, with one still missing.
Emily lives in Barangay Mulao, Compostela, Cebu, where she cares for her household and her family of eight, including six children. Together with her husband, she helps manage the calamansi fields and a piggery farm near their home, working alongside other farmers.
Having endured powerful storms before, including Yolanda and Odette, she mentions that nothing compares to the flooding that struck her community in the early morning of November 4.
The night prior, she and her husband slept in their home, while some of their children stayed somewhere else. They decided that four of their children were to sleep in a nearby two-story concrete house close to a watercourse for the night, as they initially thought it was safer and more resistant to the storm. The children stayed with 11 other people, including neighbors and calamansi field workers.
In photo: Emily walks into what remains of the house destroyed by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) in Barangay Mulao, Compostela, Cebu, where four of her children had taken shelter on the night the disaster struck. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
A tragedy unfolding
The morning the Typhoon Tino hit, at around 4:00 a.m., Emily recalls the floodwaters rising rapidly inside their home, reaching her waist in a matter of moments. She saw two of her children in the nearby piggery, desperately trying to save their pigs. The water continued to rise until it reached chest level, and the current grew so strong that she could no longer move.
Worried about her other four children, who were staying in the other house, they desperately tried to reach them. The current, however, was dangerously strong. It forced them to take different paths and roads, but they were still unable to reach the house.
At one point, Emily’s husband even tried to swim toward the house, but the situation was too dangerous; he realized that if he had co
ntinued, he could have lost his life. Together, they decided to wait for the water to subside.
“We recommended our children to stay in that house because we believed it would withstand the storm and provide safety,” adds, Emily.
By around 6:00 a.m., when the water had slightly receded, Emily and her husband managed to leave their home. They immediately went to check the concrete house where their four children were staying, hoping everyone had remained safe through the worst of the storm.
“When we arrived, the entire house was gone. Nothing remained, not even the walls,” states, Emily.
In photo: The house destroyed by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) in Barangay Mulao, Compostela, Cebu, where four of her children had taken shelter on the night the disaster struck. This photo was taken one month after the Typhoon. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
Emily and her husband began walking along the river in search of their missing children and the others who had been inside the house. They walked from their barangay, Mulao, toward Barangay Cabadiangan, following the watercourse path, digging through mud and debris along the way. On the trail, they discovered their 22-year-old daughter, which Emily was able to recognize through her clothing.
“We saw only minor bruises on her body, so we attempted CPR, hoping she might still be alive,” shares, Emily.
That day, they desperately walked until 4 in the afternoon, hoping to find their other missing children alive. Three days later, they found another of their daughters, while their 9-year-old son was found another day later; both unfortunately had also lost their lives.
In photo: Remaining items of Emily’s children, outside their family home in Barangay Mulao, Compostela, Cebu. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
Their youngest, 6-year-old Jayde, remains missing to this day, and Emily and her husband continue to search for her.
“I hope someone found Jayde and, not knowing who she is, is taking care of her,” Emily says.
That night, only one person inside the house, which was entirely washed away, survived by clinging to an electrical wire. Others attempted to hold on as well, but collapsing trees and the strong current swept them away.
In photo: Emily’s family home after Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) in Barangay Mulao, Compostela, Cebu. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
More than a month after Typhoon Tino, they are still unable to return to their home. Mud still coats the floors, and their belongings are damaged and soiled. The emotional pain of facing the house is overwhelming. For now, they have found shelter in the barangay church, waiting for the chance to rebuild their home.
“I can’t even go inside; it’s too painful,” mentions Emily.
They plan to clean the house only so that the workers who help tend the calamansi fields with them can use the space as their shelter.
In photo: Emily’s home after typhon Tino (Kalmaegi) in Barangay Mulao, Compostela, Cebu. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
Despite everything she has had to endure together with her husband and their two children who survived the disaster, Emily speaks with quiet strength and determination: “I need to stay strong, I can’t remain trapped in my grief because life must go on, we have to fight, until we can.”
“Padayun sa kinabuhi,” states Emily in Cebuano when asked about how she is coping with their loss, literally meaning “life must go on.”
“We will leave our old house behind and look for a safer place to rebuild our home, while we will keep looking our missing daughter.”
Finding a way forward
In the weeks following Typhoon Tino, Emily and her husband, along with the workers who help them, returned to the calamansi fields, which had been heavily damaged, and to the nearby piggery farm, earning 400 Philippine pesos per day. This work serves as their main source of income and allows them to support their family while gradually moving forward after the disaster they had to endure. This is why, according to Emily, life can’t stop after what happened: “We need to start working again to get back on our feet. That’s why we returned to work almost immediately.”
In photo: Emily walking in her damaged calamansi field, near her family home in Barangay Mulao, Compostela, Cebu. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
After that night, providing food, water, and other basic necessities has not been a problem for Emily and her family, thanks to the immediate support of their relatives. In the first few weeks after the tragedy, they were able to meet their essential needs. According to her, the assistance they received initially came mainly in the form of in-kind donations, including clothing, food, and hygiene kits from both the private and public sector.
The local government unit (LGU) later provided additional support, providing equipment to help them construct a temporary shelter. They also helped Emily’s family undergo DNA sampling for their missing six-year-old daughter, an important step that will help simplify their search.
In the photo: Emily receives cash assistance provided by Action Against Hunger, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). Photo by Pive Flor Tabique for Action Against Hunger.
With the cash assistance they received from Action Against Hunger’s Typhoon Tino Emergency response with the funding support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Emily and her husband plan to purchase partial supplies needed to build a new home. This will be located far from the river─the place where they endured so much loss and pain, which is a priority for them.
The aid they receive represents, for Emily and her family, the first step toward a new, difficult beginning. “We will leave our old house behind and look for a safer place to rebuild our home, while we will keep looking for Jayde, our missing daughter.”
In photo: Emily shares her experience with Action Against Hunger staff from the night Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) struck her community. Photo by Martina Vercoli for Action Against Hunger.
Written by: Martina Vercoli Contributors: Pive Flor Tabique Edited by: Joyce Sandajan
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/1-3.png30004500Adminhttps://actionagainsthunger.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/logo_text_orig.pngAdmin2026-01-05 04:14:582026-01-05 04:14:58Padayun sa kinabuhi (Life must go on): A story of recovery after Typhoon Tino
