Tropical Storm TRAMI (Kristine) Action Against Hunger’s Emergency Response in the Philippines

In just one month, the Philippines was hit by six severe storms. This devastating series began with the severe tropical storm Kristine, and left thousands of families in total destitution. Action Against Hunger is deploying an emergency response to support the most affected communities, with a focus on access to drinking water and the reconstruction of livelihoods.

In the wake of an unprecedented series of natural disasters, the Philippines faces a staggering humanitarian crisis. Over the span of just one month, six severe tropical storm, tropical cyclones and Typhoon—Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel, and Pepito— have left communities in several region grappling with widespread destruction, displacement, and food insecurity.

Agriculture has been devastated, with rice and corn fields submerged, compounding food shortages and driving up the cost of essentials. Thousands of homes lie in ruins, and access to basic services like clean water, healthcare, and education remains severely disrupted.

We are determined to deliver immediate assistance to the most vulnerable families impacted by the storms, focusing on reducing suffering, and supporting recovery in the hardest-hit communities


Action Against Hunger has been at the forefront of the emergency response. Since October 25, our teams have been on the ground conducting assessments and delivering aid. With the funding support of our strategic allies such as the Spanish Agency for International Development, United Nations Children’s Fund, United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, our response focuses on immediate relief and sustainable recovery, including:

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH):

Distribution of hygiene and water kits, water trucking, and hygiene promotion to mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases.

Food Security and Livelihoods:

We are providing cash assistance to enable families to meet their needs while supporting local economies.


For more information and an overview of the crisis, our ongoing efforts, and the areas that urgently require additional support, read our Humanitarian Highlights: Action Against Hunger’s Emergency Response in the Philippines (November 2024).

Together, we can make a tangible impact on the lives of those who need it most

Water, Hygiene, and Hope: Supporting Nanay Carmen After the Flood

When Typhoon Kristine (Severe Tropical Storm Trami) struck Barobaybay, Camarines Sur, 76-year-old Nanay Carmen faced rising floodwaters, putting her already fragile health at risk. Like many vulnerable individuals, she struggled with limited access to clean water and basic hygiene products. Thanks to our intervention, with the support of UNICEF, we provided her with essential hygiene and water kits, allowing her to regain a sense of comfort and dignity. Discover her story…

Rising Waters and Anxiety

On the evening of October 20, 2024, 76-year-old Carmen C. Panuelos—known in her community as Nanay Carmen—felt anxious as heavy rains from Typhoon Kristine (known internationally as Severe Tropical Storm Trami) began flooding her neighborhood in Barobaybay, Bicol, Camarines Sur. The swelling Bicol River isolated the entire community for five days, making it too dangerous to seek help in neighboring areas.

Nanay Carmen, who has lived with high blood pressure, arthritis, and an untreated goiter for 30 years, stayed awake all night, worried about the rising waters surrounding her home. By 9:00 AM the next morning, October 21, 2024, the floodwaters had risen to chest height, forcing her to evacuate. With the support of barangay officials, she and her granddaughter, Elma, were transported by boat to the barangay hall, which served as an evacuation center.

Challenges in the Evacuation Center

The evacuation center, though a refuge, presented its own challenges. The cold, crowded conditions and lack of sanitation facilities strained Nanay Carmen’s health. By October 22, she developed a fever, and barangay health workers attended to her immediately. With shared, poorly equipped bathrooms and limited water supply, she struggled to meet her basic hygiene needs. Often, she avoided using the bathroom due to her mobility limitations and the lack of privacy. Unable to bathe, she felt uncomfortable and longed for her home, where she could restore some normalcy.

The Long Road to Recovery

Food shortages added to her struggles, leaving her hungry and yearning to cook her own meals. By October 24, Nanay Carmen returned home, navigating knee-high floodwaters to find comfort in her familiar surroundings. However, she has since battled a persistent cough and cold, and her anxiety spikes whenever it rains heavily.
Nanay Carmen, a widow, lives with her 40-year-old son, her primary source of support. However, her son recently lost his job due to the typhoon’s impact, further straining their already limited financial resources. Together, they face daily challenges, especially in addressing Nanay Carmen’s health and hygiene needs.

Assistance through hygiene and water Kits

On November 2, 2024, Nanay Carmen received hygiene and water kits from Action Against Hunger and UNICEF, with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, for the first time. The kits contained essential items such as soap, laundry detergent, and water storage containers, which were otherwise unaffordable on her limited budget. These supplies enabled her to bathe, do laundry, and store water, addressing long-neglected needs.

Accompanying hygiene promotion sessions were equally impactful, helping Nanay Carmen understand the importance of proper hygiene practices for health and well-being. She shared her gratitude, saying, “Maraming salamat sa Action Against Hunger at UNICEF sa hygiene and water kits. Dahil sa kakulangan ng budget, hindi namin ito nabibili, kaya malaking tulong ito sa amin. Nabigyan ako ng pag-asa dahil sa malaking tulong ninyo.”

“Thank you to Action Against Hunger and UNICEF for the hygiene and water kits. Due to our limited budget, we can’t usually afford them, so this is a big help to us. Your support has given me hope.”

Nanay Carmen received essential hygiene and water kits.

Through the hygiene and water kits, Nanay Carmen regained the ability to care for herself and her surroundings. Despite her ongoing challenges, she is determined to apply what she learned about hygiene, improving her self-care while moving forward with renewed hope.

To know more about our emergency response : click here

Prepared by: Michelle D. Labay, MEAL Officer
Contributor: Mirriam Solleza, WASH Cluster Information Manager
Edited by: Joyce Sandajan, Communications Manager

Typhoon Drill Strengthens Community Preparedness in Del Carmen’s Island Barangays

SIARGAO — On November 20, 2024, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, took a significant step toward building resilience and safeguarding lives with its first-ever community typhoon simulation drill.

In photo: Residents participate in the typhoon emergency evacuation drill.

Conducted simultaneously in the island barangays of Caub, San Fernando, and Domoyog, the activity—organized under the Resilient IsLA Project—engaged 25 households per barangay along with the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees (BDRRMCs). This hands-on exercise aimed to enhance disaster preparedness and strengthen the community’s capacity to respond to future emergencies.

Photo by Mark Dalin-as for Action Against Hunger

The simulation brought together a wide network of local agencies, including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), Municipal Health Office (MHO), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard, Municipal Engineering Office, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Office (MAFO), and the Rural Health Unit (RHU). Their collaboration demonstrated the importance of unified, multi-sectoral efforts in protecting vulnerable communities.

In photo: Simulation of providing first aid to emergency victim. Photo by Rasul Abdullah for Action Against Hunger

For many residents and local officials, the drill was a transformative experience beyond simulation. It exposed critical gaps in current preparedness strategies and empowered participants to address these vulnerabilities proactively. Reflecting on their experiences during Typhoon Odette, many community members expressed heartfelt gratitude to Action Against Hunger for organizing the activity. “This was a valuable opportunity for us to learn and prepare,” shared one participant. “It’s our first time doing a drill like this, and now we feel stronger and more united as a community.”

Photo by Mark Dalin-as for Action Against Hunger

The exercise underscored Action Against Hunger’s core advocacy: ensuring that the most vulnerable communities are equipped with the knowledge and tools to withstand disasters. By focusing on preparedness from the household level to barangay and municipal offices, the drill highlighted the importance of coordination, resource mobilization, and effective response strategies.

This initiative is part of the broader Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA) efforts under the Resilient IsLA Project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA). The project aims to strengthen community resilience through capacity-building and practical preparedness activities, ensuring that no one is left behind when disaster strikes.

Photo by Andro Petallar for Action Against Hunger

The success of this drill marks a crucial step toward fostering safer, more resilient communities in Del Carmen. It also serves as an inspiring model for other barangays in the municipality, demonstrating the power of collective action and community-driven preparedness in the face of growing climate challenges.

Full Circle: A Lifelong Journey of Survival and Hope for Resilience

“I have experienced different kinds of disasters since I was sixteen years old, but even now as an old woman, I feel like it’s never too late for me to learn and relearn how we can better prepare,” says a widow from a disaster-prone community in the Municipality of Kapatagan who has survived various disasters for over five decades.

Life in a Vulnerable Community

64-year-old Mardhia had her first bitter taste of tragedy during her teenage years. “A tsunami left us homeless and washed away most of the houses, with some relatives going missing,” she recalls. Mardhia referred to the earthquake that struck the southern Philippines in 1976. The 8.1 magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami that ravaged the coastline bordering the Moro Gulf in the northern Celebes Sea, leaving a devastating trail with thousands of people dead, missing, or homeless.

Mardhia’s family and more than 1,000 people live in a conflict-stricken village in Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur wha that remains exposed to hazards. Their village faces the Celebes Sea, part of the western Pacific Ocean, putting them highly at risk of storm surges and tsunamis. Moreover, the Lanao del Sur─ a province within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao─ consists of vulnerable areas prone to recurrent displacement due to armed conflict, clan feuds, and natural disasters much like Mardhia’s community.

To Mardhia, surviving disasters has unfortunately almost become a way of life. She has endured one disaster after another, being displaced due to armed conflict, flooding, and typhoons, and having to rebuild her life from scratch each time. And while she has been surviving disasters and overcoming adversity with new-found strength and optimism, Mardhia and her community are far from being truly resilient.

Taking the Lead in Building Resilience

Building resilience takes a village. This requires multiple layers of support from different actors inside and outside the community. In July 2022, Action Against Hunger launched the project, “Inclusive Disaster Preparedness for Local Resilience in Areas at High Risk of Natural and Human-Induced Hazards in BARMM, Mindanao – Philippines,” better known as iPrepared.

The iPrepared project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA), aims to improve disaster preparedness and resilience in BARMM by supporting local governments and communities, especially vulnerable and indigenous groups, prepare better for natural and human-induced disasters. iPrepared also focuses on promoting gender equality and empowering women and other community members to take leadership roles in climate and disaster response, ultimately strengthening the effectiveness of local governance in disaster preparedness.

Mardhia takes on the challenge by taking on the leadership role of their community savings group (CSG) and Climate-Resilient Field School (CRFS). As a widow and one of the elder members of the community, she saw this more as a strength than a weakness.

“One of the activities I first attended was Action Against Hunger’s first aid and basic life support training. I felt like I was the oldest participant in the group, but I never felt intimidated by the young ones. The training was like a refresher course for me, and also an affirmation that I did the right thing in my younger years,” Mardhia recalls.

She added, “Even if older people like us don’t have the energy of the young ones, I felt appreciated and valued as they recognized our contributions through our knowledge, experiences, and traditional survival systems.”

During her earlier years, she was part of a paramedical team when their community during the war in Central Mindanao back in 2000. It caused massive displacement, with families fleeing their homes and abandoning their livelihoods.

“I have endured displacement since my younger years. Of course, I never wanted to return to those old memories, but the training I attended helped us better prepare as we still experience armed conflict due to clan feuds in our village,” Mardhia says. She continued: “I don’t want the younger generation to experience what we went through, but it is our reality. We cannot avoid disasters, but we can prepare for them.”

Maintaining Climate-Smart and Diversified Livelihoods

The iPrepared project integrates resilient livelihood strategies focused on risk and climate-informed agriculture and diversified livelihoods for comprehensive resilience building across all levels – household, community, and local government unit (LGU) levels. “As per the assessment, we have learned that most families don’t evacuate from their homes when a calamity is about to happen, so we integrate food security and livelihood resilience and preparedness to ensure vulnerable families do not worry about their farm equipment and livestock when evacuating,” says Mark Dalin-as, Action Against Hunger’s Head of Project for iPrepared.

“Action Against Hunger introduced the value of saving and climate-resilient gardens to our community. What they introduced is beneficial to us. When the recent flooding happened due to a typhoon, our worries lessened even when we got stuck because we had vegetables from our garden to rely on,” Mardhia says. “Even before the typhoon made landfall, we were already prepared, following the training on early warning systems.”

Mardhia’s village becomes isolated easily when the river water rises, making roads impassable. She adds, “how I wish I had learned all these things in my younger years, but this does not stop me from learning and transferring the knowledge to our family members.”

While Mardhia sees her newly acquired knowledge of disaster preparedness strategies as a full circle moment for her, she’s aware that some disasters are beyond anyone’s control and the best she can do is be ready. “I have witnessed disasters and struggled with them for over four decades, but through the various training sessions and experiences I’ve gained over the years, I have better preparedness skills now,” she says.

Putting on Multiple Hats

When she’s not dedicating her time to the iPrepared Demo Farm or with her fellow CSG members, Mardhia commits to running her household. Mardhia hasn’t been a widow for long, but shares that she’s never had children of her own. Because of this, she decided to support three of her nieces and nephews, along with a few grandchildren. She practically raised them as her own and sent them to school. She’s often her siblings’ go-to person for financial and emotional support. After her husband passed away, she volunteered as a focal person for violence against women and children (VAWC) in their village and would report to the barangay a few times a week.

Mardhia’s family has a small strip of land with coconut trees. Their main source of income was from the profits they made from the harvested coconuts. While it is a passive source of income, Mardhia admits that what they used to earn from that was not enough to sustain the whole family. They had to wait a long time before they could harvest, and profits often depended on the supply and demand of copra─the dried coconut meat used for the production of coconut oil and coconut meal. A third of the total income would always go to the hired people who do the harvesting of the coconut fruits. She explains that although there are a few women who do this job, it’s more common for the males in the community to do it, her late husband being one of them. “If I could do it myself, I would so we wouldn’t need to hire others we would be able keep all the profits, but physically I can’t keep up with that work,” she says.

According to Mardhia, the iPrepared project was an eye-opener for her. Before her participation, she did not know how to garden but now takes the lead in farming. She shares, “I learned so much, whether it’s planning and scheduling crops, how to create natural or organic fertilizers that do not contain chemicals, and of course creating by-products like coconut oil that we can sell. Now my family can also eat fresh produce that we planted from scratch.”

“My day is always full. I’m always in the garden or joining training sessions. To be honest, aside from improving our capacity to prepare and respond, the garden has given us a sense of camaraderie as we gather, often sharing stories and family struggles, which makes us feel less isolated. We are also forced to exercise our aging bodies,” she shares with a laugh.

On July 4, Mardhia’s CSG was among the participants of the Community Fair organized by Action Against Hunger’s iPrepared team. During the fair, Mardia took the lead in selling and promoting their products to passersby.

Mardhia emphasizes the importance of learning from lifelong experiences, embracing takeaways from iPrepared, and sustaining community involvement. She notes how these efforts can enrich both individuals and their communities to ultimately be resilient. “All the knowledge and practices gained could have been introduced to us in our younger years, but it’s never too late. The important thing is that now, we are making efforts to prepare ourselves and the community. I’m glad that there are organizations that include older people. In this way, we feel like our capacity and contributions do not go to waste. It is also helping us preserve our culture and identity through our sense of history, passing it on to the younger generation.”

The iPrepared project is a two-year resilience-building initiative implemented by Action Against Hunger with the support of the American people through USAID-BHA. It is launched in seven select municipalities of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Sur, to impact around 117,000 people with programs focused on Disaster Risk Reduction, Agriculture, and Economic Recovery & Market Systems.

Humanitarians in Action: Get to know Rey, one of our ACCESS team members!

As we commemorate World Humanitarian Day 2024, we take a moment to reflect on the stories of those who dedicate their lives to serving others in times of crisis. One such individual is Rey, a field officer for the ACCESS Project funded by the EU Humanitarian Aid. Rey’s journey from the typhoon-ravaged lands of Leyte to the complex humanitarian crises in Maguindanao is a testament to the resilience and compassion that define true humanitarian work.

Through his experiences, Rey has witnessed the harsh realities of displacement and struggle, yet he remains steadfast in his commitment to helping others. His story not only highlights the challenges faced by humanitarians but also underscores the hope for a future where communities are empowered to overcome adversity on their own. Let’s delve into Rey’s motivations, his reflections on the risks of the work, and his vision for a world where humanitarian assistance is no longer a necessity.

In photo: Rey interviews affected families for beneficiary profiling. Photo by Abdul-Alim Talusob for Action Against Hunger

What was the defining moment that inspired you to choose this path?
I came from Leyte, a place known for its typhoons, displacements, and deprivations. Later, as a volunteer worker in Maguindanao, I witnessed an evacuation like no other. I never imagined that an entire town could be displaced. A population was squeezed into a few square meters of space in a school that served as an evacuation site. I saw, heard, and smelled what it means to be a bakwit on a new level. I realized that a bakwit is a living person, and I felt that I must and should be there for them. The situation had to change. This is how the path chose me.

What motivates you to continue being a humanitarian worker?
Humanitarian work is not really a comforting walk in the park. Sometimes, we also need to run. From that first evacuation center, I was brought to other, more complex, and more complicated humanitarian crises. I stayed. I don’t really know why. But here, in the drive to respond to lives interrupted or to empower people to change their situation, there are joys and contentment. There are also sorrows and learning. Perhaps it is this mix that creates the energy to continue and to stay.

How do you reconcile the risks with your commitment to helping others?
Working in conflict and disaster environments has inherent dangers and risks. Humanitarian work involves calculated risks. Action Against Hunger also fosters a work culture of safety at all levels of the work we do, in any environment we are working in. This work culture contributes to me being more conscious and giving priority to working safely.

What are you most proud of?
What I am most proud of as a humanitarian worker is being with people and becoming a part of their journey. But what makes me really proud of the work I do is when people become active participants themselves, engaging on their own, making the work that I do just the catalyst. I know I am effective when people recognize their own strength and value through the work we do together. I am also most proud when my tasks and assignments contribute positively to my team and organization.

What would you say to fellow humanitarian workers facing harsh conditions?
To my humanitarian brothers and sisters, working in insecure conditions and environments, bringing life-saving assistance and continuing to do so despite the risks and dangers, your inspired lives and example will always be the light and warmth we all need in our shared work. Stay safe.

What is your hope for the future?
In continuing to engage with and empower people and communities, I hope that the kind of humanitarian work I do now will one day be rendered unnecessary. The future should have no need for humanitarian work facilitated by others. I hope that in the future, people and communities will have the skills, knowledge, and resources to respond to the challenges they face on their own. I hope.

Rey is one of the Field Officers of our ACCESS Project funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid.

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Humanitarians in Action: Get to know Sittie, one of our ACCESS team members!

This World Humanitarian Day, we spotlight Sittie, a remarkable field officer making a profound impact in the Bangsamoro region. Inspired by a family deeply involved in community development and guided by her faith, Sittie has dedicated her life to helping others, particularly in promoting gender equality and empowering vulnerable communities. Her commitment to humanitarian work is unwavering, despite the challenges and risks she faces daily. Sittie’s efforts, especially in supporting women and girls, exemplify the true spirit of humanitarianism—offering hope and creating lasting change in even the most challenging environments.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the vital role that humanitarian workers play in protecting human dignity and advancing social justice. Through her work, Sittie continues to be a beacon of hope, bridging the gap between communities and the support they need to thrive.

What was the defining moment that inspired you to choose this path?

I grew up in a family that has always been committed to helping others. My parents were well-known for their involvement in community development, especially in resolving family issues. My father is a leader in a large organization.

My upbringing shaped my perspective on helping people and the community. The spirit of volunteerism is integral to our faith as Muslims. It brings me joy to engage with women, youth, and men in the community, orienting them about their rights and roles within both the community and their own families. This work promotes gender equality and sensitivity in all aspects.

What motivates you to continue being a humanitarian worker?

My motivation to continue being a humanitarian worker comes from my passion, and the values and best practices of my family in helping people and communities. It makes me happy when vulnerable individuals uplift their lives and are empowered to face challenges.

How do you reconcile the risks with your commitment to helping others?

I would first assess the situation carefully, understanding the risks and the context of the community I am working with. My priority is to ensure that I am not putting myself or others, especially the community, in unnecessary danger. I believe in strong coordination with LGUs and the community to ensure our safety. My goal is to promote my advocacy through my work with the organization while ensuring that I don’t make promises I can’t keep to the community.

What are you most proud of?

I am very proud to be a humanitarian worker. Being appreciated by the community, especially women and girls, is a significant achievement for me. Through my work, I have been able to influence people to respect women’s and girls’ rights. Helping survivors of gender-based violence access support and services and achieve justice is my source of happiness. I am also proud to be a bridge between the government and the community, serving as a change agent.

What would you say to fellow humanitarian workers facing harsh conditions?

Stay safe, and remember to take care of your health, both mentally and physically. Hold on to the reasons we started this work—helping vulnerable communities. By ensuring your safety, you are also ensuring that no vulnerable communities are left behind.

What is your hope for the future?

As a woman of Bangsamoro, I hope to empower communities to achieve lasting peace in our region through awareness. I aim to influence duty-bearers to fulfill their mandate to serve and protect the rights of the people.

Sittie is one of the Field Officers of our ACCESS Project funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid.

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From Crisis to Care: The Role of Mental Health Support After A Disaster

“How are you feeling today?” Eva Tubianosa asks an elderly lady in her village. The residents of Barangay Magsaysay, a quiet town in Nabunturan, Davao del Oro suffered the brunt of the heavy rain that brought landslides which rushed down from the neighboring mountains to the valley ─ covering homes, devastating roads, and the surrounding agriculture.

Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger

Mindanao grappled with the aftermath of relentless floods and landslides during the first quarter of 2024, affecting nearly 590,000 people and displacing more than 95,000 people in the province of Davao de Oro alone. Within the next few days, Action Against Hunger teams were on the ground to provide immediate humanitarian aid through cash assistance, WASH support, and health services.

Eva is no stranger to helping her community. “I work as a Barangay Health Worker at our center, assisting the sick by releasing basic medicines to those in need,” says 47-year old Eva. She has been volunteering and supporting the health initiatives of Barangay Magsaysay for the past 14 years.

In photo: Barangay Health Workers Eva Tubianosa, 47, Maria Fe Bastasa, 48, provide basic health sevices to the residents of Barangay Magsaysay, Nabunturan. They were also one of the first emergency responders during the recent flooding and landslides that hit their village in February 2024. Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger

Together with fellow volunteer Maria Fe Bastasa, 48, they were the first to respond in their area after the disaster. Heavy rains and floods forced the residents of Magsaysay to evacuate to higher ground until it was safe to return to their homes. Both Eva and Maria Fe knew that this created a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of the members of their community.

Hunger, conflict, and natural disasters can have a huge impact on someone’s well-being. The day-in and day-out distress, the fear of hunger, of death, of losing your family─ it all builds up and devastates those affected. If unaddressed, it can be overwhelming and can leave long-term emotional scars, that might affect productivity and the quality of life.

In the weeks following the flooding, Eva and Maria Fe participated in a Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) training session organized by Action Against Hunger in coordination with the Davao de Oro Provincial Social Welfare & Development Office and Provincial Health Office.

In photo: Participants of the MHPSS Training Session do an exercise lead by Aries Burgonio, Field Officer for Action Against Hunger’s SIDA-funded Mindanao Flooding Emergency Response.

First responders including health workers, barangay health workers and social workers attended the three-day training session that was held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. “We received essential training in assessing our area, especially for those who were affected by the recent floods. We were taught how to check on the evacuees’ well-being, and how they can cope with their emotions each time there is a calamity,” Eva adds. The MHPSS training also included guidance on how to conduct basic psychosocial support sessions based on psychological first-aid principles to be rolled out in the communities.

In photo: Participants of the MHPSS Training Session do an exercise lead by Aries Burgonio, Field Officer for Action Against Hunger’s SIDA-funded Mindanao Flooding Emergency

As volunteers, Eva and Maria Fe are diligent as they continue to serve their community by going door-to-door and visiting the affected families to check on their well-being, and refer cases when needed They also expressed an appreciation for the knowledge they gained from the gender and protection orientation from Action Against Hunger.

In photo: An elderly resident of Barangay Magsaysay, Nabunturan replies to a series of questions made specifically to assess the mental state of each resident in the area who was directly affected by the recent floods in Davao, Mindanao. Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger

With the information Eva collected from her home visits, the affected families were invited to join a PSS session conducted by Action Against Hunger where different gender and age-sensitive coping mechanisms were provided. The activities included proper breathing exercises, de-stressing, and grounding techniques. The trained health volunteers such as Eva and Maria Fe, were trained on using a known Mental Health and Well-being Individual Assessment tool widely used to measure an individual’s well-being and quality of life. From the assessment, they will then refer a person with a low well-being score to have focused mental health services at pre-identified referral points.

In photo: Eva and Maria Fe diligently provide mental health support to residents of Barangay Magsaysay who were affected by the recent floods by going through a questionnaire developed by Action Against Hunger. Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger

Depending on the need, these identified cases will be referred to health facilities that will provide them with further counseling or other necessary assistance. At the same time, Action Against Hunger provides cash support to cover their travel costs, payment for professional fees, and possible medication expenses.

Eva walks with fellow volunteer Maria Fe Bastasa, 48, in their community in Nabunturan to help assess households of low-income families who might be experiencing mental health issues or trauma brought about by the recent floods in their area. They were trained by Action Against Hunger in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), which included a series of community-based Psychosocial Support Sessions, made possible by funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger

Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger

“I am happy to be of service to others, it is fulfilling to make a difference in other people’s lives, no matter how small it is,” Eva smiles.

With the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), we have been working to provide comprehensive mental health, and psychosocial support services for those affected by flooding and landslides in Davao de Oro, prioritizing women, children & their families, indigenous groups, and those in evacuation centers facing prolonged displacement.

Aside from the mental health support, Action Against Hunger’s SIDA-funded Mindanao Flooding Emergency Response is also providing support to pregnant women to avail specialized consultation and safe delivery services, cash assistance, and emergency WASH services such as WASH kits and rehabilitation of sanitation and hygiene facilities in the municipalities of Maco, Mawab, and New Bataan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Mae Tanagon for Action Against Hunger.


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

Written by Shirin Bhandari, edited by Joyce Sandajan Read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Shirin Bhandari for Action Against Hunger.

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

Written by Shirin Bhandari; edited by Joyce Sandajan


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Field Officer (WASH) – Siargao

Duration : 6 months (with a possibility of an extension)
Start date : ASAP

You’ll contribute to ending world hunger by …

Implement children and youth-led climate action on WASH through social and behavior change strategies and resilient WASH services in Schools.

Key activities in your role will include

Objective 1: Support in coordinating, and implementing all activities to LGU specific to Action Against Hunger Results

  • Coordinate with local partners and other shareholders and ensure timely implementation of the planned activities in coordination with Head of Project.
  • Implement the Project’s key results in all covered areas (with key focus on C4D, SBC and WINS)
  • Support project level advocacy initiatives related to WASH.
  • Any other task required to achieve the Project objectives.

Objective 2: Support in preparing the work plan, regular reports, capitalization reports and lead in consolidating documents

  • Support in preparing monthly plans and updates/progress report on achievements.
  • Develop and Maintain database of Photos, Videos and other multi-media document related to the project.
  • Contribute to the donor interim and final reports following the Mission Reporting System
  • Contribute to preparing meeting minutes including Project team monthly meeting, training proceedings and other reports requested by the Project Officer
  • Assist the Head of Project in capitalization of the experience in various activities of the Project

Objective 3: Organize/participate in Trainings, Workshop, Conferences and Meetings

  • Under proper authorization, represent Action Against Hunger and actively participate in related events in projects areas or elsewhere.
  • Co-Organize/ participate in trainings (C4D, SBC, WINS)
Do you meet the profile required criteria?
  • Degree in allied health, social sciences, education
  • Knowledge on WASH and Climate Change, communications for development (C4D), social behavior change (SBC) and WASH in Schools.
  • 1 to 3 years’ experience in implementing C4D and SBC.
  • Knowledgeable of WASH, Climate Change
  • Competent in the use of Microsoft Office computer programs including Word Excel & Powerpoint and Share Point and MS Teams.
  • Valuable prior experience in issues related to the promotion of gender equality and child rights or personal commitment to gender equality and child rights.
Our remuneration package:
  • Compensation: based on Action Against Hunger grid.
  • Benefits: health insurance, accident and life insurance, leave entitlement, government-mandated benefits
  • Project-based Employment

Action against Hunger is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work such as but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and/or financial misconduct; We expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through endorsing our code of conduct and other related policies and only those who share our values and code of conduct will be recruited to work for us.

Field Officer (WASH in Schools) – Siargao

Duration : 6 months (with a possibility of an extension)
Start date : ASAP

You’ll contribute to ending world hunger by …

Implement children and youth-led climate action on WASH through social and behavior change strategies and resilient WASH services in Schools.

Key activities in your role will include

Objective 1: Support in coordinating, and implementing all activities to LGU specific to Action Against Hunger Results

  • Coordinate with local partners and other shareholders and ensure timely implementation of the planned activities in coordination with Head of Project.
  • Implement the Project’s key results in all covered areas (with key focus on C4D, SBC and WINS)
  • Support project level advocacy initiatives related to WASH.
  • Any other task required to achieve the Project objectives.

Objective 2: Support in preparing the work plan, regular reports, capitalization reports and lead in consolidating documents

  • Support in preparing monthly plans and updates/progress report on achievements.
  • Develop and Maintain database of Photos, Videos and other multi-media document related to the project.
  • Contribute to the donor interim and final reports following the Mission Reporting System
  • Contribute to preparing meeting minutes including Project team monthly meeting, training proceedings and other reports requested by the Project Officer
  • Assist the Head of Project in capitalization of the experience in various activities of the Project

Objective 3: Organize/participate in Trainings, Workshop, Conferences and Meetings

  • Under proper authorization, represent Action Against Hunger and actively participate in related events in projects areas or elsewhere.
  • Co-Organize/ participate in trainings (C4D, SBC, WINS)
Do you meet the profile required criteria?
  • Degree in allied health, social sciences, education
  • Knowledge on WASH and Climate Change, communications for development (C4D), social behavior change (SBC) and WASH in Schools.
  • 1 to 3 years’ experience in implementing C4D and SBC.
  • Knowledgeable of WASH, Climate Change
  • Competent in the use of Microsoft Office computer programs including Word Excel & Powerpoint and Share Point and MS Teams.
  • Valuable prior experience in issues related to the promotion of gender equality and child rights or personal commitment to gender equality and child rights.
Our remuneration package:
  • Compensation: based on Action Against Hunger grid.
  • Benefits: health insurance, accident and life insurance, leave entitlement, government-mandated benefits
  • Project-based Employment

Action against Hunger is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work such as but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and/or financial misconduct; We expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through endorsing our code of conduct and other related policies and only those who share our values and code of conduct will be recruited to work for us.

Field Officer (DRR) – Siargao

Duration : 6 months (with a possibility of an extension)
Start date : ASAP

You’ll contribute to ending world hunger by …

Implement resilient DRR activities and integration of WASH component.

Key activities in your role will include

Objective 1: Support in coordinating, and implementing all activities to LGU specific to Action Against Hunger Results

  • Coordinate with local partners and other shareholders and ensure timely implementation of the planned activities in coordination with Head of Project.
  • Implement the Project’s key results in all covered areas (with key focus on DRR and integration of WASH System Strengthening and Governance.
  • Support project level advocacy initiatives related to DRR and WASH.
  • Any other task required to achieve the Project objectives.

Objective 2: Support in preparing the work plan, regular reports, capitalization reports and lead in consolidating documents

  • Support in preparing monthly plans and updates/progress report on achievements.
  • Develop and Maintain database of Photos, Videos and other multi-media document related to the project.
  • Contribute to the donor interim and final reports following the Mission Reporting System
  • Contribute to preparing meeting minutes including Project team monthly meeting, training proceedings and other reports requested by the Project Officer
  • Assist the Head of Project in capitalization of the experience in various activities of the Project

Objective 3: Organize/participate in Trainings, Workshop, Conferences and Meetings

  • Under proper authorization, represent Action Against Hunger and actively participate in related events in projects areas or elsewhere.
  • Co-Organize/ participate in training in DRR and integration processes of WASH.
Do you meet the profile required criteria?
  • Degree in DRR related courses and or trainings related to DRR, environment, and climate
  • Theoretical and practical knowledge in DRR planning, processes, early warning and integration processes
  • 2 –3 years of experience in DRR planning processes, earl ywarning protocol development and conduct of DRR related trainings
  • Knowledgeable of DRR and other related sectors
  • Competent in the use of Microsoft Office computer programs including Word Excel & Powerpoint and Share Point and MS Teams.
  • Valuable prior experience in issues related to the promotion of gender equality and child rights or personal commitment to gender equality and child rights.
Our remuneration package:
  • Compensation: based on Action Against Hunger grid.
  • Benefits: health insurance, accident and life insurance, leave entitlement, government-mandated benefits
  • Project-based Employment

Action against Hunger is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work such as but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and/or financial misconduct; We expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through endorsing our code of conduct and other related policies and only those who share our values and code of conduct will be recruited to work for us.

Project Officer – Palawan

Duration : 12 months (with possibility of an extension)
Start date : ASAP

You’ll contribute to ending world hunger by …

Contribute to the planning, implementation, day-to-day operations, and financial management of the project together with the HOP.  The specific purpose of the position is to support the management and implementation of effective and efficient technical program activities to deliver the project in accordance with internal and donor obligations and standard.

Key activities in your role will include

Objective 1: In coordination with the Head of Project plan and implement the activities.

  • Direct oversight in the planning, managing, supervising, and implementation of the assigned project(s) directly reporting to the Head of Base and in coordination with the sectorial referents and Technical Coordinator and other departments in a timely manner.
  • Lead and ensure program staff have adequate resources to perform their roles and have necessary capacity
  • Ensure program strategy and planned activities and adjusted as needed to delivery quality and timely outputs
  • Ensure projects are implemented in line with donor guidelines and Action Against Hunger standards
  • Lead and/or support the writing of quality proposals and reports as needed and requested by the Head of Base.
  • Ensure mainstreamed cross-cutting issues in the planned activities in coordination and consultation with the Head of Project, Technical Leads of the project, other departments, and the Technical Coordinator.
  •  Development and organisation of adequate monitoring and evaluation of all the activities, ensure proper accountability with all aspects of the project, and continuously capture practices that may be utilized as reference for current and future learning in coordination with the MEAL Officer.
  • Application and promotion of project management tools and systems

Objective 2: Representation of Action Against Hunger with external stakeholders

  • Systematically assess local context, needs/gaps in humanitarian/development sector and related issues in the implementation areas support development of concept noted and proposal. This will include innovative approaches, systems, and technology in Action Against Hunger’s key areas of expertise.
  • Assess the pertinence and feasibility of DRR/CCA, FSL, and WASH interventions in the area, in coordination with the Technical Coordinator and in discussions with various stakeholders in the humanitarian sphere and other relevant actors.
  • Ensure Action Against Hunger programs and interventions are aligned and contribute to local national government plans

Objective 3: Monitoring and Reporting

  • Ensure and lead the data on regular basis using the monitoring tool, analyse and write monitoring reports.
  • Ensure integrity and timeliness of collection, analysis of monitoring data, and archiving of supporting document, reports and assessment/surveys such as Source of Verifications (SoVs) and justification final reports.
  • Prepare activity progress reporting (APR) tools for project(s) in coordination/consultation with MEAL Officer and ensure submission of timely monthly APR and other periodic reports to the Head of Base who will validate the same.
  • Prepare quality interim, final and other ad-hoc reports requested by the mission and the Head of Project.
  • Capitalize all the project experiences and lessons learnt in coordination with technical/sector coordinator

Objective 4: Manage safety and security of project staff in coordination with the Head of Project and Security Focal

  • Holding regular meetings with the project staff, including with partners staff, and attending mission management team and prepare minutes of meetings
  • Lead and participate in meetings with the relevant stakeholders and partners as needed and as requested by Head of Base and provide updates our interventions
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders at a technical level, including donors, government authorities, international and local organisations, partners, beneficiaries and other external actors under the supervision of the Head of Base and in coordination with Technical Coordinators.
  • Systematically collect and share information/inputs for any communication/visibility related activities to the Head of Project and Communications Department
  • Participate in negotiations with external actors in coordination with the Head of Project
  • Support the mission in identifying possible partners in the Philippines to be engaged in projects/programs
  • Ensure project(s) related information are shared with cluster in coordination and consultation with the Head of Project, MEAL Officer and Awards & Emergency Response Coordinator
  • Represent the organization in relevant working groups/clusters
  • Ensure regular updating to Head of Base of project activities, meetings attended, partnerships formed, and other relevant activities
Do you meet the profile required criteria?
  • University graduate
  • Technical Knowledge:
    • Demonstrated excellent knowledge and experience in Project Cycle Management.
    • Excellent knowledge of budget management.
    • Previous exposure and experience in assessment, monitoring, or evaluation of projects during emergency responses.
    • Previous experience in implementing and managing multi-sectorial projects.
    • Experience in formulating and developing DRR Plans; experience in implementation of Rapid Response Mechanism and Anticipatory Action.
    • Knowledge/Experience in food security, livelihood resilience and nature-based solutions/activities
    • Knowledge in partnerships development and alliances is desirable.
    • Risk mitigation experience.
  • Humanitarian sector knowledge experience:
    • working with conflict, Disaster and climate crisis, water, sanitation and hygiene, and food, security and livelihood affected population and communities in the Philippines.
    • working with consortium partners, multi-sectoral programs and projects, and donor relations
  • At least three (3) years’ relevant experience
  • Language: Excellent English and Filipino language. Proficient in the local dialect is an advantage.
  • IT system: Good knowledge of Office package
  • Valuable prior experience in issues related to the promotion of gender equality and child rights or personal commitment to gender equality and child rights.
Our remuneration package:
  • Compensation based on Action Against Hunger salary grid and candidate’s previous experience
  • Benefits: Health insurance, accident and life insurance, leave entitlements, government-mandated benefits
  • Project-based employment

Action against Hunger is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work such as but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and/or financial misconduct; We expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through endorsing our code of conduct and other related policies and only those who share our values and code of conduct will be recruited to work for us.

2 Field Officers – Tawi-tawi

Duration : 12 months (with possibility of an extension)
Start date : ASAP

You’ll contribute to ending world hunger by …
  • Serve as the primary individual responsible for overseeing, coordinating, and executing all tasks with the municipal LGU and community partners.
  • Develop a work plan, provide regular reports, capitalization reports, and submit them to the Project Officer for consolidation.
  • Arrange and/or take part in seminars, conferences, and activities related to the project.
  • Act as the main on-site focal point in the assigned intervention area / community of the I-PREPARED 2 project.
Key activities in your role will include

Objective 1: Act as the focal person in managing, coordinating, and implementing all activities to LGU and community partners specific to Action Against Hunger Results

  • Lead in the coordination of local partners (municipality and Barangay) and other shareholders and ensure timely implementation of the planned activities in coordination with Project Officer and Head of Project.
  • Lead in the implementation of the Project’s key results in all covered areas
  • Support the Project Officer in the development and or review and conduct of capacity building modules and other technical trainings and orientations among LGUs and community partners.
  • Support Project level advocacy initiatives related to DRR and Climate Change, Agriculture / Fisheries and Food Security and Livelihoods, and WASH.
  • Any other task required to achieve the Project objectives.

Objective 2: Prepare work plan, regular reports, capitalization reports and lead in consolidating documents

  • Prepare monthly plans and updates/progress report on achievements.
  • Develop and Maintain database of Photos, Videos and other multi-media document related to the project.
  • Contribute to the donor interim and final reports following the Mission Reporting System
  • Contribute to preparing meeting minutes including Project team monthly meeting, training proceedings and other reports requested by the Project Officer and HoP
  • Assist the Project Officer in capitalization of the experience in various activities of the Project

Objective 3: Organize/participate in Trainings, Workshop, Conferences and Meetings

  • Under proper authorization, represent Action Against Hunger and actively participate in related events in projects areas or elsewhere.
  • Actively search for local capacities with potential to give and add value to the project (NGO, institutions universities etc.)
  • Organize/ participate in trainings
Do you meet the profile required criteria?
  • University degree in allied health, social sciences, economics, business management, statistics, agriculture, and fisheries, agroeconomic
  • Essential knowledge and understanding of RA 10121 and Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction, Food Security and Livelihoods, Agriculture and Fisheries, Marketing, knowledge on local government processes, basic knowledge on FBEA/ Anticipatory Action, and WASH and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
  • At least 2 years’ experience in Community Organizing, DRR, FSL, and WASH related work (development), work with local government units and other stakeholders.
  • Knowledgeable of Palawan context
  • Filipino, English, and vernacular (Tagbanua/ Tausug) (spoken and written) and with good technical writing skills
  • Competent in the use of Microsoft Office computer programs including Word Excel & Powerpoint and Share Point
  • Valuable prior experience in issues related to the promotion of gender equality and child rights or personal commitment to gender equality and child rights.
Our remuneration package:
  • Compensation based on Action Against Hunger salary grid and candidate’s previous experience
  • Benefits: Health insurance, accident and life insurance, leave entitlements, government-mandated benefits
  • Project-based employment

Action against Hunger is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work such as but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and/or financial misconduct; We expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through endorsing our code of conduct and other related policies and only those who share our values and code of conduct will be recruited to work for us.

Head of Project – Siargao

Duration : 6 months (with a possibility of an extension)
Start date : ASAP

You’ll contribute to ending world hunger by …
  • Planning, Implementation, management, overall supervision and monitoring of the assigned Project(s) in line with Action Against Hunger policy, guidelines and procedures and in accordance with donor and national polies and guidelines;
  • Ensure timely implementation of the planned activities in coordination with Head of Base -OIC and other departments and staff;
  • Ensure sound planning and management of project resources (budget, HR and other resources assigned to the project)
  • Ensure timely submission of validated periodic reports, both narrative and quantitative, compliant with donors and Action Against Hunger operational procedures.
  • Represent the organization in key sectoral groups as assigned by the Head of Base -OIC.
Key activities in your role will include

Objective 1: Project cycle management

  • Direct oversight in the planning, managing, supervising, and implementation of the assigned project(s) directly reporting to the Head of Base -OIC and in coordination with Program Development and Implementation Coordinator and Technical Coordinator and other departments in a timely manner.
  • Lead and ensure program staff have adequate resources to perform their roles and have necessary capacity
  • Ensure program strategy and planned activities and adjusted as needed to deliver quality and timely outputs
  • Ensure projects are implemented in line with donor guidelines and Action Against Hunger standards
  • Lead and/or support the writing of quality proposals and reports as needed and requested by the Head of Base.
  • Ensure mainstreamed cross-cutting issues in the planned activities in coordination and consultation with the Head of Base -OiC, Technical Leads of the project, other departments, and the Technical Coordinator.
  •  Development and organisation of adequate monitoring and evaluation of all the activities, ensure proper accountability with all aspects of the project, and continuously capture practices that may be utilized as reference for current and future learning.
  • Application and promotion of project management tools and systems

Objective 2: Program development and strategy planning

  • Systematically assess local context, needs/gaps in humanitarian/development sector and related issues in the implementation areas support development of concept noted and proposal. This will include innovative approaches, systems, and technology in Action Against Hunger’s key areas of expertise.
  • Assess the pertinence and feasibility of WASH, DRR/CCA interventions in the area, in coordination with HOB-OIC and Program Development and Implementation Coordinator and in discussions with various stakeholders in the humanitarian and development sphere and other relevant actors.
  • Ensure Action Against Hunger programs and interventions are aligned and contribute to local national government plans

Objective 3: Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Capitalisation

  • Ensure and lead the data on regular basis using the monitoring tool, analyse and write monitoring reports.
  • Ensure integrity and timeliness of collection, analysis of monitoring data, and archiving of supporting document, reports and assessment/surveys such as Source of Verifications (SoVs) and justification final reports.
  • Prepare activity progress reporting (APR) tools for project(s) in coordination/consultation with MEAL Coordinator and ensure submission of timely monthly APR and other periodic reports to the Head of Base who will validate the same.
  • Prepare quality interim, final and other ad-hoc reports requested by the mission and the Head of Base OiC.
  • Capitalize all the project experiences and lessons learnt in coordination with Program Development and Implementation Coordinator and MEAL coordinator.

Objective 4: Representation and Coordination

  • Holding regular meetings with the project staff, including with partners staff, and attending mission management team and prepare minutes of meetings
  • Lead and participate in meetings with the relevant stakeholders and partners as needed and as requested by Head of Base -OiC and provide updates our interventions
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders at a technical level, including donors, government authorities, international and local organisations, partners, beneficiaries and other external actors under the supervision of the Head of Base -OIC and in coordination with Technical Coordinators.
  • Systematically collect and share information/inputs for any communication/visibility related activities to the Head of Base OiC and Communications Department
  • Participate in negotiations with external actors in coordination with head of base and country directed
  • Support the mission in identifying possible partners in the Philippines to be engaged in projects/programs
  • Ensure project(s) related information are shared with cluster in coordination and consultation with the Head of Base OIC, MEAL Officer and Program Development and Implementation Coordinator
  • Represent the organization in relevant working groups/clusters as requested
  • Ensure regular updating to Head of Base of project activities, meetings attended, partnerships formed, and other relevant activities

Objective 5: Managing of project-specific Admin, HR, Logistics and Security matters

  • Ensure the supervision and control of expenses related with the activities of the project(s) (procurement planning and close monitoring and feed backing on Financial Management Tool).
  • Coordinate the budget forecast and follow up and participate in the design of new budgets.
  • Ensure the application of the Log Kit forms and procedures pertaining to the supply chain, procurement, transportation/ movement, and warehousing.
  • Proper planning and management of assigned staff and conduct regular performance assessment of the staff managed directly.
  • Comply with HR policies and systems established in the mission.
  • Comply with the necessary branding and communications guidelines of the organization.
  • Work with relevant departments in monitoring and following through of attaining the agreed objectives.
  • Ensure to foster conducive working relationships within the team, and a collaborative environment for the project.
  • With proper conflict management skills, ensure open communication and quick action to potential team issues/concerns.
  • Adhere to the Mission Reporting system and submit the reports requested on-time
  • Respect the security rules of Action Against Hunger and coordinate with the Logistics Manager for any security issues relating to work
  • Report any security or other incidents in the field that may interrupt project activities directly to Head of Base OIC and Logistics Officer.
  • Ensure the respect and compliance of the mission security rules by the Base.
Do you meet the profile required criteria?
  • Master’s degree in business administration, Economics, Sociology, International Development, Political Science or International Relations
  • Technical knowledge:
    • At least 5 years of experience in the Humanitarian/development sector
    • Demonstrated excellent knowledge and experience in Project Cycle Management.
    • Knowledge of project management including financial management tools, HR, logistics and security management; donor’s landscape in the Philippines; partnerships development and alliances is desirable
    • Experience of working with different humanitarian and development donors and of different donor compliance; managing and implementing UNICEF funded projects; implementing and managing multi-sectorial projects; managing projects and teams remotely
    • Ability to write donor reports and proposals in English.
    • Good analytical skills and a good understanding of the local context and dynamics in Siargao and Surigao Del Norte
    • Strong skills in coordination, program management, mentoring, coaching and capacity building.
    • Risk mitigation experience
  • Previous experience of at least two years in a similar position and managing multi-sector interventions.
  • Humanitarian sector knowledge:
    • Minimum of five years of working experience with INGO in managerial position
    • Previous experience in implementing integrated programming involving FSL, DRR, climate change adaptation, WASH and gender issues.
    • Additional experience in working in crisis and disaster – affected communities and people
    • Experience in inter-agency coordination, representation and negotiation with state and non-state actors.
    • Previous experience in security management and humanitarian negotiation in the Philippines.
    • Experience with coaching and mentoring local and partner staff.
    • Coordination and representation with stakeholder and consortium/partners
  • Excellent English writing and speaking skills is required. Local language is an advantage
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office package (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook)
  • Frequent travel to project sites, including deployment to other areas in the country during emergency response
  • Valuable prior experience in issues related to the promotion of gender equality and child rights or personal commitment to gender equality and child rights.
Our remuneration package:
  • Compensation: based on Action Against Hunger grid.
  • Benefits: health insurance, accident and life insurance, leave entitlement, government-mandated benefits
  • Project-based Employment

Action against Hunger is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work such as but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and/or financial misconduct; We expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through endorsing our code of conduct and other related policies and only those who share our values and code of conduct will be recruited to work for us.

Gender and Protection Manager

Duration : Dec 2024
Start date : ASAP

You’ll contribute to ending world hunger by …

The Gender and Protection Manager will formulate, implement and oversee the gender and protection integration in projects/programs and implementation of the same in Action Against Hunger Philippine Mission. Furthermore, the post-holder will provide specific technical advice, support and guidance to the project staff in operationalizing of gender/protection mainstreaming, monitor their progress and impact.  The post-holder will act as the focal person between the capital office, field offices, HQ and take lead in increasing gender and protection awareness among the staff, partners and beneficiaries’ line with existing AAH and other policies, guidelines and protocol.

Key activities in your role will include

Objective 1: Project management and implementation

  • Lead in designing and integrating of gender and protection-responsive interventions across technical areas and provide support to the development of detailed implementation plans for gender and protection activities in coordination with the technical coordinator and sector referents;
  • Plan, organize and ensure commitment and timely implementation of the planned gender and protection activities according to the agreed proposal and AAH and donor guidelines and policies
  • Operationalize Action Against Hunger’s gender transformative approach and protection policy in routine project and program implementation to ensure greater consistency of gender principles, policies and practices across the organization to provide accountability framework for gender equality and protection mainstreaming.
  • Undertake systematic gender and protection assessment and analysis in AAH intervention areas and translate them into actionable initiatives and projects
  • Monitor, analyse and prepare reports on gender and protection mainstreaming impact in AAH programs/projects
  • Ensure gender and protection issues are addressed throughout the project cycle of Action Against Hunger’s policies, programs, projects and research.
  • Undertake regular field visits to monitor the quality of implementation, provide technical advice, and conduct customized needs assessments to base the capacity building of project staff
  • Lead and support development gender and protection related project proposals (standalone or mainstreaming)
  • Conduct a desk review of existing studies that examine roles of women, men, boys and girls in various sectors relevant to AAH Philippine programming. Compile existing evidence base to inform project activities and identify information gaps to be filled by project data collection activities

Objective 2: Technical support and link with other Action Against Hunger departments and stakeholders

  • Function as the focal persons and lead coordination with other stakeholders/partners and HQ on gender and protection issues
  • Ensure and maintain the working relationship with the local partners (LGUs, stakeholders) and consortium team/members
  • Participate in meetings with the relevant stakeholders and represent Action Against Hunger at local/national level LGU/cluster and other relevant meeting in coordination with the Technical Coordinator
  • Participate in the proposal development process by providing field-specific context analysis, technical sector-specific analysis, beneficiary information, and technical feedback on the concept
  • Develop tools, methodologies and guidelines for promoting effective gender and protection mainstreaming across the program portfolio
  • Support continuous capacity strengthening of Action Against Hunger technical staff to enhance gender and protection mainstreaming in design, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Lead capacity building activities for Action Against Hunger staff in gender and protection mainstreaming.
  • Ensure systematic mainstreaming gender and protection in Action Against Hunger country strategy
  • Stay abreast of developments that have an impact on the protection environment in the country and provide ongoing analysis on key issues regularly

Objective 3: Reporting and Capitalisation

  • In collaboration with the M&E Manager at the mission-level, ensure gender and protection are integrated in monitoring systems and tools and support monitoring and updating AAH’s indicator
  • Provide technical support in the preparation and finalization of reports in timely manner on gender and protection-related activities, including collection and archiving of SoVs
  • Develop knowledge products to strengthen Action Against Hunger capacity to provide technical backstopping on gender and protection issues including conceptual clarity on gender and protection mainstreaming, and inputs to independent research on emerging gender and protection issues
  • Develop a case study documenting the learning from the initiative with a focus on programmatic as well as institutional dimensions, reflecting on processes and lessons learned.
  • Prepare and submit progress reports (technical and narrative), and other reports as requested by line manager following the agreed format.

Objective 4: Safety and Security and Emergency response

  • Adhere to the Mission Reporting system and submit the reports requested on-time
  • Respect the Security rules of Action Against Hunger
  • Report any security or other incidents in the field that may interrupt project.
  • Be available for emergency deployment to the field offices within the country based on line managers request
Do you meet the profile required criteria?
  • Master’s degree on gender, child development, or related field or substantial field work experience on gender and protection mainstreaming
  • Technical knowledge:
    • Knowledge and experience in implementing/ managing/mainstreaming gender and protection integration in humanitarian and development projects/programs in line with existing law/protocol and guidelines
    • Knowledge and familiarity in gender and protection issues, policies in the Philippines and especially in Mindanao
    • proven experience in leading and conducting gender/protection assessment, analysis and writing reports
    • Experience in developing gender/protection related project/programs
    • Knowledge of IASC Gender Marker, gender transformative approach and main donor requirements in term of gender and protection integration including USAID, DfiD, ECHO, EU donors, etc.
    • Familiarity with International Humanitarian law
  • Minimum five (5) years work experience on similar position with similar setting and responsibility
  • Has experience working in an INGO or UN Agency in an emergency response (conflict-setting desirable).
  • Language: English and Filipino required. Knowledge in speaking Bisaya, Maranao, or Maguindanaon is an advantage.
  • IT systems: Good knowledge of MS office package.
  • Valuable prior experience in issues related to the promotion of gender equality or personal commitment to gender equality.
Our remuneration package:
  • Compensation based on Action Against Hunger salary grid and candidate’s previous experience
  • Benefits: Health insurance, accident and life insurance, leave entitlements, government-mandated benefits
  • Fixed-term employment

Action against Hunger is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work such as but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and/or financial misconduct; We expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through endorsing our code of conduct and other related policies and only those who share our values and code of conduct will be recruited to work for us.

Empowering Remote Villages with Accessible Water

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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From Hazard to Harvest: Community Garden Sparks Change in Kapatagan

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

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

Photo by Kit de Galicia for Action Against Hunger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Mental Health Support for Distressed Communities in BARMM

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

Elevated wooden house near the fields with low flooding.

When heavy rains occur, Barangay Kabasalan experiences flooding.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Written by Maryann Zamora

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Responding to Datu Piang’s El Niño Crisis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Written by Mark Dalin-as| Edited by Joyce Sandajan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Written by Jenelyn Flores| Contributor: Edited by Joyce Sandajan

Empowering Women and Girls: Building Safe Referral Pathways in BARMM

Cotabato City, BARMM─ In celebration of Women’s Month, a diverse group of stakeholders gathered for a pivotal Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Stakeholders’ Forum organized by Action Against Hunger Philippines through the ACCESS Project funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). The event, held on March 7, 2024, marked a significant step towards addressing the pressing issues surrounding the safety and well-being of vulnerable groups, notably women and girls in the region.

The forum brought together representatives from protection sectors from government agencies, civil society organizations, local non-governmental organizations, and communities from 11 barangays and four (4) municipalities all united in their commitment to combat GBV and ensure the establishment of safe referral pathways for survivors. The key participants were representatives from the Bangsamoro Women’s Commission, Municipal Gender and Development Office, Philippine National Police’s Municipal Women and Children Police Desks (PNP-WCPD), Ministry of Social Welfare and Development, Integrated Provincial Health Office of Maguindanao, barangay local government leaders, Protection Monitors, Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Officers. Our local partners from the Integrated Mindanaoan’s Association for Natives, Inc. (IMAN) and the Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress, Inc. (MOSEP) were also present.

In a series of insightful discussions and presentations, participants built upon the ongoing efforts of various stakeholders, delving into the challenges and barriers people, especially women and vulnerable groups, face when accessing support services. They analyzed the existing gaps in referral pathways and worked collaboratively to develop a comprehensive framework of referrals that addresses the specific needs of GBV survivors. From healthcare, mental health and psychosocial support, legal assistance to social and economic support, the forum aimed to create an integrated system that leaves no one behind.

In photo: Action Against Hunger’s Gender and Protection Manager presenting Protection Principles in Humanitarian assistance.

Action Against Hunger’s Gender and Protection Manager, Charisse Jordan, presented the crucial Protection Principles in Humanitarian Assistance which plays a pivotal role in the protection of civilians in times of crises and emergencies. This set the stage for constructive dialogue and strategic planning among stakeholders, highlighting the importance of collective action in addressing GBV effectively.

Throughout the forum, the focus remained firm on the voices and needs of the community. Representatives from various municipalities and barangays shared insights into the specific challenges women face in their respective areas, shedding light on the urgent need for tailored solutions. These discussions underscored the importance of people’s informed and meaningful participation through listening to the stories of survivors, grassroots engagement and community empowerment in driving meaningful change.

In photo: Discussion with the constituents of GBV referral pathways, particularly in the Municipalities of Pagalungan, Datu Montawal, SGA Pikit and Parang, namely the Bangsamoro Women Commission, Municipal Gender and Development Focal, Philippines National Police Women and Children Police Department Officer, Ministry of Social Welfare and Development Officer and Integrated Provincial Health Officer of Maguindanao.

A particularly impactful contribution came from the Community Protection Monitors, trained by Action Against Hunger through the ACCESS Project. Two of them were 30-year-old Samira and 28-year-old Rahim who presented firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by women in their respective communities, emphasizing the importance of community-based protection initiatives and interagency collaboration. Protection Monitors are community volunteers and leaders who oversee the safety, dignity, and rights of individuals in their assigned area, reporting protection concerns, including GBV. They also identify at-risk individuals and connect them with available services and referral pathways.

The forum also addressed pressing issues such as unreported cases of violence against women and girls, barriers to accessing support services, and the alarming persistence of child, early, and forced marriages (CEFM).

Through candid discussions and collaborative problem-solving, stakeholders outlined a series of recommendations to prevent and mitigate protection risks which are often intensified during emergencies and disasters.

In photo: Forum participants presenting specific needs of victims-survivors of GBV and social service providers.

Among the proposed actions were programs for strengthening the functionality of referral pathways and local protection mechanisms during emergencies, awareness campaigns on the rights of women and the harmful effects of CEFM, among others. These initiatives are in line with Action Against Hunger’s Gender and Protection Policies and reflect a holistic approach to addressing GBV, along with other community protection concerns, encompassing prevention, mitigation, and response.

As the forum drew to a close, it became evident that true progress requires sustained commitment, coordination and collaboration from all stakeholders. From government agencies to grassroots organizations, each participant pledged to play their part in building safer, resilient, more inclusive communities for women, girls, boys, men and vulnerable groups in BARMM.

In the words of the Women and Children Protection Desk Head of the Municipality of Pagalungan, “The peace of the community starts with your leadership as the duty bearer of the community.” With this shared sense of responsibility and determination, we can pave the way toward a future where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence.

*Disclaimer: The names of individuals mentioned in this article have been altered to protect their confidentiality and privacy.

The “Assisting the Most Vulnerable Communities and Schools Affected by Complex Emergencies Access Quality and Timely Humanitarian and Disaster Preparedness Services” (ACCESS) Project is funded by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) and implemented by Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines, Humanity and Inclusion, Save the Children Philippines, together with our local partners─Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress, Inc., Integrated Mindanaoan Association for Natives, Inc., ACCORD, Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc., Notre Dame of Jolo College Community Extension Services, and Community Organizers Multiversity.

For more information on our Gender and Protection approaches, click here.

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Creating Safe Spaces: protection for women, girls, and most vulnerable populations during emergencies

In the face of the Philippines’ complex humanitarian challenges, characterized by hazard-induced disasters and armed conflicts, Action Against Hunger has stepped forward to address the alarming rates of gender-based violence (GBV) and Protection risks, particularly affecting women and children. The organization recognizes that this dire situation not only jeopardizes the well-being of individuals but also weakens the societal fabric, diminishing the capacity to protect the most vulnerable.

The Philippines remains one of the countries most at risk of disasters based on the World Risk Index. Within this complex humanitarian scenario, women and children are disproportionately exposed to the perils of protection risks particularly GBV. Whilst GBV persists before the onset of disasters or conflicts, the risks are intensified in crises where protection structures and mechanisms are disrupted and weakened. According to the 2022 Philippine National Health Demographic Survey (NHDS), one in five women aged 15-49 experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence from their husbands or intimate partners. This figure covers only those who reported and recognized what happened to them as GBV.

Instances of GBV are often underreported, leading to a prevailing misconception that such incidents are uncommon in BARMM. However, women engaged in consultations have revealed distressing experiences, including instances of sexual harassment, coerced marriages, and rape, including cases involving minors, occurring amidst displacement and within evacuation centers. Crises like the occurrence of conflicts or disasters deeply affect communities by disrupting lives, causing trauma, and limiting access to mental health services. These challenges increase vulnerability to GBV as displacement and limited access to basic services exacerbate mental health issues and may perpetuate cycles of violence. Marginalized groups bear the brunt, facing heightened risks. Many individuals express uncertainties regarding how to address or seek assistance for these issues, primarily due to fears of shame, stigma, victim-blaming, disbelief, and potential retaliation, exacerbating the already challenging landscape of mental health in these communities.

Jazmin*, a 39-year-old woman, is currently in a temporary unfinished house that serves as a temporary shelter along with three other displaced families. Jazmin expressed fear and worry over her personal security inside the house. Telling her story, Jazmin shared, “Pakagilek sa kangasilingan ta kagina dala pageletan na kabagiga. Yabu pageletan na kulambo para aden bu lending sa kaped a pamilya uman pedtulog magabi.” (there is only one room in the evacuation center and the only division we have is a mosquito net.)

“there is only one room in the evacuation center and the only division we have is a mosquito net.” – Jazmin, age 39

Another story from a displaced community is about 33-year-old Zainab* who is currently staying in an evacuation center in Maguindanao del Sur. Last December 2023, Zainab along with the people from her village was forced to leave their community indue to violent clashes involving non-state armed groups and the military. Throughout her life, Zainab has faced repeated displacement episodes, triggered by recurrent violent conflicts in her community. The persistent and violent nature of fleeing has taken a toll on her psychological and emotional well-being. For now, Zainab shares her anxiety due to the uncertainty of a safe and dignified return. “Ya nin pedtalon, kadakelan sa lekami na gagilekan pembalingan baguli sabap sa di pon gatawan kanu e kambalingan na military operation” (most of the evacuees are afraid to return to their community due to undetermined military operations). Presently, Zainab, who is in her seventh month of pregnancy, can stay in a secure environment where she can receive tailored humanitarian assistance to their needs.

“most of the evacuees are afraid to return to their community due to undetermined military operations.” – Zainab, age 33

Especially during emergencies, creating safe spaces is paramount. Action Against Hunger calls for stricter implementation of laws and adherence to guidelines advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations, especially those who are internally displaced people or at greater risk of GBV, as well as the establishment of safe spaces for women and children, pregnant lactating women, persons with disabilities, and children in humanitarian response. These spaces offer a safe space for women and vulnerable populations to access protection services and GBV referral pathways.

Action Against Hunger’s intervention in responding to GBV and VAW in the Philippines is a testament to the organization’s commitment to addressing the most pressing issues vulnerable communities face. By taking a gender-transformative approach, Action Against Hunger is not only mitigating the immediate impact of GBV but also working towards creating a safer and more resilient future for all. This exemplifies the organization’s dedication to realizing its vision for a world where hunger and violence are eradicated, and all individuals can live with dignity and safety.

*Disclaimer: The names of individuals mentioned in this article have been altered to protect their confidentiality and privacy.

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Responding to the Mindanao Flooding Crisis

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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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7.2 Magnitude Earthquake in Surigao

In response to the devastating 7.4 Magnitude earthquake in Surigao del Sur on December 2, 2023, Action Against Hunger acted swiftly, deploying on-ground teams within 24 hours to assess the situation. The Department of Social Welfare and Development reports that over 100,000 people have been displaced. Collaborating with the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid-ACCESS consortium partners, our Siargao field team is conducting rapid assessments and coordinating with local government units to gather crucial reports. In one barangay in the municipality of Barobo, Surigao del Sur, access to clean water poses another challenge. With no water refilling stations, residents must travel 8km to the next barangay to purchase drinking water.

The earthquake’s impact extends to the livelihoods of the community, where 95% are engaged in fishing activities, with the remaining 5% involved in part-time farming. Despite the existence of fisherfolks and farmers associations, the lack of registration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) prevents them from accessing crucial assistance during calamities or disasters. The community emphasizes the need for organization and registration to enhance their resilience in the face of future challenges.

CALP Network’s Successful ToT Program Advances Core CVA Skills in Manila with Support from USAID

Last week, the CALP Network successfully completed a Training of Trainers (ToT) program on Core Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) Skills for Programme Staff in Manila, Philippines, held from November 20th to 24th, 2023.
 
The ToT saw active participation from 16 CVA practitioners representing diverse backgrounds from 11 different agencies including UN entities, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and local actors. These CVA professionals came from countries such as Bangladesh, Fiji, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, and Ukraine, and from those whose roles cover the Pacific and Central Asia regions.
 
This training initiative forms an integral part of CALP’s support aimed at assisting the humanitarian community in achieving high-quality Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) at scale. The importance of enhancing staff capacity is underscored by the insights presented in the State of the World’s Cash Report 2023, which emphatically asserts that “increasing staff capacity offers one of the biggest opportunities for the growth of CVA.”
 
Expanding the team of CALP-certified trainers in the Asia-Pacific region on Core CVA Skills for Programme Staff Training holds the potential to significantly enhance access to CVA learning opportunities for humanitarians. Having this will help in contributing to the broader goal of advancing proficiency and effectiveness in cash-based interventions.
In photo: Joseph Curry, regional humanitarian advisor at USAID gives a message during the Trainers (ToT) program on Core CVA Skills.
With USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance‘s support, the CALP Network serves as a collaborative platform that brings together organizations to strengthen their capacity, knowledge, coordination, and policies related to Cash and Voucher Assistance. Action Against Hunger is an active member of the CALP Network and currently hosts its Asia-Pacific Region team.

Action Against Hunger Country Director, Suresh Murugesu, at the Trainers (ToT) program on Core CVA Skills.

Empowering Farmers for a Climate-Resilient Future in Lanao del Sur

LANAO DEL SUR, MINDANAO – Over 200 farmers from six barangays in Balabagan and Kapatagan are embarking on an inspiring 8-month journey with the iPrepared project’s Climate Resilience Farmer Field School (CRFS) program. Among them is the resilient 43-year-old Bhai from Barangay Proper Kapatagan.
 
Nearly four months since the CRFS program began, Bhai and her fellow farmers have already gained valuable insights into climate-smart agriculture. Bhai also received a generous supply of vegetable seeds, including string beans, bottle gourd, tomatoes, eggplant, white cucumber, and bokchoy.
 
With unwavering support from the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA), Action Against Hunger, through the iPrepared project, is on a mission to empower vulnerable communities in Mindanao, enabling them to better tackle the challenges posed by climate change. The CRFS program is also done in coordination with the Office of Provincial Agriculture (OPAG).
Bhai’s vision extends beyond herself; she envisions her children becoming stewards of the land. Together, they make learning a family affair, a cherished activity during school breaks. With a heart full of love, she seeks to provide nourishment for her family, ensuring they have access to a bounty of homegrown vegetables.
“The knowledge I’ve gained will enable me to make the most of the land in front of our home,” she shares with excitement. “I’ve also learned to be resourceful by reusing plastic to help my plants thrive.” Even though her home is about 2 kilometers away from the demo farm, her determination to learn and apply her newfound knowledge knows no bounds.
We continue to work hand in hand with these communities, nurturing the seeds of change we’ve planted. Together, we are paving the way for a more climate-resilient future, one step at a time, with the promise of even brighter days ahead.

The ‘Inclusive Disaster Preparedness for Local Resilience in Areas at High-Risk of Natural and Human-Induced Hazards in BARMM, Mindanao, Philippines’ or iPrepared Project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA) and implemented by Action Against Hunger

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Shaping Healthy Communities through Inclusive Menstrual Hygiene Management

“Abi nako sakit siya or something. Nabalaka kaayo ko. So pag-abot ni Mama, ako dayun siya gi-estoryahan. (I thought it was kind of a disease. I got worried. So, I told my mom when she arrived home,” shares 12-year-old Ezzeah, a Grade 5 student in Sindangan Pilot Demonstration School (SPDS). She shares her story of when she had her first menstrual period two years ago.

The first menstrual period is a transforming event for girls. Dealing with menstruation for the first time was disquieting for Ezzeah. Her female peers had similar experiences. Nixie, age 10, says she felt uncomfortable, anxious, and even embarrassed when to her friends or teachers. She had instead called her grandmother to fetch her in school when she got her period.

On the contrary, 6th grader Lakiesha shared that she felt excited and happy when she finally got her first period. “Kabalo naman ko ato kay sige ko tudluan sa akong Ate og Mama kung dug-on. Na andam na (I already knew what to do when I had my period because my sister and my mom taught me how. I’ve been prepared),” she explained. But despite this, she still had a hard time. Some of their classmates would tease them if they had mood swings whenever they had their periods. Fortunately, Lakeisha knows how to handle such situations and would remind them that what she was experiencing was normal.

These girls first learned menstruation at home, so they understood it before their first period. However, misconceptions about menstruation were further clarified among their peers after a lesion on the reproductive system during class.

Open discussion with the students, both boys and girls, on menstrual hygiene was also helpful in containing bullying in school according to their teachers.

“Sa una, abi nako inig dug-on ang bayi kay mamatay na (At first, I thought girls would die when they had their period),” said one of the boys in Lakeisha’s class. Raising awareness on menstruation and menstrual hygiene allowed the students of Sindangan Pilot Demonstration School (SPDS) to be more sensitive to and supportive of their female classmates.

With Action Against Hunger’s support through the Sustainable Sanitation Project funded by UNICEF, the Schools Division of Zamboanga del Norte launched its first Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Campaign last September 2022 at Sindangan Pilot Demonstration School. Ezzeah, Nixie, Lakeisha, Eric, and other students from grades 4 to 6 were among those who joined the campaign.

All schools should have [WASH facilities] so that women will not be ashamed during their menstruation.”

Aside from being launched in SPDS, the campaign activity was also simultaneously launched across all educational institutions under the Schools Division Officer of Zamboanga del Norte. During the campaign, the Menstrual Hygiene Management materials that were used to educate and raise awareness were provided by Action Against Hunger with the collaboration of the SDO.

After the campaign, the students now emphasize the importance of period-friendly water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and having access to sanitary products in school so that everyone will be clean and comfortable, especially during menstruation. “All schools dapat may mga ing-ana (WASH facilities) para ang mga women dili na sila maulaw nga ginadugo sila (All schools should have [WASH facilities] so that women will not be ashamed during their menstruation),” Eric suggests.

For girls who have experienced menstruation, Ezzeah hopes for other girls to open up and never be afraid or ashamed. She shares her advice to girls who experience bullying, “Dili jud maulaw. Mag-estorya jud og tinuod aron makabalo pud sila na mali ang ilang ginabuhat sa pagbully sa inyuha (Don’t be ashamed. Open-up so that they will know that bullying you is wrong).”

Teachers have expressed that the campaign was a great initiative to advocate for menstrual hygiene but stressed that this is only the first step. Teachers, parents, school heads, and the local government units should continuously work together in ensuring that the needs of all girls and boys that are crucial to their hygiene and health are sustainably achieved.

For example, the class advisers emphasized that it is very important for them as educators to provide guidance to their students on handling menstruation, for boys not to laugh at girls, and ensure that they have sanitary supplies available in their Health Corner. “Teachers always see to it that there’s open discussion among the students on menstrual hygiene,” said Teacher Manuelita, a homeroom adviser for the Grade 4 students.

“Part of our science lesson plan for grade 5 students is to talk about the puberty stage, menstruation, male and female reproductive system. Students are already informed about menstruation, and it is normal,” Teacher Anna mentioned. As an extra effort, she even advised her pupils to bring their MHM kits.

“Integrated man gud na siya sa lesson especially during the pandemic. Naapil na siya sa among Homeroom Guidance during the pandemic time (Menstruation is already integrated in our Homeroom Guidance especially during pandemic times), Teacher Cicilia added.

“Teachers always see to it that there’s open discussion among the students on menstrual hygiene.”

The high awareness of the students on menstrual hygiene of SPDS is attributed to the guidance of their parents, lectures in school, and their easy access to social media. The head of Barangay Poblacion mentioned that the children of their community today are even more knowledgeable about menstruation because they can now access more information and raise awareness online.

Even the local government unit has its way of campaigning MHM through their Barangay Health Workers. They continue to educate their community on how to properly manage menstrual hygiene and debunk myths like “walking around the house” or “cracking an egg” during menstruation.

MHM awareness helps to develop not only the knowledge and understanding of the children on menstrual hygiene and their puberty but also helps to build self-awareness and respect. Agustina Magalso, the Assistant School Principal of SPDS, added that “once the child is already informed about Menstrual Hygiene Management, especially our young ladies, they will learn more about self-respect and self-value.”

Teachers and parents as well envision having an organized, safe, and sociable environment for their children without barriers between men and women, boys, and girls. To reach this vision, Ivie Ututalum, WASH in Schools (WinS) Coordinator, agrees that schools should improve WASH facilities and provide proper information about MHM. “Knowledge materials on menstrual hygiene should be visible,” she stressed.

Agustina also emphasized how important it is to sustain the advocacy, especially among girls with special needs enrolled in their Special Education. The school, with the support of the LGU and other stakeholders, will continue to strive for a better and safer environment for the younger generation.

The “National Roll-out of Philippine Approach to Sustainable Sanitation (PhATSS) and Integrated Program Modelling in Zamboanga del Norte,” is a project funded by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and implemented by Action Against Hunger.

One of the components of the project is to support the subnational implementation of PhATSS and WASH in Schools (WinS) within Zamboanga del Norte. Through the implementation of WINS, the PHATSS sanitation grade level of the province will scale up. This will ensure that school toilets are child-friendly, functional, and clean boys’ and girls’ toilets, including menstrual hygiene management.

Educating both girls and boys about menstruation is crucial to building empathy, understanding, and supportive environments. By fostering open and proactive conversations and promoting awareness and participation at the community level, we have the power to create a society that embraces menstruation as a normal part of life.


Written by Eden Somodio, edited by Joyce Sandajan

Safe water in a safe community

For Aslani Atha Casim and his family, getting clean water and safe access to hygiene facilities was a struggle in their community. The 27-year-old farmer lives with his wife and three kids in Barangay Baya, located in the Municipality of Ganassi, Lanao Del Sur.

Residents of Barangay Baya used to get their water from the nearby river which is half a kilometer away from the community. To get there, Aslani and his family would need to either hike or ride a horse so they could fetch water, do laundry, and take baths.

“It’s not easy because my wife and I have to carry heavy water containers going back home,” says Aslani. On rainy days, going to the river was difficult because the road would become slippery. This made Aslani worry about his family’s safety.

Through the ECHO-funded REACH Project, Action Against Hunger provided water, sanitation, & hygiene support to the community of Baya. This included rehabilitating the communal toilet that is separate for men and women. We also repaired existing tap stands to extend the water supply, so residents no longer need to travel far to access water from the river. Apart from this, the community also received hygiene promotion sessions that talked about personal hygiene, as well as maintaining the cleanliness of the communal toilets.

Solar lights were also installed to lighten the areas around the water and sanitation facilities and make the facilities safer to use in the evenings. Community members including the family of Aslani have participated in the hygiene promotion activities and learned about the good hygiene practices as well the prevention of water and sanitation related diseases. Health seeking and hygiene behavior were reinforced by these sessions since access to WASH facilities were made available in consideration of respect and dignity.

Aslani shares that the intervention has impacted their everyday lives now that they have WASH facilities that are socially inclusive.

He also highlighted that the new facilities make the women and children in their community feel safer. “I’m grateful that the toilet for men is separated from the women’s toilet. Children become more conscious of their hygiene, which is good because the facility is child friendly. “It has made people’s lives easier. We don’t have to ride a horse or walk under the sun. I don’t need to worry when my wife wants to wash the laundry because the [comfort room] is just a walking distance near our house,” Aslani said.

Since WASH facilities are available, more people have been coming to their barangay to get water. “This is a huge help for every Muslim in our barangay especially since Ramadhan is approaching and everyone would need water and [comfort room] for ablution,” Aslani added.


With support from European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the “Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Conflict-Affected Populations in Mindanao” or REACH 3 Project is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, IDEALS, Inc., Nisa Ul-Haqq Fi Bangsamoro, United Youth of the Philippines-Women, and Oxfam Pilipinas.

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Working together with local agencies and LGUs to provide rapid response

“MOVE UP Project, in coordination with the Parang MDRRMO has been instrumental in the delivery of Multipurpose Cash Transfer and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support interventions under its Rapid Response Mechanism to the displaced families affected by armed conflict in GT Biruar. These interventions benefitted the IDPs, especially the most vulnerable who were provided immediate, life-saving assistance,” shares Ms. Norah Mamariong, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Officer (MDRRMO) of Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.

With funding from the European Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), MOVE UP 5 through Action Against Hunger provided cash assistance and conducted a Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support (MHPSS) Session for Adults who were affected by the recent ‘rido’ in Barangay G.T Biruar, Parang.

Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Social Services and Development – BARMM, MDRRMO of the Municipality of Parang, and the officials of Barangay G.T Biruar, MOVE UP 5 was able to quickly respond to the needs of the affected community.


This rapid response is part of the Moving Urban Poor Communities Towards Resilience (MOVE UP 5) consortium project implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines, ACCORD Incorporated, CARE Philippines, Plan International Philippines, and Nissa Ul-Haqq Bangsamoro with funding support from the European Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).

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Surviving Crisis Mode with MOVE UP’s Support

Hindi namin alam kung saan tatakbo, kasi yung barilan, nakapalibot sa mga bahay namin,” shared Rasi, 44. She and her four children were among the displaced due to an armed conflict last February 6, 2023 at GT Biruar, in the Municipality of Parang, Lanao del Sur.

(We didn’t know where to go [at the time], because our houses were surrounded by gunfire.)

According to Rasi, that night they heard gunshots being exchanged by the parties involved. The gunfighting, allegedly caused by Rido or clan dispute, injured a number of residents including Rasi’s nephew.

Four days after that first encounter, a band of armed individuals occupied parts of the sitio where the encounter originally occurred- raising tension. Frightened and worried for their safety, families started to evacuate. A total of 69 households were displaced. A total of 69 households were displaced.

Displaced residents at the multipurpose cash assistance distribution of MOVE UP 5. (Photo by Ericka Refalbor for Action Against Hunger)

With funding from the European Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), our MOVE UP Project team responded by activating the rapid response mechanism to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance to the affected families. All 69 displaced families were given multipurpose cash assistance which is intended to support families in buying their basic needs whilst away from their homes and livelihoods.

RRM Cash Assistance beneficiary (Photo by Ericka Refalbor for Action Against Hunger)

“This [cash assistance] is a big help because we don’t know when we’ll be able to go back home.”

Rasi expressed her appreciation to the MOVE UP Project for the cash support they received. “Malaking tulong talaga ito kasi hindi po namin alam kailan kami makabalik,” she said. (This [cash assistance] is a big help because we don’t know when we’ll be able to go back home.)

Rasi and her daughter buy food and supplies after receiving the emergency cash assistance from Action Against Hunger. (Photo by Ericka Refalbor for Action Against Hunger)

One of the beneficiaries receiving their cash assistance from the designated financial service provider. (Photo by Ericka Refalbor for Action Against Hunger)

This rapid response was also complemented by support from the local government which provided food packs, hot meals, and transportation of the beneficiaries to and from the distribution area.

To this day, the tension between the two clans continues. Action Against Hunger, in coordination with the local government, continues to monitor the condition of the displaced families until they can safely return to their community.


Moving Urban Poor Communities Towards Resilience (MOVE UP) is a consortium project that offers durable solutions in terms of capacitating local governments and communities in mitigating the adverse socio-economic effects of disasters. With funding from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, MOVE UP 5 is implemented by Action Against Hunger, CARE PhilippinesPlan International, ACCORD Incorporated, and Nissa Ul-Haqq Bangsamoro. Read more

Women for WASH: Celebrating Women and Girls in Science

Let’s celebrate the International Day for Women and Girls in Science! We recognize and honor the achievements of women and girls in the field of science and their critical role in achieving and sustaining clean water and sanitation.

Miela De Gracia, an esteemed educator and former principal of the Sindangan Pilot Demonstration School in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. Both Miela and her school were among the five awarded champions of the Department of Education’s Comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) Program last November 28 to 29, 2022.

To qualify as a WinS Champion, the school must sustain a three-star rating for three consecutive years. The rating will be based on the comprehensive criteria judged on hygiene, sanitation, water, deworming, and health education.


“It really takes shared leadership, shared governance, and shared responsibilities with the community to achieve something,”


With the continuous support of Action Against Hunger and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines through the “National Roll-out of Philippine Approach to Sustainable Sanitation (PhATSS) and Integrated Program Modelling in Zamboanga del Norte” Project, Miela and her school are able to sustain ideal sanitation and hygiene standards.

Miela shares that this achievement was not due to her efforts alone, but rather it was the support of her community that made a difference. “It really takes shared leadership, shared governance, and shared responsibilities with the community to achieve something,” she adds.

Miela’s school, under her leadership, also led the Menstrual Health Management Campaign last September 29, 2022.

In photo: Miela receives a certificate of appreciation during the Menstrual Health Management Campaign last September 29, 2022. (Photo by Eden Somodio for Action Against Hunger)

The involvement of women and girls in STEM is not just important to have clean water and sanitation for all, as underscored by Sustainable Development Goal 6, but to achieve all 17 sustainable development goals.

By promoting the participation of women and girls in this field, we are ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of half of the world’s population are represented in developing solutions to water and sanitation issues.


The National Roll-out of Philippine Approach to Sustainable Sanitation (PHATSS) and Integrated Program Modelling in Zamboanga del Norte Project is funded by the UNICEF, and implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines, with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and in coordination with the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte. Read more

Siargao Farmers Trained on Good Agricultural Practices and Organic Farming

Farmers affected by Typhoon Odette attended a farmer training on Good Agricultural Practices and Organic farming in the municipalities of San Benito and Burgos on the island of Siargao, Surigao del Norte last December 2022.

The training is facilitated by trainers from the Rice Specialists Training Course (RSCT). The participants from barangays Orok and Talisay learn approaches on how to rebuild their agricultural livelihoods and increase their farm yields through sustainable and safe methods.

Among other things, they learn about the importance of intercropping and how to make and apply organic fertilizers and pesticides. They also learned how to transfer their newfound knowledge to others.

After the training, they will facilitate sharing what they learned with other farmers in their communities.

Photos by Arianne Gijsenbergh for Action Against Hunger | December 2022, Siargao, Surigao del Norte

The livelihood support is part of the second phase of the project ‘‘Emergency Assistance to Support Local Recovery Capacity of Families and Communities Affected by Typhoon Odette’, funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA) and jointly implemented by Action Against HungerCARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.


Written by Arianne Gijsenbergh Read more

Restoring the Rice Fields After Typhoon Odette

CAPALAYAN, SURIGAO CITY — Erna Crisologo, 35, is proud to be a rice farmer. Growing up in a family of rice farmers she has lived in the middle of the rice fields her whole life. Besides the rice field bordering their home, Erna and her husband Ruben Cabalan, 35, also own a small coconut plantation higher up the mountain.

The rice paddy near Erna and Ruben’s home. (Photo by Arianne Gijsenbergh for Action Against Hunger | Surigao City, December 2022)

In December 2021, Typhoon Odette raged across the Philippines leaving a trail of destruction along its path. Erna and Ruben’s home in barangay Capalayan, a rural area on the outskirts of Surigao City, was completely washed away, along with their rice plants and coconut trees.

Erna joined the livelihood training sessions and received cash assistance to restore her family’s livelihood. This was part of the Typhoon Odette Emergency Response implemented by Action Against Hunger in the province of Surigao del Norte with funding support from the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA),

“Our rice plants were totally washed away, our coconut trees damaged. We had no more source of income, no source of food.”

In the aftermath of the typhoon, Erna, Ruben, and their daughter Shekanaiah, 8, found shelter in the school nearby. The school functioned as an evacuation center. The first days after the storm, the situation was dire. The center was overcrowded and the families were hungry. It took almost a week for food supplies and other relief goods to arrive because the roads were unpassable.

With no home to return to, Erna and her family stayed in the evacuation center for 2 months. “I was very stressed that time due to our situation,” recalls Erna, “Our rice plants were totally washed away, and our coconut trees damaged. We had no more source of income, no source of food.”

Erna cries as she recalls their experience during and after Typhoon Odette (Photo by Arianne Gijsenbergh for Action Against Hunger | Surigao City, December 2022)

Erna was heavily pregnant with a second child, which was due in February. Sadly, the stress took a toll on her body. On January 23 Erna had a miscarriage. “My baby is over there,” says Erna through her tears, pointing at a small grave next to the rice field. “That’s where we buried him. A boy. We named him Anton.”

Thankfully, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Erna’s family received donated housing materials, which they combined with leftover planks from their old house to build a new home.

The newly-repaired home of Erna and her family. (Photo by Arianne Gijsenbergh for Action Against Hunger | Surigao City, December 2022)

Once her family had a roof over their heads again, Erna and other typhoon-affected farmers in barangay Capalayan attended a training on good agricultural practices and organic vegetable production, organized by Action Against Hunger. Erna learned how to make and apply organic insecticide and fertilizer and how to improve their dyke construction. “Before we were making our dykes larger and higher,” explains Erna, “but the trainer told us that if you make the dyke too big, it will attract mice who will make it their home. It should be like this, just high enough to prevent the water and fertilizer from flowing away.”

Erna also joined a training on financial literacy and wrote a business plan to access 15,000 pesos cash assistance. She used the funds to buy a tools like sprayer for the organic fertilizer, a shovel, a raincoat, rubber boots, organic rice seeds and to pay for labor costs for land preparation.  “I feel very happy and excited to start planting rice again,” says Erna.

“I learned that it is very important to save so that we will not be hungry if a disaster comes. We are very thankful that Action Against Hunger gave us funds to restart our business. Now we have no debts to repay and we can start saving immediately.”

In addition to the training sessions and cash assistance, Action Against Hunger coordinated with the Philippine Coconut Authority to provide seed nuts to the farmers for restoring their coconut plantations. Erna and the other beneficiaries take turns weeding and watering the seed nuts in the nursery until they are ready for transplanting.

Erna with her fellow co-op members. (Photo by Arianne Gijsenbergh for Action Against Hunger | Surigao City, December 2022)

The project’s livelihood support measures are implemented in cooperation with the local farmer cooperative, where Erna volunteers as finance officer. Her mother was one of the founders.

“My mother’s passion is also my passion: serving our co-farmers. Even though we are poor, we are able to help other people,” says Erna.

Erna at the co-op. (Photo by Arianne Gijsenbergh for Action Against Hunger | Surigao City, December 2022)

Three months after planting, the rice will be ready for harvest. Erna plans to invest some of their earnings in buying pigs as an additional source of income. The family already owns three pigs which Ruben feeds and washes every morning, while Shekanaiah laughs in delight at the sound of their squeals.

Ruben washing the pigs while Shekainah observes. (Photo by Arianne Gijsenbergh for Action Against Hunger | Surigao City, December 2022)

Erna also wants to open a savings account. “I learned that it is very important to save so that we will not be hungry if a disaster comes. We are very thankful that Action Against Hunger gave us funds to restart our business. Now, we have no debts to repay and can start saving immediately.”

The USAID-funded project supports families like Erna’s to recover from disaster and rebuild fulfilling lives. Erna smiles contentedly, “We are doing well now. Not just well, we are doing good.”

Photo by Arianne Gijsenbergh for Action Against Hunger | Surigao City, December 2022

The livelihood support is part of the ‘Emergency Assistance to Support Local Recovery Capacity of Families and Communities Affected by Typhoon Odette’ project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA) and jointly implemented by Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.


Written by Arianne Gijsenbergh Read more

Building Back A Safer Home

LAGANGILANG, ABRA ─ Christopher Piscador, 35 years old, starts the day as early as four in the morning together with his wife, Kimchie. Christopher would go straight to do farm work while Kimchie prepares the family’s meal. On most days, Kimchie would help her husband tend their crops.

Christopher’s family lives in the quiet sitio of Magalong with less than 20 resident families. To reach their area, they would either cross a hanging bridge or through a short river, before another 15-minute walk through a rice field.


A little past 8:30 am of July 27, the husband and wife were already in the field with their youngest daughter when they felt the strong and sudden earthquake. From a distance, they could see their house shaking, with chunks of the concrete wall falling off.

In photo: A part of the concrete wall in the Piscador family’s house that collapsed due to the earthquake.

Noong  lumindol po, talagang  napahinto po kami,” shares Christopher. (When the earthquake hit, we stopped in our tracks) Their other children were at school, so luckily, no one was inside their home at the time. “Di po kami agad pumasok. Andito lang kami sa labas kasi nagbabagsakan mga gamit sa loob, pati mga hollow blocks. Lahat ng mga pader, pati mga poste gumagalaw na, at naputol mula sa ilalim,” he adds. (We didn’t go inside [the house] right away. We stayed outside because there were items falling, even the hollow blocks. All the walls and posts were moving, and even the posts were breaking).

For almost two months, they were living outside their house because they were worried that it would fall apart while they were inside. To this day, aftershocks still occurred.

Action Against Hunger staff talks to Kimchie Piscador outside their damaged house.

Christopher’s family mostly relies on their crops for their own consumption. For income, they are caretakers of three pigs loaned to them. Because these are only loaned, only half of the profit goes to them when the pigs are sold. The most they would earn from selling a pig would be around 2,000 pesos.

With a limited source of income, Christopher admits that it would have taken them a while to prioritize repairing their home. When they found out that they would receive core shelter assistance from REACH 3 Project’s Abra Earthquake Response funded by the European Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), Christopher’s family was eager to start building their new home. Together with his wife and eldest daughter, Rhea Mae, they worked together in hauling all the materials from the bridge to their lot.

“I am really grateful to Action Against Hunger and ECHO because they gave me a house. That really helped us a lot.” – Christopher Piscador

Until now the children still get scared, even at the slightest quakes. “Yung mga bata talagang takot na takot po sila. Pag may aftershocks, talagang bumabangon sila at ready na umalis”, Christopher shares. (The children are really scared. Whenever there are aftershocks, they are immediately on their feet and ready to evacuate). Two of their children go to San Isidro Elementary School, one of the schools that received a temporary learning space from the same project.

They expressed their gratitude to Action Against Hunger who was implementing the project in Lagangilang and San Quintin. “Talagang malaking pasalamat ko sa Action Against Hunger at ECHO kasi binigyan po ako ng bahay, na talagang malaking tulong ito sa amin.” (I am really grateful to Action Against Hunger and ECHO because they gave me a house. That really helped us a lot.)


With the support of the European Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the Abra Earthquake Response is part of the ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Populations in Mindanao and the Province of Abra Affected by Conflict, Disasters, and the COVID-19 Pandemic’ or ‘REACH 3’ Project. It is implemented by ACCORD Inc., Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines, Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services, Community Organizers Multiversity, IDEALS Inc., Nisa Ul-Haqq Fi Bangsamoro, United Youth of the Philippines (UnYPhil) Women, and Oxfam Pilipinas.

Real Life Heroes: Rural Women for Community Resilience

Gemma Andot is a women’s leader in the MADADMA Community, part of the Obo Manobo indigenous group. Since 2020, she has been an active volunteer of Action Against Hunger in promoting community resilience through the ECHO-funded MOVE UP project.

This International Day of Rural Women, we highlight and celebrate women like Gemma. Get to know her and how she engages and inspires her community in Ilomavis, Kidapawan City towards resilience.

How long have you been working as a humanitarian worker (volunteer)?

“Since 2012, isa na akong aktibong IP Community member na aktibong sumasali at nagsasagawa ng pagtulong, pagvovolunteer sa pagpreserve ng aming kultura at kapaligiran. Sa tuwing may mga NGO na dumarating dito, nagvovolunteer ako lagi.”

Since 2012, I have been an active IP Community member actively participating and helping─volunteering to preserve our culture and environment. Whenever NGOs come here, I always volunteer.

What motivates you to continue volunteering?

“Naiintindihan ko kasi ang hangarin at adbokasiya ng Urban Resilience lalo na sa usapin ng pagse-savings. Gusto ko maging involved sa paghahanda ng community kapag may dumating man na sakuna.”

[I understand the desire and advocacy of urban resilience, especially in the matter of savings. I want to be involved in making sure that my community is prepared if a disaster is to come.]

Why are you making this sacrifice?

“Hindi ko na iniisip ang sakripisyo, nakatingin nalang ako sa hinahanarap at sa magandang maaring maging resulta ng pag-sesave.”

[I don’t think about the sacrifices anymore, I just look at the future and the good that can be the result of having savings.]

What have been the challenges to your work?

“Minsan kailangan hatiin ang panahon ko para sa pamilya, negosyo, at community work, pero kaya naman kasi nandiyan naman palagi ang Action Against Hunger na kaagapay lalo na sa community.”

[Sometimes I need to divide my time between family, business, and community work─ but I’m able to do it because Action Against Hunger has been supporting us in the community.]

What motivates you to keep doing your work even these challenges?

“Nakikita ko kasi na balang araw ang mga kapwa ko IP ay magiging mas resilient kami kapag lahat kami naisabuhay ang pagsesavings.”

Seeing that one day, my fellow IPs will be more resilient when we all start having savings [motivates me].

What are you most proud of?

“Na dati nagsimula lang kami sa Agoho Community Savings Group. Ngayon, isa na kaming federation sa Kidapawan. Magpaparegister na din kami sa DOLE at SEC sa tulong ng Action Against Hunger at Public Employment Service Office ng LGU Kidapawan.”

Previously we just started with Agoho Community Savings Group. Now, we are a federation in Kidapawan. We will also register with the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Securities & Exchange Commission with the help of Action Against Hunger and the Public Employment Service Office of LGU Kidapawan.

How can you engage the youth in your line of work?

“Kami na mga magulang ay nagsesavings. Sana itong mga kabataan ay makita nila kami bilang magandang ehemplo. Sila na rin ay nagsesavings gaya namin kaya ebidensya ito na naiimpluwensyahan namin sila.”

[We parents are having savings. I hope these young people can see us as a good example. They are also saving like us, so this is evidence that we influence them.]

Read more about Gemma’s work the Pines (Agoho) Community Savings Group

Moving Urban Poor Communities Towards Resilience (MOVE UP 4) is a consortium project that offers durable solutions in terms of capacitating local governments and communities in mitigating the adverse socio-economic effects of disasters. With funding from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, MOVE UP 4 was implemented by Action Against HungerPlan InternationalCARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.


International Day of Rural Women

Over the last century, the world’s population has steadily shifted from leading a rural existence to living in urban settings. Yet a vast amount of people (approximately 3.4 billion) are still living in rural areas. These rural communities are often characterized by limited access to resources, lower standards of living and generally high levels of poverty.

In the Philippines, around 2 million women work in rural industries including agriculture, fishing and mining. Yet land ownership for women remains low at around 10%. Women play a vital part in rural cultivation within the country yet are rarely the beneficiaries. To this end, significant land reform in accordance with gender transformative measures is required to address the situation.

Action Against Hunger has engaged with several projects across the Philippines to address the issues surrounding gender in rural communities. Specific focus has been placed on influencing household decision-making and ensuring gender is integrated into existing food security & livelihoods programming.

Read more

Stories from the Field: A Mother’s Fortitude

Sitting on a bamboo bed inside a makeshift cob hut, five-year-old Zia bugs her lola (grandmother) about her vitamins, telling her that it is time for her to take them. Emma, 63 years old, tells her to wait for a while as she settles to answer questions and share stories about her life and what she experienced when Super Typhoon Odette hit Bohol.

Emma and Zia sit on their bamboo bed inside their makeshift shelter made of leftover materials from their house that was severely damaged by Typhoon Odette.

Emma lives in a small house near a river in Napo, Inabanga, Bohol. The neighborhood remains isolated from the rest of the town’s mainland since it is located on the other side of the riverbanks.

Emma has been Zia’s guardian since birth. She has acted as the mother since her daughter, Zia’s biological mother is working in another province as a house helper and comes home very rarely.

“Ay sukad pa pag gawas, ma’am. Ako na jud nag bantay ug nagpa dako kay nanarbaho pod lage ang ijang inahan sa Cebu. Magpada pod usahay ahong anak, pero gamay ra pod lage kay 5,000 ra man ijang sweldo,” shares Emma.


“I am the one who has been looking after her since she was born because her mother has to work in Cebu. My daughter [Zia’s mother] also sends money but not that much because she only earns 5,000 pesos per month.”


Meanwhile, Emma vividly remembers the terrors she and Zia experienced during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Odette one early night in December 2021.

“Kusog (ang hangin). Didto mi sa kapelya nanagan oy. Alas syete naman mi namlhin didto, kusog na kaajo ang hangin. Pirte na jud namong likay-likay para di mi maigu sa lubi,” Emma eagerly recalls.


“The wind was very strong. We ran to the chapel. We went there at seven in the evening, the wind was already aggressive at that time. We tried our best to avoid the swaying coconut trees on our way to the chapel,”


Seeking a safer shelter amidst the violent winds and heavy rains, left their small house without anything but Zia. They stayed in the chapel along with the other villagers who were also seeking a more elevated place to avoid the rising water from the river. Two days later, the neighborhood was still flooded after the river overflowed during the typhoon. Emma was able to go back to their place after three days but she went home to almost nothing. Her house was destroyed and everything in and around it was covered with mud.

A few meters from their makeshift house, Emma and Zia pose sit by their soon-to-rise new home which was made possible through the support of the ECHO and Action Against Hunger

Today, no signs of muddy surroundings and damaged infrastructure exist anymore. The only thing that serves as a reminder of the typhoon is the makeshift cob house where they are staying temporarily.

About five meters from the makeshift home stood a newly built house frame with galvanized iron sheets roofing, four big wooden pillars, and coconut lumbers ready for the walling. All of the resources used for building the structure were funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) as part of the Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai in the Philippines project. The material and financial donations, along with the emotional and mental support, made it possible for Emma to start rebuilding their home and their life.

With teary eyes and a shaky voice, Emma expressed her gratitude to the people behind ECHO through the Action Against Hunger team. Right after she saw the damages left by the typhoon, she thought it was already impossible for her to build back their home due to financial incapacity. But through the ECHO Odette Response, she only had to contribute minimally because most of the things she needed to start again were already provided.

“Perteng lipaja namo ma’am oy. Sa katong diha na ang mga hinabang [sa Action Against Hunger  at ECHO], labi na katong para sa shelter, mga kahoy, mga sin. Bisan pa og kato ra, maka barog naman jud mi adto, bahala’g di ka-igu, majo na raman naay ma puno-punoan.” she shares.


“We were very happy when the aid [from Action Against Hunger and ECHO] arrived, especially those for shelter, the wood, the galvanized iron sheets. Even with only those materials, we can already put up our house back. It is already a great starting point.”


Aside from the shelter assistance, Emma received other kinds of assistance from ECHO such as hygiene kits. Six months later, Emma has eventually returned to her almost-normal life producing fiber materials out of raffia palm leaves while taking care of her granddaughter. Emma earns less than 500 pesos a week from cleaning, drying, and scraping raffia fibers and selling them to local native product manufacturers.

Emma prepares raffia fibers to supply for local handicraft producers

While her new home is not fully done yet, Emma and Zia continue to take shelter in the makeshift cob and hope they can finally move into the new house in a few weeks.

Emma’s motherhood has extended to the next generation by taking the role of a mother and guardian to her granddaughter. Being a widow and a senior citizen did not stop her from taking responsibility for her 5-year-old granddaughter not only during disasters but during Zia’s entire life.

Emma gets drinking water for Zia in their makeshift dirty kitchen after her granddaughter took her daily dose of vitamins. 

As Emma finishes sharing her story and answering questions, she gets up to get the vitamins Zia had been bugging about earlier. She lets Zia take it and gives her water to drink after. Zia leaves with a phone her mother lent Emma for communication purposes and starts playing a mobile game.


The Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai (Odette) is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and jointly implemented by CARE PhilippinesACCORD IncorporatedAction Against Hunger PhilippinesNational Rural Women Coalition (PKKK) and Plan International in Dinagat Islands, Palawan, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Negros Occidental, and Cebu, in the Philippines.


 Written by Donna Ocmeja | Photos by Donna Ocmeja for Action Against Hunger

Odette Aftermath Snapshot: The Island’s Source of Life

The island of Ubay can be reached through a 30-minute fuel-powered boat ride from the port of Tubigon. Residents pay 50 pesos for a two-way ride from and to the island.

Ubay, a small island in the town of Tubigon in Bohol, was one of the most devastated communities after the onslaught of Supertyphoon Odette (internationally known as Typhoon Rai). Most of the houses were totally damaged by the typhoon that hit the province in December 2021.

The residents of Ubay are families who depend on the sea to survive. Most of the people on the island are fisherfolks. Unfortunately, it was also the sea that destroyed the island when Typhoon Odette rampaged the province of Bohol. Aside from losing their homes and livelihoods, the disaster also took the lives of two vulnerable members of the community—a newborn baby and an elderly woman.

Through the funding of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai implemented by Action Against Hunger in Bohol provided aid and support in the aftermath of the calamity. Since the residents’ livelihoods were most impacted, the ECHO-funded Typhoon Odette Emergency Response provided interventions to help the fishing community rebuild their main source of living.

Jose Cabarce, a fisherfolk, shows his new fish net he bought using the cash assistance. His wife, Evelyn Cabarce, is inside their home which is right behind Jose.

Reynaldo Zaide lost his newborn daughter during the typhoon. The name of the baby who died is seen written on the exterior wall of the family’s house. Reynaldo lives with his wife, Lavinia, and their two children: a 15-year-old boy and an 8-year-old girl. He received cash assistance for livelihood as well which he used to buy a new fishing net.

Father and son Lorenzo and Eric Beltran take turns in using the new fishing net and motor machine for their boat which they bought through the cash assistance provided by the project. They live together in a small house built just a few inches from the seawater.

Eric and Lorenzo with the rest of the Beltran family members.

Estrellita shows her husband, Binerando, getting ready for another fishing trip. Binerando is preparing the boat they managed to acquire through the livelihood cash assistance.

Grandparents Reinaldo and Feliza Manas, with their granddaughter, show the fishing net they just bought. Reinaldo is a fisherman who works to provide food for her sick wife and their granddaughter who lives with them. Surrounding them are some of the remaining debris of their damaged home.

Fernando, 64, and Analiza, 33, are a couple with two kids in grade school. With Analiza having Polio, Fernando is the primary caregiver and provider of the family. Thanks to the cash assistance, the family was able to buy new fishing gear that helped them restart their fishing livelihood after Typhoon Odette.

The ECHO-funded Typhoon Odette Response provided cash assistance which residents used to rebuild their livelihoods. While some residents used the assistance to purchase fishing gears and other equipment, others used it as a start-up capital for a sari-sari or small retail store.

Eusevio Macaraya shows his small sari-sari store inside a makeshift shelter made of materials recycled from the remains of typhoon Odette. Eusevio proudly shares how his small store is now the new place for the neighborhood, especially fishermen, to gather for coffee early at dawn or late at dusk. The new ‘Ubay Island Cafe’ owner is a 64-year-old widower who lives alone. His four children have left the island a few years ago for marriage.

Aside from the cash assistance for livelihood, the Action Against Hunger team also provided another set of cash assistance to some members of the community for food supplies. They also provided Water, Sanitation and Hygiene kits.

Estrellita Anavieza, 58, is a widow who currently lives on the island with her teenage daughter. She also received livelihood cash assistance for her store’s capital.

Aside from the cash assistance for livelihood, the Typhoon Odette Response through Action Against Hunger also provided another set of cash assistance for food supplies. During the initial stages of the intervention WASH or water, sanitation, & hygiene kits were also given to the affected residents.


The Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai (Odette) is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and jointly implemented by CARE PhilippinesACCORD IncorporatedAction Against Hunger PhilippinesNational Rural Women Coalition (PKKK) and Plan International in Dinagat Islands, Palawan, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Negros Occidental, and Cebu, in the Philippines. Read more

Stories from the Field: Keeping faith in helping others despite Typhoon Odette’s impact

“In health, we need to be on duty, even if we ourselves are affected. Be strong. We go to the evacuation centers, even though we do not know what has happened to our homes.”Dr. Ivy Padernal, Municipal Health Officer | Municipality of Mabini
Patients from devastated health stations from Mabini swarm the San Roque Health center— the main health center in the municipality. After being destroyed by Typhoon Odette, it is crucial to repair and add more health stations to serve the community.
Prior to the disaster, Dr. Ivy visits the health center once a week to conduct check-ups. The center caters to more than ten barangays. After Typhoon Odette, residents had to do their health consultations at the rural health office which was a long commute for many.
With the support of the European Union Humanitarian Aid, our Typhoon Odette Response in Bohol was able to rehabilitate health facilities such as the San Roque Health Center.

The Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai (Odette) is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and jointly implemented by CARE Philippines, ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, National Rural Women Coalition (PKKK) and Plan International in Dinagat Islands, Palawan, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Negros Occidental, and Cebu, in the Philippines.

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Stories from the Field: Hope in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette

41-year-old Lorelei still breaks down into tears every time she recalls the day Typhoon Odette made landfall. She vividly remembers the fear that she and her family experienced. Not to mention, they had to face the fact that the typhoon had left their home damaged and their livelihood affected.
 

With the support of the European Union Humanitarian Aid, our Typhoon Odette Response in Bohol was able to provide short-term livelihood recovery programs to families like Lorelei’s.


The Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai (Odette) is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and jointly implemented by CARE Philippines, ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, National Rural Women Coalition (PKKK) and Plan International in Dinagat Islands, Palawan, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Negros Occidental, and Cebu, in the Philippines.

Read more

Stories from the Field: Sailing Through Rough Seas

The island of Ubay in Tubigon, Bohol is one of the communities hardest hit by Supertyphoon Odette (internationally named Rai)—the strongest typhoon that the province had ever experienced according to their current residents.

To reach the island, one must take a 30-minute boat ride from the mainland of Tubigon. If residents or travelers do not have their own boat, it costs fifty pesos for a one-way trip. Being a hard-to-reach community and with most of its houses totally damaged by the typhoon—Ubay was identified as one of the beneficiary communities of the Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai in the Philippines project funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO).

Marichu and her son ride on their boat on the way to the island from the mainland of the town of Tubigon.

Marichu Reyes and her family are residents of the island. The day-to-day life of Marichu and her family primarily revolves around the island. Her husband is a full-time fisherman who works day and night to catch fish and other seafood for selling and consumption. The sea is the family’s means of survival and source of income. Unfortunately, with climate change making natural disasters even worse in recent years, the family’s source of living is affected.

Marichu prepares for docking and throws a rope toward a man who is waiting for the boat to arrive on the Ubay island.

“Sa dihang naagi-an mi og linog, na usab ang panahon. Dayon, nag bagyong Yolanda, mura bag hinay na kaayo ang kuha sa isda gani. Dayon gi usban ni Odette, mao tong diha mi murag na lusbo gani mi. Mura mag ibutang nato og mura ta’g nawad-an ta og panginabuhian ba, sakit kaayo,” Marichu shared during an interview.


“When the 2013 earthquake hit us, the weather seemed to have changed. Then when typhoon Yolanda hit a few months later, our fishermen’s daily catch gradually decreased. Typhoon Odette came and that is when everything got even worse. It seemed like we lost everything in life, and it was too painful for us,” 


Despite the day-to-day financial challenges they face, Marichu and her husband continue to keep their promise of not giving up. Currently, their eldest child is in a local college studying Education, while their second child has just started college taking up Maritime courses.

The family owns a boat that they use not only for fishing but also for taking passengers to and from the island; this is a secondary source of income for them. Meanwhile, Marichu works as a Barangay Health Worker on the island with a monthly honorarium of 500 pesos.

“Ang akong bana, ang buntag himoon og gabie, ang gabie himoon og buntag niya, para lang maka support sa among mga anak. Kay among mga anak ma’am bisag ingani mi ang among sitwasyon, maka kaon sa usa ka adlaw og ka tulo, pursigi gani sila sa ilang pag skwela. Unya kato akong ulitawo mo tabang sad sa iyang papa og tahi, managat…. Ang kanang mahibiln sa among balay kanag gamay nako ari, kamao naman sad na moluto ka gi tun-an lage nako, 9 years old, grade 4,” Marichu proudly narrated.


“As a fisherman, my husband’s morning is the night, and the night is his morning. He does that just to support our children because even if we are in this situation – merely having three meals per day – we have hard-working children who are eager to go to school.

For instance, my second child helps his father at work – he sews our fish net, he goes fishing… Our youngest child is usually the one left at home, and he can already cook food. He is nine years old and in the fourth grade,”


Marichu admitted that her family of five continues to experience the struggle to achieve a more stable life, especially in recent years because income through fishing has been unsteady and two of the children have started tertiary education. On the brighter side, this struggle is also the thing that motivates them to do better and bigger. Unfortunately, their struggle intensified in December 2021 after Super Typhoon Odette washed out their home and destroyed their fishing equipment.

Marichu sits in the doorway of their makeshift house while narrating the horrors her family and the rest of the island community experienced during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette

The town of Tubigon has six islands surrounding it. Due to the lack of appropriate sea transport facilities and time constraints, the local government officials were not able to evacuate all of the Ubay Island residents before the strong winds and rains arrived. Fifteen families remained on the island during the typhoon including Marichu’s.

Marichu got emotional as she recalled the unfortunate events that happened on the island during the typhoon. She narrated how the community witnessed first-hand the rapid destruction of the islanders’ primary assets – the households and the livelihood. Marichu also shared how the entire community of Ubay Island mourned for the two most vulnerable members of the community who lost their lives during the typhoon – a newborn baby and an old woman.

“Sakit kaayo paminawon ba, nga ang among bay ug panginabuhian hurot tanan. Ang nahibilin na lang namo ang among pamilya, maong nagpasalamat sad ko sa GInoo ba nga wa mi hutdan sa among mga anak. Gibilin mi, ang gikuha niya ang panginabuhian ug among balay. Pero salamt jud kaayp sa Ginoo sad kay kami buo pa mi. Hinuon ang panginabuhian ug ang bay, sa inanay mabalik man. Pero sakit lang sad paminawon ba,” Marichu said.


“It is painful to think that our home and livelihood got destroyed [due to the typhoon]. What was left of us is our family. I am thankful to God that we did not lose anyone from the family. Our house and livelihood got taken away, but thankfully our family is still complete. We can bring back our house and livelihood slowly anyway. But it was still painful [to lose our house and livelihood,”


The arrival of the Action Against Hunger team to the island a few months after the typhoon was considered a blessing to the island. Marichu, along with the other residents of the island of Ubay, received post-calamity aid from the ECHO-funded project. Cash assistance for livelihood and food is the primary aid intervention for the residents of the island. They also received water, sanitation and hygiene kits.

Standing in front of their temporary house, Marichu shows off the new fish net they bought using the ECHO livelihood assistance

All of the families on the island benefited from various aid programs coordinated by the Action Against Hunger team. More than 20 families were able to buy new fishing equipment that helped in their livelihood recovery, and more than 40 families were able to buy food supplies for daily consumption.

Standing in front of their temporary house, Marichu shows off the new fish net they bought using the livelihood assistance from the 

The residents of Ubay Island mention their gratitude for all the help they received in Typhoon Odette’s aftermath. Marichu and her husband thought it would take them a long time to recover, but thanks to donations from charity organizations, especially Action Against Hunger, according to them it only took a few months to go back to fishing. It’s a long way to go, but they’re slowly getting back on their feet.

“Ipagawas lang nako no, daghan jud kaayo ko og pasalamat ninyo, sa Action Against Hunger, sa ECHO. Dako kaayo og nakatabang sa among panginabuhian. Nga ang among pukot nga gamay na pun-an pa gyud tungod sa hibanag Action Against Hunger. Thank you kaayo. Og sa akoa lang nga bahin ma’am, kung nagkinahanglan mo nako, willing ko, magpa gamit ko para makatabang pod,” Marichu’s ending statement during the interview.


“I just want to express a huge thank you to Action Against Hunger and ECHO. They helped us a lot in the revival of our livelihood. For instance, we now have a bigger fish net because of the cash assistance we received. Thank you very much. And on my part, if ever the organization would need anything from me, I am willing to help and be a volunteer, so I can also help in return,”


The Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai (Odette) is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and jointly implemented by CARE PhilippinesACCORD IncorporatedAction Against Hunger PhilippinesNational Rural Women Coalition (PKKK) and Plan International in Dinagat Islands, Palawan, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Negros Occidental, and Cebu, in the Philippines.

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Stories from the Field: Woman of the House

Grace Sabellano, 55 years old, is one of the beneficiaries of the Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai in the Philippines project funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). As an owner of a house that was one of the totally damaged homes in the village of Villa Aurora in Dagohoy, Bohol, Grace received shelter assistance from the project through the efforts of Action Against Hunger.

Grace heads a family that resides in a small house made of light materials. The house sits on top of a mountain, isolated from the rest of the village. There is no other way to reach their home from the barangay proper but through a 15-minute hike in the mountains.

In photo: Action Against Hunger team hikes the trail leading to Grace’s house in the mountains of Villa Aurora, Dagohoy. (Photo by Donna Ocmeja for Action Against Hunger)

In photo: The house of Grace and her family as seen from a nearby hill that is part of the mountainous trail. (Photo by Donna Ocmeja for Action Against Hunger)

In photo: The team passes by a manmade well a few meters below Grace’s residence. The well was made especially for the only two houses located in the area; this includes Grace’s family. (Photo by Donna Ocmeja for Action Against Hunger)

Grace is a single mother with three children. Today, two of her children live with her in the mountainous barangay of Villa Aurora. Five people live in the house built by Grace herself: her son and daughter, her father and his partner, and herself.

In photo: Grace expresses pride and happiness as she narrates how she managed to build up their house on her own, with little assistance from her father. (Photo by Donna Ocmeja for Action Against Hunger)

When Typhoon Rai (locally known as Supertyphoon Odette) hit their home, Grace’s father was the only person left since she was out of town at that time. Thanks to the village officials, her father got rescued just in time before the main parts of the house got washed away by strong winds and heavy rains. Grace went home a day after and came home to a devastating sight – the house that she built herself had been destroyed.

In photo: Grace with her father and son inside the family house. (Photo by Donna Ocmeja for Action Against Hunger)

With Grace doing most of the work, the reconstruction of the house is still ongoing eight months after Typhoon Odette’s ravage. Grace uses the cash assistance from the ECHO Typhoon Odette Emergency Response to buy materials to rebuild their home. She also received water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) kits from Action Against Hunger.

Grace had been separated from her husband more than five years ago and has since then raised the family on her own. As the main provider of the family, Grace’s primary source of income is farming. She plants vegetables and root crops around the house. She also raises a few native chickens for consumption.

In photo: Grace shows her vegetable garden located just outside the house she built. (Photo by Donna Ocmeja for Action Against Hunger)

“Og di ka mananom [diri sa bukid], wa jud kay kaonon. Dako to kaayo og tabang namo [harvest], until now…Sauna, wala man gyud mi ga anad anang kuan kay naa mi sa syudad gapuyo sa wa pa mi dari. Ang kanang pagpananom kung kintahay di ka kabalao, pero akong gi tuohan, walay di nato mahibaw-an kung atong buhaton. Positibo lang dapat, kay ingana ang kinabhi,” Grace shared during an interview.


“If you don’t plant food here in the mountains, you will not have anything to eat. Our harvests are helping us a lot until now… We did not have any experience in farming because we grew up in the city. But I believe that nothing is impossible to learn if we just do it; the same goes for farming. We should be positive, that’s how life is,” 


In photo: Action Against Hunger staff with Grace and her son having a conversation outside the house on top of the mountain. (Photo by Donna Ocmeja for Action Against Hunger)

Unfortunately, aside from the damages to the house, typhoon Odette also destroyed Grace’s garden and small farm, her family’s main source of living. With her perseverance and patience, Grace’s day-to-day life of farming and taking care of the family continues. On top of this is the ongoing repair of her house which she has been spending time on.

In photos: Grace harvests corncobs from her small farm located a few steps from her house. She planted the corn seeds herself after slightly recovering from typhoon Odette. (Photo by Donna Ocmeja for Action Against Hunger)

As a single mother who lives in a small, simple house located on a mountain isolated from the rest of the village, Grace stepped up her role at home and is now the head of the household and the family’s main provider.

“Naningkamot ko nga matuto og tarong ang akong anak bisan way amahan. Naningkamot ko kay lisod pod kaayo og imong pasagdan,” Grace highlighted in the last part of the interview.


“I work hard so that my children will grow to be good people even if they don’t have a father. I work hard because I cannot just take them for granted,”


In photo: Action Against Hunger staff with Grace and her son having a conversation outside the house on top of the mountain. (Photo by Donna Ocmeja for Action Against Hunger)


The Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai (Odette) is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and jointly implemented by CARE PhilippinesACCORD IncorporatedAction Against Hunger PhilippinesNational Rural Women Coalition (PKKK) and Plan International in Dinagat Islands, Palawan, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Negros Occidental, and Cebu, in the Philippines.

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Real Life Heroes: Michael “Q-pie” Queman

Michael Queman, or “Q-pie” as we call him, is one of our Project Assistants for the iPREPARED project. As a climate change advocate and one of our Real Life Heroes, Q-pie knows that #ItTakesAVillage to achieve climate justice.


Get to know Q-pie as he shares his story from being a survivor to humanitarian worker:

What is your role and/or key responsibilities in Action Against Hunger?

Currently, I am working as a project assistant in the DRR Project of Action Against Hunger wherein I am coordinating with the community with regards to disaster risk reduction and resilient livelihood activities.

How long have you been working as a humanitarian worker?

I am already 12 years in the humanitarian world and started working with the organization since 2014 during Typhoon Haiyan.

What motivated you to become a humanitarian worker?

Way back in 2008, I was also a victim of displacement during the flooding in my hometown in Cotabato City. I witnessed several individuals who came and gave support to the affected families. This made me realize that I want to be in an organization that provides support, especially to the underserved and less fortunate members of the community.

Why are you making this sacrifice?

I know the feeling of being helpless and incapacitated. Providing support to improve the living condition of every person gave me a sense of fulfillment. Opportunity is not equally available to everyone, and we are instruments to alleviate the living conditions of those with less opportunities.

What have been the challenges to your work?

Aside from the pandemic, natural hazards are currently affecting our served community.

What motivates you to keep doing your work even with these challenges?

I took an opportunity of the challenges we encountered in the project. This is the time to educate the community about disaster risk reduction, especially on the importance of preparedness and mitigation.

What are you most proud of?

Witnessing the impact of the project on the community is an achievement. That somehow, you became a part of improving their living conditions.

How can you engage the youth more in your line of work?

We have seen in our naked eyes the effect of climate change. As a DRR advocate, it is important to educate and encourage the youth to put action on what they posted on social media like the campaign on #savemotherearth. That the responsibility to save mother earth is more than just posting. It’s like practicing what you are posting.

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Real Life Heroes: Leader in the Making

The youth is the hope of the future, they say. In order to address the many issues impacting our fight against hunger, we must not only help children to grow up strong, but also engage and capacitate them to be the leaders they aspire to be.

We approached this by providing interventions focused on protection in the Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai in the Philippines project through the support of the European Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid (ECHO).

23-year-old Mario Ferrano Jr. is the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson of Barangay Mandaug in the town of Calape, Bohol. As the village’s youth leader, Mario represented his community in the 4-day Child Protection Training of the ECHO-funded Typhoon Odette Emergency Response.

The workshops, which include topics on Child-Friendly Space and Mental Health and Psychological Support, were conducted by Action Against Hunger. Mario caught the attention of the project staff and training organizers because of his sense of initiative and participation.

According to the Municipal Social Welfare Officer of the Local Government of Guindulman in Bohol, local child abuse cases increased significantly during the pandemic but doubled during the aftermath of Supertyphoon Odette (internationally known as Typhoon Rai)

Action Against Hunger initiated various programs to promote and implement protection for children in the typhoon-devastated areas of Bohol. The programs include a series of training for social workers, barangay officials, and youth leaders and the building of child friendly spaces in coordination with local government units (LGU) and barangay councils. One of the participating LGUs is the town of Calape.

Action Against Hunger conducts a four-day training on Child Protection  for the community workers of selected barangays of Bohol

The training was part of the Typhoon Odette Emergency Responses protection activities, such as: provision of psychosocial support services including access to child and youth-friendly spaces, recreational activities, and psychological first aid; prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV); reactivate and strengthen community-based protection mechanisms to assess and monitor protection concerns; and implement community awareness and feedbacking activities.

“Relevant kaayo ni nga nga project sa Action Against Hunger and ECHO, kaning Child Friendly Space. Kay usa man gud sa di mahatagan og pag-tagad during calamities, dili lang sa bagyong Odette, pag linog pod pag niagi, nabantayan pod nako nga usa jud sa mawala sa mapa, during the pandemic, is ang bata. Looy kaayo ang mga bata kay pasagdaan ra kay ang ginikanan naa didto nag pila for relief good, nangita og kwarta. Then ang mga bata napasagdaan na bitaw nga ga bulingit na, which is dili healthy sa ilang pang lawas,” Mario shared.


“This project by Action Against Hunger and ECHO, the Child Friendly Space, is extremely relevant. One of the things that are taken for granted during calamities is the children, not only during typhoon Odette, but also during the 2013 earthquake. I also noticed that children were overlooked during the pandemic. I feel sorry for the children when they get ignored because their parents are busy lining up for relief goods or looking for money. The children are taken for granted to the point that they would look dirty, which is bad for their health.”


The team also found out that even before the project’s intervention, Mario was already an active community leader in their barangay initiating programs for the benefit of the youth.

Mario volunteers as a facilitator during the Child-Friendly Space training

One of the things Mario is known for is the small youth organization he founded in the barangay—the Association of Spirited and Ardent Youth or ASAY. The name of the organization is derived from the local expression “Asay” which is a shortened version of “Asa ang…” or “Where is the…”. “Asay” is is normally used by the youth when they are asking for ‘news’ about celebrations in the neighborhood so they can go there, join the party, and eat: “Asay kaon” or “Where is the food.” This is how Mario and his team found inspiration in creating a youth community through food and celebrations. Whenever there is a celebration in the barangay such as a birthday dinner, Mario and the rest of the youth in the village would meet not only to enjoy food but also to exchange stories, ideas, and aspirations. The organization started with 19 members in 2019; now, they have more than 70 youth members. The primary target members of the organization are out-of-school youth or youth who were allegedly users of illegal drugs.

Presently, the youth members from the organizations who did not have the eagerness to go to school anymore finally enrolled in the most recently opened school year. Accordingly, none of them use illegal drugs anymore; the parents are at peace because their children come home earlier. They used to come home late because of their vices.

Mario says, “Lami bitaw paminawon nga you changed someone’s perspective. Nga imbis magpa bilin sila sa drugs, why not go to school?”


 “It is nice to hear that you changed someone’s perspective in life. Instead of remaining a drug user, why not go to school?”


After hearing about the Typhoon Odette Emergency Response’s plans on protection activities, Mario got excited to participate in another volunteer opportunity for his youth community in Barangay Mandaug. As someone who has a passion for teaching and communicating, he is eager to put into action all the lessons on Children’s Protection that he gained from the series of training.

Mario (in white long-sleeved shirt for the left photo and in maroon shirt in the right photo) brainstorming with his team during a workshop as part of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Training

Mario shares, “Mapasalamaton ko sa Action Against Hunger sa pag pili sa among barangay. Kay sa tinuod lang, adunay daghan kaayo nga number of children nga maka benepesyo sa ilang programa which is the Child Friendly Space. Dako kaayo ni og tabang namo, isip opesyales sa barangay, nga amoang mahatagan og serbisyp ang amoang mga kabatan-onan didto, nga imbis sa bisyu sila, ari sila sa programa sa Action Against Hunger, which is the Child-Friendly Space…Ang dili gyud nako pwede makalimtan [nga gi tudlo sa Action Against Hunger] kay giving value to children.”


“I am thankful to Action Against Hunger for choosing our barangay as one of the beneficiaries. Indeed, we have many children who will benefit from the program, the Child Friendly Space. This is a great help to us, barangay officials, in providing service to our youth and encouraging them to participate in the program rather than get into vices….One thing I will never forget about Action Against Hunger is the lesson on giving value to children.”


Barangay Mandaug is one of the 19 barangays in Bohol that received training on Protection and funds for building a Child-Friendly Space in their respective communities. Aside from this, the residents in Mandaug also received Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Kits from Action Against Hunger as part of the Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai in the Philippines project.

Mario listens to his co-participant reciting during the training

Mario was recently hired as a public high school teacher and will soon start his professional teaching journey. Knowing his dedication and passion for public service, youth development, and volunteerism, we are optimistic about the kind of educator he will be to the younger generation — young, bold, and caring. Hopefully, he will educate more youth to have the same dedication and passion as him.


The Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai (Odette) is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and jointly implemented by CARE PhilippinesACCORD IncorporatedAction Against Hunger PhilippinesNational Rural Women Coalition (PKKK) and Plan International in Dinagat Islands, Palawan, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Negros Occidental, and Cebu, in the Philippines.

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Real Life Heroes: Al-King Dilangalen

Al-King Dilangalen, one of our Project Assistants for the REACH 3 Project, shares how his love for helping others always prevails in times when being a humanitarian worker becomes difficult. This is one of the many reasons why he’s one of our Real Life Heroes.

Get to know Al-King and his inspiring take on being a humanitarian worker:

What is your role/or key responsibilities in Action Against Hunger?

I am currently one of the project assistants for the “Response to the unmet Humanitarian Needs of the most vulnerable populations in Mindanao affected by conflict, natural hazards, and COVID-19 pandemic” or REACH 3 Project.

My responsibility is to coordinate with community partners and leaders, especially the local government units in our covered areas, both in barangay and municipal level particularly on Health and Nutrition sector. We worked together with local and barangay health workers to conduct health missions, nutrition screenings for children and Pregnant and Lactating women, and conduct covid-19 vaccination campaigns to hard-to-reach areas affected by conflict and natural disasters.

How long have you been working as a humanitarian worker?

In the past 3 years, I have been working as a humanitarian worker, mainly in emergency response projects. I started my career when I had the chance to respond in earthquake affected areas in North Cotabato. Then after, I started working with Action Against Hunger under COVID-19 emergency WASH assistance project and REACH 2 Top-Up Emergency Response Project.

What motivates you to become a humanitarian worker?

Humanitarian work is nonetheless exceptional. Having been able to respond during crisis to communities affected by disasters or conflict and help them ease their burden is the main reason why I choose to be a humanitarian worker.

Why are you making this sacrifice?

We are living in a very critical times right now, and it doesn’t take much to trigger off another calamitous events. And I believe that it takes a good heart for a human being to commit itself for the good of humanity. Its not merely a sacrifice but rather a shared responsibility. When someone sees inequality and injustices, there should be no second thoughts about making actions. To me, I know that my commitment in serving the community is somewhat my great contribution in making this world free from poverty.

What have been your challenge in your work?

As an aid worker, people always recognize us for the courage and passion despite being in a risky situation. However, the truth is, we’re also vulnerable. Sometimes, we’re not only the responders but is some circumstances, we’ve also become the survivors. We position ourselves in many dangerous places. We brave through the floods, we travel in an insecure area, and our lives are at stake.

What motives you to keep doing your work even with these challenges?

There are moments when our body wants to rest but our heart would continue to go on. There is always this contradiction. They do not speak in unity especially when you see the need for aid. The heart usually prevails. The heart wins. And this is why I keep doing my job.

What are you most proud of?

Working in the humanitarian world allowed me to see how my values align with the real-world. I was able to balance realities, with a sense of adventure, meet people, and have new experiences. This is the work culture that I’ll always be proud of.

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More than 3,000 people in risk-prone communities in BARMM have better access to market and financial services

Together with the United States Agency for International Developments’ Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, we launched in April 2020 a two-year disaster risk reduction project. In the past two years, we have been working with our partner communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in ensuring that they are better prepared and more resilient against disasters.

One of the project’s approach was to introduce the culture of savings to participating families. They were introduced to financial systems through registration in online financial platforms. 50 community savings groups (CSGs) were organized. This was one of the strategies that paved the way for beneficiary households to integrate savings in their efforts towards financial sufficiency.


“Thank you so much for teaching us to value of having our own savings. We never prioritized this before…I have a lot of kids that I need to send to school. That is why I need to have my own savings for the benefit of my children.

– Samrah Tayuan, Community Savings Group Member


Aligned to the provisions of Republic Act 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)’s Operation Listo for Municipalities, the project’s main goal is to strengthen local government and community capacities towards resilience in municipalities which are high risk and vulnerable to natural hazards in Mindanao, Philippines.

A total of 3,750 people also have better access to market and financial services through the of the ‘Strengthening Local Resilience and Building Capacities in Area at High Risk of Natural Hazards in BARMM, Mindanao’ project.

Overall, we were able to reach 17,601 people with our activities that are in line with Risk Management Policy & Practice; Agriculture & Food Security; and Economic Recovery and Market Systems (ERMS).


For more information, check out the Project Catalogue


‘Strengthening Local Resilience and Building Capacities in Area at High Risk of Natural Hazards in BARMM, Mindanao’ is a disaster risk reduction project funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA) and implemented by Action Against Hunger. Read more

Resilience Project in BARMM impacts 5,080 people with improved risk management policies & practices

The United States Agency for International Developments’ Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance together with Action Against Hunger launched in April 2020 a two-year disaster risk reduction project. In the past two years, we have been working with our partner communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in ensuring that they are better prepared and more resilient against disasters.

For example, we helped the five covered municipalities in improving and updating their existing DRRM Plans and contingency plans, aligned to the Office of Civil Defense’s (OCD) standard forms and required contents. In coordination with the OCD of BARMM, we then provided the technical resource and facilitated the workshops.


“Before Action Against Hunger came, we didn’t know how to handle calamities…Now that we do, we now understand what an early warning system does. We can now stand on our own. We learned a lot such as how to manage our people during disasters and similar situations.

– Nasiba Kasim Maguid, Barangay Captain of Liong, Datu Salibo


Aligned to the provisions of Republic Act 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)’s Operation Listo for Municipalities, the project’s main goal is to strengthen local government and community capacities towards resilience in municipalities which are high risk and vulnerable to natural hazards in Mindanao, Philippines.

We were able to impact 5,080 people by improving local government and communities’ capacity in preparing for and mitigating disaster impact through training, and planning processes.  This was made possible due to the efforts of the ‘Strengthening Local Resilience and Building Capacities in Area at High Risk of Natural Hazards in BARMM, Mindanao’ project.

Overall, we were able to reach 17,601 people with our activities that are in line with Risk Management Policy & Practice; Agriculture & Food Security; and Economic Recovery and Market Systems (ERMS).


For more information, check out the Project Catalogue


‘Strengthening Local Resilience and Building Capacities in Area at High Risk of Natural Hazards in BARMM, Mindanao’ is a disaster risk reduction project funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA) and implemented by Action Against Hunger. Read more

8,771 people benefit from enhanced agri-aquaculture production systems and food security

Planting is like preparing for a calamity: it entails a lot of hard work and requires thoroughness. It is not easy. But all this will surely pay off as the fruits of this labor will give an abundant harvest not only for one but for the benefit of the whole community.

In the past two years, we have been working with our partner communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao in ensuring that they are better prepared and more resilient against disasters.

For example, we focused on diversifying and increasing the access of BARMM communities to agriculture and aquaculture productivity so that in times of disasters, people will have enough resources and food supply.


“When there’s severe flooding, our crops get destroyed. We feel bad because we lose a lot of income. We borrow money… and when the flood occurs, we are forced to re-apply for loans. That’s why farmers find it hard to earn.

When we started doing the [climate outlook] seminars, it became very beneficial for us because we learned what months the rainy and summer seasons occur. With this, we know when the rainy season happens, so we can protect our crops,”

– Gairon Guimbang, one of the farmers who participated in the Climate Outlook Fora for Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao.


Aligned to the provisions of Republic Act 10121 (Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)’s Operation Listo for Municipalities, the project’s main goal is to strengthen local government and community capacities towards resilience in municipalities which are high risk and vulnerable to natural hazards in Mindanao, Philippines.

A total of 8,771 people benefit from improved agriculture and aquaculture production systems and food security through the efforts of the ‘Strengthening Local Resilience and Building Capacities in Area at High Risk of Natural Hazards in BARMM, Mindanao’ project.

Overall, we were able to reach 17,601 people with our activities that are in line with Risk Management Policy & Practice; Agriculture & Food Security; and Economic Recovery and Market Systems (ERMS).


For more information, check out the Project Catalogue


‘Strengthening Local Resilience and Building Capacities in Area at High Risk of Natural Hazards in BARMM, Mindanao’ is a disaster risk reduction project funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA) and implemented by Action Against Hunger. Read more

PRESS RELEASE: Humanitarian organizations to launch Typhoon Odette photo exhibit in Siargao, highlight need of survivors

Press Release | August 13, 2022

Humanitarian organizations will be launching a photo exhibit in Siargao next week to raise awareness about the impact of Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) and the concerted efforts of residents and various groups in rebuilding the affected communities.

The photo exhibition dubbed “The Last Mile,” which will open on August 15, 6 p.m. at the Siago Beach Resort in General Luna, Siargao Island, just a few days before the commemoration of the World Humanitarian Day (August 19).

The event is organized by non-government organizations and local government units working on the Typhoon Odette Response. The aim of the event is to urge the national government and other stakeholders to not forget those most vulnerable in times of disaster.

It will feature almost a hundred images captured by organizations who implemented the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (EU-ECHO)-supported emergency response for the survivors of Typhoon Odette: ACCORD, Action Against Hunger, Care Philippines, Humanity & Inclusion, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., National Rural Women’s Coalition, Oxfam Pilipinas, Plan International, Save the Children Philippines, and Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya (SIKAT) Inc.

European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron will be giving a message at the opening event of the exhibit, followed by presentations by the participating organizations.

“We want to showcase these powerful images to show just how devastating typhoons are to marginalized and remote communities in the Philippines. We also want to show what we can do together to save lives and reduce the risks and impacts of disasters,” said Oxfam Pilipinas Country Director Lot Felizco.

“With climate change, we expect more intense typhoons to hit the Philippines. We hope the exhibit will also give people hope that something can be done and is being done to strengthen our communities against future disasters and to help them recover from Typhoon Odette,” she added.

CARE Philippines Country Director David Gazashvili said the exhibit will also show the achievements and challenges that residents and humanitarian organizations face eight months after the devastation of Typhoon Odette.

“The exhibit shows how the quick and substantial funding from the EU-ECHO, the power of communities, women and men, boys and girls working together and collaborating with humanitarian actors have effectively addressed urgent humanitarian needs, especially of those who need the most assistance. But it also brings to the surface the challenges of prioritizing disaster-preparedness, risk reduction, and climate change mitigation and adaption,” he added.

EU-ECHO’s funding of the Typhoon Odette emergency response has enabled the provision  of emergency services to almost half a million individuals in Bohol, Cebu, Dinagat Islands, Southern Leyte, Negros Occidental, Palawan, and Surigao del Norte through the implementation of two consortia: one led by CARE, with ACCORD Inc., National Rural Women’s Coalition, Plan International, and Action Against Hunger; and another led by  Oxfam Pilipinas and jointly implemented by Save the Children and Humanity & Inclusion (HI), together with local partners SIKAT Inc. and IDEALS Inc.

The joint efforts of the groups resulted in the distribution of food and livelihood assistance to 70,643 individuals; water, sanitation and hygiene packs for 75,394; protection assistance for 147,549; shelter provision for 72,902; health services for 68,317; and “education in emergency” assistance for 41,205.

Besides attending the photo exhibit, the EU ambassador will also be visiting Pilar in Siargao Island to observe EU-ECHO-funded activities such as the “Education in Emergency” component of the project in Caridad Elementary School. As part of the Typhoon Odette Emergency Response, the school’s teachers received training, supplies and a multi-purpose learning space where “return to learning” sessions are being held. The consortium also assisted in the construction of the multi-learning space and the repair of the damaged classrooms, which will also be turned over next week

For the coming months, the groups will continue to provide the same support for the most affected communities in Bohol, Cebu, Dinagat Islands, Southern Leyte, Negros Occidental, Palawan, and Surigao del Norte.


FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES AND COORDINATION:

Kristine Sabillo Guerrero | Senior Officer for Media and Digital Influencing, Oxfam Pilipinas
0917 569 1449

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Supporting livelihoods, caring for families and communities

A family’s livelihood is a means of securing necessities in life. During disasters and humanitarian emergencies, livelihood is one of the most affected areas, thus affecting families. Almost five months after Typhoon Odette, families in Siargao are still trying to bring theirs back.

Before the storm

The community relies on agricultural produce. Leah’s husband, Julito, asks for coconut shells from copra owners to make charcoal since they do not own a farm. He then sells the charcoal and brings 800 to 1,000-peso income a day. Sometimes, they only have 300 pesos when raw materials are scarce.

After spending on food and other necessities, Leah would use the spare as capital to buy goods for their small sari-sari store.

In photo: Leah fills her basket with goods after receiving the cash assistance (Photo by Aliana Gene Sarmiento for Action Against Hunger)

Losing two birds with one disaster

When the area was placed under Typhoon Signal No. 3 last December 14, the family evacuated to a nearby school and left their house and store for hours in fear for their lives.

Leah and her husband came back three days after to find their store toppled and the goods buried in the mud. Leah said her heart sank at the sight of it. She burrowed through the debris to save the undamaged products just so she could still have items to sell.

Her husband however was left jobless after Odette had wiped away hectares of the coconut farms.

“Akong taglig-on ang akong kaugalingon.”

“I try to remain strong,” says Leah Compra-Navales, after their family survived Typhoon Odette. Makabangon-bangon na man ginagmay. “We are coping up, slowly,” she added even though they have lost their livelihood to the typhoon.

 

Restoring the local economy as a community

Leah’s family is among the 52 households from Barangay Libertad in the municipality of Sta. Monica that received cash assistance for livelihood restoration. Action Against Hunger’s Typhoon Odette Emergency Response in Caraga gave 10,150 pesos for each affected household in Siargao alone. This is done through the funding of the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA) and support from our consortium partners. The assistance under the Emergency Recovery Market System (ERMS) component aims to assist households to re-establish their livelihoods and restore the local economy.

Along with others affected within the community of Libertad, they also received non-food items, hygiene kits, and cash assistance of 5,150 pesos per household for food supplies from Action Against Hunger previous USAID-funded activities.

In photo: Leah receives the cash assistance during the ERMS payout. (Photo by Aliana Gene Sarmiento for Action Against Hunger)

A step closer to livelihood recovery

After receiving ERMS cash assistance, Leah immediately used the money to purchase goods from a local general merchandise store. She filled her baskets with canned goods, sugar, condiments, laundry soap, and more products they could sell. She then filled the display racks in their store with more goods.

In photo: Leah fills her basket with goods after receiving the cash assistance (Photo by Aliana Gene Sarmiento for Action Against Hunger)

Leah said that with the capital they can earn a small steady income every day, and they will not worry about food in the meantime. She is thankful for the opportunity to restart their small business through the help of Action Against Hunger and other organizations.

In photo: Leah’s daughter sits in front of their freshly-stocked store. (Photo by Aliana Gene Sarmiento for Action Against Hunger)

The “Emergency Assistance to Support Local Recovery Capacity of Families and Communities Affected by Typhoon Odette in Caraga,” an emergency response project funded by the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) which is jointly implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, ACCORD Incorporated, Agri-Aqua Development Coalition – Mindanao, and Relief International. 


Written by Aliana Gene Sarmiento

Stories from the Field: A Future Doctor

“I want to be a doctor so that I can help people who are victims of disasters,” said 11-year-old Marilou “Monique” Consigna.

Seeing in her own eyes how Typhoon Odette swept her community in Barangay Sta. Paz in San Isidro, Siargao, Monique wants to inspire and influence others so that future generations of children will make a difference.

Monique is 11 years old and currently studying 5th grade in Sta. Paz Elementary School in the Municipality of San Isidro. Her father died last January of 2022 due to sickness, and her mother which is a day care teacher, is now the sole provider for their family. She has six siblings, three of whom have already started their own families.

In the midst of the typhoon, her family evacuated to her sister’s house on the other side of Brgy. Sta Paz. Because of the severe gusts and heavy downpour, they were terrified, appalled and sobbing. For them, it felt like the end of the world at the time. She realized at that point that she was still a child who wants to live life to the fullest. She stills wants to play like any other children and her life should not end there. When they returned home, they were devastated to see that their home had been completely wrecked by the fallen coconut trees and some of parts of their roofing were removed. Despite of what happened, she is still thankful that all their family members were safe and that they were still alive.

She promised to herself that she will work hard in her studies, she particularly enjoys studying English.

Someday, she wants to help her family and community. She wants to be a doctor so that she may aid catastrophe victims. She will use her life to inspire and influence others so that future generations of children will make a difference.

With the support of UNICEF Philippines, Monique’s family was one of the typhoon-affected families who received access to safe water through emergency WASH kits.


Our Super Typhoon Emergency WASH Response in CARAGA is funded by the United Nations Central Emergency Fund (UN CERF), the Republic of Korea, and the Government of Japan through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines. Read more

Staying healthy and safe in times of crisis

“I still remember how hard the wind and rain were that night. The children were crying out of fear.”

These were the words of 34-year-old Geraldine Quire-Quire as she recalls their night at the evacuation center when Typhoon Odette (internationally named Rai) made landfall in Siargao on the 16th of December 2021. As a mother, her family’s safety is her top priority.

Already pregnant with their third child, Geraldine had to take care of their two children and her disabled aunt by herself in the wake of Odette’s rampage. Geraldine’s husband was away in the city working as a watchman at the time.

The intensity of the typhoon was a horrific experience for the children, according to her. To make matters worse, they went home to find that the typhoon had partially damaged their house.

Months later, Geraldine finds some comfort in the life-saving support they received different organizations and government agencies. They are one of the families in Barangay Opong in Taganaan, Surigao del Norte who received water, sanitation, & hygiene materials from UNICEF Philippines through Action Against Hunger’s Super Typhoon Emergency WASH Response in Caraga. According to Geraldine, some of the items will prove to be useful when she gives birth.

Geraldine also participated in the hygiene promotion sessions of Action Against Hunger. After hearing reminders on COVID safety and how to practice proper hygiene and sanitation, she was eager to teach her children these hygiene habits.

In photo: Geraldine teaches her eldest daughter how to properly wash hands with soap and water based on what she learned from Action Against Hunger’s hygiene promotion sessions. (Photos by Abdul Alim Talusob for Action Against Hunger)

As of July 18, we have reached 81,957 people in Surigao del Norte with life-saving WASH support. Aside from giving access to safe water and sanitation services, our goal is to ensure that families like Geraldine’s adopt and sustain proper hygiene practices.

Our Super Typhoon Odette Emergency WASH Response in CARAGA is funded by the United Nations Central Emergency Fund (UN CERF), the Republic of Korea, and the Government of Japan through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines


Written by Adam Lacson, edited by Joyce Sandajan Read more

Stories from the Field: Jomel Flores

GENERAL LUNA, SIARGAO — Jomel Flores, 31 years old, a member of the LGBT community, and her family were among the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who were severely impacted by Typhoon Odette’s fury in the islands of Siargao last December 2021. According to her, it was the most horrifying and distressing experience she’s ever had so far in her life.

Rai made its landfall on December 16, 2021 bringing torrential rains, violent winds, floods and storm surges. Jomel and her family took refuge at Anajawan Elementary School in the Municipality of General Luna. They had been warned that the typhoon would be powerful, but when it came, it was significantly more powerful than the locals had anticipated. They were astonished, scared, and afraid when the wind began to blow erratically, pelting them with heavy showers. During that time, children and adults were screaming and crying and all she could do at that second was to pray harder that it will come to pass.

Their experience in the evacuation facility was really difficult, she says. With COVID-19 still a threat, it worried her that there was no social distancing, and they could only use one comfort room.

After spending three days at the evacuation center, they returned home only to find out that their house had been partially destroyed, with some of their roof gone, causing their personal belongings to become damp and damaged. This rendered Jomel speechless and all she could think at that moment was to cry. Despite the fact that it was the saddest and most agonizing event she had ever had, she was still thankful that all of her family members were safe and alive. “That was the most important thing, material stuffs may be replaced, but life will never be replaced,” she says.

It’s been months since Typhoon Odette, but Jomel still sheds tears every time she remember the horrific experience they went through. Despite being one of the most frightening experiences they’ve had, Jomel is thankful that all of their family members are alive and safe. “That’s the most important thing. Material stuff come and go, but one’s life can never be replaced,” she says

Her hope for the future is to become financially stable and to open a large ihaw-ihaw (barbecue) store to support her family. She also wants to make a modest contribution to her community by offering inexpensive healthy meals. She aspires to be the change she wishes to see in the world.

The Flores family is among the thousands of affected families in Surigao del Norte who were given life-saving water, sanitation, & hygiene support immediately after Typhoon Odette made landfall on December 16.


The Super Typhoon WASH Emergency Response in CARAGA is implemented by Action Against Hunger with funding from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UN CERF) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Read more

STORIES FROM THE FIELD: Breaking bias in times of emergencies

Alam ko kasi yung hirap sa tubig dito sa amin. Lalo na ngayong bumagyo, hindi kami siguradong malinis yung tubig mula sa balon…Ginagawa ko ito ‘di lang para sa pamilya ko, kundi para sa buong baryo namin dahil alam ko yung hirap namin sa tubig rito.”

I know how difficult the water situation is in our area. Especially after the typhoon, we’re not sure if the water from the deep well is clean. I [volunteer] not only for my family but also for our whole village because I know how hard it is for us to get water here.)
Daisy A. Jumandos, Monitoring Volunteer, 39 years old and resident of Barangay Magsaysay, General Luna, (Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte)

Daisy Jumandos and her family were one of the residents of Barangay Magsaysay, General Luna in the islands of Siargao caught in the eye of Super Typhoon Odette when it made landfall on December 16, 2021.

In photo: Daisy Jumandos | Photo by Adam Daniel Lacson for Action Against Hunger (2022 March 03, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

According to 39-year-old, their family received news of an incoming storm, but were clueless of its strength and magnitude. Daisy shared the horror that she, her husband, and their three children had endured after being trapped in their home when Odette was at its strongest. “Hindi na kami nakapaghanda o nakatakbo. Biglaang dumilim yung buong paligid na hindi na namin makita kahit ang mga kapitbahay. Napakalakas ng hangin kaya di na rin kami nakalabas ng bahay. Nagsiliparan ang bubong namin.’ (We could no longer prepare for it nor evacuate. It suddenly became dark outside, so much so that we couldn’t even see the neighbors. The wind was so strong that we could not get out of the house. Our roof flew off.)”

According to her, they thought that they weren’t going to make it out alive. “Sabi ng panganay ko, ‘Ma! Kalian kalian ba ito titigil? Nag-iiyakan na kami at akala namin ay heto na ang katapusan namin. (My eldest [child] said, ‘mom, when will this stop? We were crying and we thought it was the end of us.),” Daisy added.

After Odette, the situation of the Jumandos family, like many others affected, was bleak. “We endured [our situation] for a while,” she explained. Their family already did not have a regular source of income since the pandemic. So, when they needed to prioritize saving up for house repairs—distilled water or octane for cooking became necessities that they could no longer afford.

By February 2022, Action Against Hunger installed water bladders in the affected communities of the Caraga region which have limited access to potable water. This was part of the Super Typhoon Odette WASH Emergency Response supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Central Emergency Fund (UN CERF).

“I know how difficult the water situation is in our area. Especially after the typhoon, we are not sure if the water from the deep well is clean… It is important for me to have clean water here in the community, that is what drives me to handle the water situation here. I am proud that I was chosen as a volunteer because I want to do something for our community,”

As one of the parent-leaders in their barangay, Daisy volunteered to help monitor the water bladders. “Alam ko kasi yung hirap sa tubig dito sa amin. Lalo na ngayong bumagyo, hindi kami siguradong malinis yung tubig mula sa balon… (I know how difficult the water situation is in our area. Especially after the typhoon, we are not sure if the water from the deep well is clean,)” were Daisy’s sentiments.

Photo by Arjay Gaylon for Action Against Hunger

She further shared about her motivation and how she takes pride in her volunteer work, saying “importante kasi sa akin na may malinis na tubig kami rito sa baryo, iyon nagtutulak sa akin na alagaan yung tubigan rito. Proud rin ako na napili ako bilang volunteer dahil gusto kong may nagagawa ako para sa community namin. (It is important for me to have clean water here in the community, that is what drives me to handle the water situation here. I am proud that I was chosen as a volunteer because I want to do something for our community.)”

“My family offers support in other tasks. For example, if I have chores at home, the children will help manage [the water bladders],”

Daisy also breaks the bias on gender roles as she takes on and delegates different tasks both inside and outside their home. She shared that after Typhoon Odette, she has been hands-on in repairing their house. She mixes cement and helps in carrying the materials needed for their repairs. When asked if she finds it challenging, she said that, “kaagapay ko ang pamilya ko sa mga gawain. Halimbawa, kung mag ginagawa ako sa bahay, tumutulong mga anak ko sa pag-asikaso sa tubigan. Hindi naman it istorbo dahil alam kong para sa aming lahat ito eh. (My family offers support in other tasks. For example, if I have chores at home, the children will help manage [the water bladders].”

For Daisy, gender equality in the household can be achieved when men, women, boys, and girls can truly communicate and understand each other. In any aspect of decision-making in their lives, Daisy shares that it is important to discuss and share opinions openly, as well as have equal voices when it comes to making plans. It is a sign of mutual respect.

In photo: Daisy Jumandos | Photo by Adam Daniel Lacson for Action Against Hunger (2022 March 03, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

Not only motivated by her family, Daisy also shares she gets inspiration from her neighbors. “Ginagawa ko ito ‘di lang para sa pamilya ko, kundi para sa buong baryo namin dahil alam ko yung hirap namin sa tubig rito. (I [volunteer] not only for my family but also for our whole village because I know how hard it is for us to get water here),” she added.

Around 650 people in Barangay Magsaysay are now able to access potable water for free through the newly installed water bladders.

The Super Typhoon WASH Emergency Response in CARAGA is implemented by Action Against Hunger with funding from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UN CERF) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).


Written by Queen Harley Musico, Abdul-Alim Talusob, Adam Daniel Lacson | Edited by