WHEN THE FLOODWATERS RISE, PREPAREDNESS SAVES LIVES

March 20, 2025/in 2024, 2025, Articles, DRR, Emergency Response, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized /by Alexane Simon

MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR – In the flood-prone and disaster-prone municipality of Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur, preparedness is a necessity : it saves lives. Among the most vulnerable communities is Barangay Bagoenged, where families face recurring floods, droughts, and conflicts. To equip the community with vital skills and strengthen local disaster response, residents recently participated in a flood community drill, supported by EU Humanitarian Aid through the ACCESS project. Ultimately, this initiative of Action Against Hunger, will ensure that no one is left behind during the next emergency.

Pagalungan, a low-lying municipality in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), faces persistent flood risks due to its geographical location. Its vulnerability is further exacerbated by factors such as topography, climate conditions, deforestation, and inadequate infrastructure, leaving many of its barangays highly exposed to recurring disasters.

Among these barangays is Bagoenged, situated along the Mindanao River. Its proximity to the waterway makes it particularly prone to flooding, forcing residents to evacuate multiple times to ensure their safety. Aside from floods, the community also faces hazards such as drought and local conflict, making disaster preparedness an essential priority for its residents.

Recognizing the urgency of building resilience, and thanks to the support of the EU Humanitarian Aid, Action Against Hunger organized a drill through the ACCESS project. Community members of Barangay Bagoenged took a proactive step by participating in this flood drill on February 11. The drill included simulation activities aim to enhance local disaster response and equipping residents with crucial emergency response and management skills.

More than 270 households participated in the simulation, underscoring the community’s commitment to disaster preparedness and safety. The activity engaged not only residents, but also key members of the local government, barangay emergency response teams, and health and medical personnel trained through the ACCESS project.

In picture : Bai Abas, barangay health worker and a member of the community’s medical team.

Beyond the drill, the initiative focused on equipping residents with practical knowledge on emergency response. “Isa sa mga naitulong sa amin ng ACCESS ay ang skills development (One of the things ACCESS has helped us with is skills development),” shared Bai Abas, a barangay health worker and a member of the community’s medical team. “Dahil sa skills development sessions namin, natuto kami kung paano namin isasagawa ang aming leadership training tungkol sa, halimbawa, early warning systems kapag may sakuna, at naibabahagi namin ito sa kapwa naming health workers at barangay officials. (Because of our skills development sessions, we learned how to conduct leadership training on, for example, early warning systems during disasters, and we are able to share this knowledge with our fellow health workers and barangay officials.)”

The flood drill tested the community’s ability to respond effectively to severe flooding – ensuring that families knew where to go, what actions to take, and how to stay safe in an actual emergency. With support from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), barangay officials, emergency responders, and community volunteers, the drill covered key preparedness measures. These include the activation of an early warning system for timely flood alerts, safe and efficient evacuation procedures with a focus on vulnerable groups, and rescue and first aid demonstrations. Coordination exercises between responders and local government units further reinforced collaboration for a more effective disaster response.

MDRRM Officer Benjamin Alip emphasized the critical role of such drills in saving lives and reducing risks, particularly in flood-prone communities like Bagoenged.

In picture : Abdulgapor Maneged, acting Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Chairperson

“Malaking bagay na natutunan ito ng mga tao para malaman nila kung paano yung mabilis at wastong paglikas tuwing may sakuna, lalo na pag may baha
(It is a great thing that people have learned this so that they know how to evacuate quickly and properly during disasters, especially floods),” – Abdulgapor Maneged MDRRM Chairperson

Abdulgapor Maneged, acting Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Chairperson also highlighted how community cooperation played a crucial role in the barangay’s progress, stating, “Malaki rin ang naging development ng aming barangay hindi lang dahil sa suporta ng ACCESS, pero dahil na rin sa kooperasyon ng aming mga kasamahan na sibilyan. (Our barangay has also developed greatly not only because of the support of ACCESS but also because of the cooperation of our community members.)”

While community drills play a vital role in strengthening emergency response, they can only go so far. Gaps in emergency preparedness and mitigation, such as the need for improved infrastructure, sustainable early warning systems, and long-term climate adaptation strategies, must also be addressed. However, activities like this ensure that no one is left behind when disasters strike. By providing residents with life-saving skills and fostering a culture of preparedness, these initiatives help safeguard lives and enhance community resilience against future hazards.

Action Against Hunger has been working with vulnerable and hazard-prone communities in Mindanao for 25 years, supporting efforts to strengthen resilience against disasters and improve food security, nutrition, and access to safe water. Through projects like ACCESS, the organization continues to empower communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to mitigate risks and respond effectively to emergencies

ABOUT THE ACCESS PROJECT

This community drill is part of a broader effort under the program, ‘Assisting the Most Vulnerable Communities and Schools Affected by Complex Emergencies to Access Quality and Timely Humanitarian and Disaster Preparedness Services’ better known as the ACCESS project. The multi-year program, which began in 2023 and will conclude in June 2025, addresses intersecting and compounding risks, including chronic conflict and violence, that continue to plague Mindanao and other parts of the country. Over the past five years, the consortium partners have worked to establish and strengthen the Equitable Partnership Alliance, a network of competent and committed organizations ready to respond rapidly to humanitarian crises and address the unmet needs of the most vulnerable populations.

Through this initiative, the consortium has provided multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance, including food aid, shelter and settlements, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), primary health and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), education in emergencies, and protection services. Additionally, the project has bolstered disaster preparedness, anticipatory action, and rapid response capacities among local government units, communities, and civil society organizations.

The ACCESS consortium, funded by the EU Humanitarian Aid, comprises both international and local organizations, namely, CARE, Action Against Hunger, Save the Children, Humanity and Inclusion, Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development (ACCORD), Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK), Community Organizers Multiversity (COM), Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress (MOSEP), Integrated Mindanaoans Association for Natives (IMAN), Notre Dame of Jolo College Community Extension Services and Peace Center (NDJC), Nagdilaab Foundation, and Leading Individuals to Flourish and Thrive (LIFT).

Alexane Simon

HOLDING ON: ANTONIO’S FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL AND HOPE

February 17, 2025/in 2024, 2025, Articles, Emergency Response, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field /by Alexane Simon

At the last quarter of 2024, a wave of storms ravaged the Philippines, particularly affecting the Bicol region. The disaster left communities devasted, with thousands of families displaced for weeks. One of the hardest hits was in the Province of Camarines Sur, where unprecedented flooding left residents struggling to survive. Antonio Fernando, a 60-year-old paralytic, found himself stranded as floodwaters rose above six feet, overtaking his home and nearly his life. Nearly four months after the disasters, Action Against Hunger, with support of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) continue to support survivors like Antonio through cash-for-food assistance.

In a span of only a month, from October to November 2024, the Bicol region, particularly Camarines Sur, endured the devastating impact of six consecutive storms, the most destructive being Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Pepito. While the region is no stranger to typhoons and flooding, residents had not witnessed floods of this magnitude in over 30 years.

In some municipalities, floodwaters rose to more than six feet—exceeding the height of an average person—submerging homes and forcing residents to seek safety under desperate conditions.

One of the hardest-hit municipalities was Minalabac, where the devastation was not only due to the strength of the torrential rains but also its proximity to the Bicol River, which overflowed and unleashed powerful flood waves. In this area, floodwaters reached rooftops, leaving residents with no choice but to fight for survival.

Among the survivors of this disaster is Antonio Fernando, a 60-year-old man from Barangay Bagombong who lives with paralysis due to polio. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, survival, and the impact of humanitarian assistance.

A NIGHTMARE UNFOLDS

On October 23, as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine battered the region, Antonio found himself trapped inside his home. When a flood alert was issued in anticipation of rising waters, his wife was evacuated to the barangay’s designated evacuation center in Bagongbong, Minalabac. Antonio, however, chose to stay behind, unable to imagine that the water would rise so high—something that had not happened in over 30 years.

Soon, he found himself alone, struggling to escape, and fighting for his life as floodwaters rapidly engulfed his home. As the water surged, he realized the gravity of the situation. Summoning all his strength, he broke a window and managed to climb onto the roof—his only chance of survival.

“Sinikap ko po talaga makaakyat sa bubong habang tumataas at malakas agos ng tubig.” – Antonio Fernando
“I tried my best to climb the rooftop while the water was rising rapidly.”

For days, he was stranded on his rooftop and waiting to be rescued. He fought for his life, enduring the fear of drowning, exhaustion, and isolation. Through it all, and according to him, his will to survive and his wish to see his wife again gave him the strength to hold on despite all the difficulties of survival and his condition. Rescue came after a few days when the water started to subside.

OUR ACTIONS

In photo : Delivery truck for the ECHO-funded ACCESS Severe Tropical Storm Kristine Rapid Response making its way through flooded waters in Camarines Sur just days after the flooding started. (Photo by Brian Enriquez for Action Against Hunger)

In photo: The Action Against Hunger team, together with members of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of the Municipality of Minalabac, transport emergency hygiene and water kits via boat to an evacuation center hosting 20 displaced families in Minalabac, Camarines Sur. (Photo by Brian Kae Enriquez for Action Against Hunger)

Following the storm, Action Against Hunger’s Mission Emergency Response Team (MERT) was on the ground, responding to the immediate needs of affected communities in Camarines Sur. In the initial phase of the emergency response, our team activated a rapid response mechanism through the ECHO-funded ACCESS consortium project and in less than 48 hours of the flooding, we were able to provide essential water and hygiene kits to displaced families in Camarines Sur.

In photo: A farmer from Minalabac, Camarines Sur, receives cash assistance to help recover from the devastating floods brought by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. Through the ACCESS project, families affected by the disaster can meet their urgent food needs and work toward rebuilding their livelihoods. (Photo by Blanche Cordero for Action Against Hunger)

Since then, Action Against Hunger has continued to support survivors like Antonio through the ACCESS project, providing cash-for-food assistance to help meet essential nutritional needs in this time of crisis. The cash assistance is expected to ensure a daily intake of 2,100 kcal per person for 30 days. Antonio’s family received around 9,000 pesos by December 2024, just in time for the holidays.

“We are so thankful for the help extended to us by the Action Against Hunger and ECHO for this financial assistance. We were able to celebrate Christmas season with a smile and hope that there are still people who care for us. Thank you so much!” – Antonio Fernando

This support provided Antonio’s family with much-needed relief, helping them meet their basic needs and regain a sense of stability during the holiday season.

REBUILDING LIVES, RESTORING DIGNITY

In photo : Antonio shares his story to the Action Against Hunger Team during a visit to his community in February 2025. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

Despite the challenges he faced, Antonio remains grateful—not just for surviving the storm but for the compassion and support that helped him and his family move forward.

“Buti po andyan ang Action Against Hunger na tumutulong sa katulad naming [nangangailangan].” – Antonio Fernando
“It’s good that Action Against Hunger is there to help people [in need] like us.”

Still marked by this traumatic experience, Antonio admits that he now has a lingering fear of floods. However, with resilience, he hopes to return to farming and continue leading a simple life, making the most of the resources available after the disaster. Above everything, Antonio shares his gratitude in the support they’ve been receiving, “simpleng buhay lang po kami, kung ano dumating, pasalamat nalang kami.” (“We live a simple life, and we’re grateful for whatever comes our way.”)

Antonio’s story is just one among many in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. It highlights the urgent need for both rapid emergency response and sustained recovery efforts to help vulnerable communities rebuild their lives. The dedication of Action Against Hunger’s team on the ground continues to play a vital role in ensuring that no one is left behind in times of crisis.

With funding from the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid, the ACCESS Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) Emergency Response is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines, Humanity and Inclusion Philippines, Plan International Pilipinas, Save the Children Philippines, and Simon of Cyrene Community Rehabilitation and Development Foundation in the provinces of Albay, Batangas, and Camarines Sur.

Written by: Alexane Simon, Communication Officer
Contributor: Francy Templo

TROPICAL STORM TRAMI (KRISTINE) ACTION AGAINST HUNGER’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN THE PHILIPPINES

November 22, 2024/in 2024, 2025, Articles, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field /by Alexane Simon

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.

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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).

CLICK HERE

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

SIARGAO GREEN ECONOMY PROJECT: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

May 16, 2025/in 2025, Articles, DRR, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field, Uncategorized /by Alexane Simon

Siargao, a world-renowned island in the Philippines famous for its heavenly beaches, is more than just a paradise for surfers and travelers. It is home to many communities facing significant environmental and economic challenges. Climate change, unsustainable waste management, and socio-economic vulnerabilities threaten the livelihoods of its residents. Recognizing the urgency of these issues, Action Against Hunger, with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), has launched the Resilient and Sustainable Green Economy Project, also known as the Siargao Green Economy Project.

The Philippines, an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Siargao, located within the Caraga region (Region XIII) of Mindanao, is no exception. The island faces multiple threats due to climate change, including rising sea levels, intensifying tropical storms, and the degradation of its marine ecosystems.

These environmental risks are not only catastrophic for ecosystems but also have a direct impact on the local population, particularly fisherfolks who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods.

In December 2021, Super Typhoon Odette (internationally known as Rai) made landfall in Siargao, bringing catastrophic damage to the island. Nationwide, the typhoon affected almost 8 million people across 11 regions. In Siargao alone, Odette displaced around 14,000 families and generally affected more 130,000 people.

The devastation extended beyond the tourism sector, severely impacting local communities: homes were destroyed, livelihoods — particularly those dependent on agriculture and fishing — were disrupted, and essential services such as education and healthcare were interrupted. The recovery process was arduous; while the initial restoration of power and communications occurred within a month, it took residents a year or more to rebuild their homes and reestablish their livelihoods.

Additionally, the rapid increase in tourism has placed significant stress on Siargao’s limited natural resources and fragile ecosystems. While tourism is an important source of income for the island, it also presents serious environmental challenges. One of the most pressing being the surge in municipal solid waste production.

According to a study by the United Nations Environment Programme, tourism is expected to generate a 251% increase in solid waste disposal by 2050.

Without sustainable waste management solutions and green economic alternatives, the long-term health of Siargao’s environment and communities remains at risk.

THE SIARGAO GREEN ECONOMY PROJECT

Since 2020, Action Against Hunger Philippines has been actively working in Siargao, supporting communities affected by Typhoon Odette through emergency response, recovery, and resilience programs. Since the devastating storm, we have helped rebuild livelihoods, improve food security, and strengthen disaster preparedness in the island.

As Siargao continues to face environmental and socio-economic challenges, we are expanding our efforts to promote sustainable development and climate resilience – ensuring that communities are not only recovering but thriving in the long term.

Recognizing these challenges, the Siargao Green Economy Project, implemented by Action Against Hunger with funding from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), aims to improve solid waste management and promote green economic initiatives across the island.

By enhancing community resilience and environmental sustainability in four municipalities : General Luna, San Isidro, Del Carmen, and Burgos. There, we are working to improve waste reduction, promote sustainable economic practices, foster climate resilience, and strengthen disaster risk reduction. Our approach is community-driven and gender-inclusive, ensuring that solutions are both sustainable and equitable.

The success of the Siargao Green Economy Project relies on strong partnerships. We are collaborating closely with local government units (LGUs), private sector stakeholders, and local communities to develop locally driven, long-term solutions. By integrating environmental sustainability into economic development and governance, we aim to create a resilient, self-sustaining green economy in Siargao.

Through this initiative, we are not just addressing immediate concerns — we are investing in a greener, more resilient future for Siargao and its people.

What is ‘Green Economy’?

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a green economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. It is a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive economic model that focuses initiatives such as renewable energy, efficient waste management, circular economy practices, and eco-friendly technologies to improve human well-being without harming the environment.

Source: National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)

KEY COMPONENTS FOR A LASTING IMPACT

Building a sustainable future for island communities requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both environmental and socio-economic challenges. The Siargao Green Economy Project focuses on practical, community-driven solutions that not only protect natural resources but also create long-term opportunities for local residents.

From improving waste management to promoting inclusive economic growth, the project is built on four key components that work together in building a resilient, thriving, and sustainable Siargao:

Sustainable Solid Waste Management plan

Proper waste management is essential for both environmental conservation and disaster resilience. The Siargao Green Economy Project actively supports communities by improving waste reduction, recycling, and safe disposal methods through the establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs). These initiatives not only curb pollution but also raise public awareness, encouraging long-term behavioral shifts toward responsible waste management.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA)

To further strengthen these initiatives, our project integrates waste management strategies into disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs. Indeed, it remains crucial to develop contingency plans for waste management during natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes. The objective? To enable communities to significantly reduce the effects of disasters, better prevent damage and impacts on the environment.

In parallel, educational programs and awareness campaigns are conducted to encourage responsible waste disposal practices and climate change mitigation.

Trade and rural development

A thriving green economy depends on sustainable livelihoods. The Siargao Green Economy Project promotes circular economy practices by supporting community-led recycling initiatives and repurposing waste materials into livelihood opportunities. Additionally, the project encourages the development of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic-based packaging, providing sustainable income sources for local businesses.

Public awareness platforms also play a key role in promoting green initiatives, ensuring that residents, businesses, and tourists actively participate and commit to a collective action toward a greener economy.

Gender-inclusive climate resilience and governance

A truly sustainable future must be inclusive. The Siargao Green Economy Project ensures that women, persons with disabilities, and older people have meaningful participation in solid waste management, DRR, and climate change adaptation efforts. By fostering inclusive governance, the project not only promotes gender equality but also ensures that all sectors of society not only benefit from but also contribute to shaping a resilient, greener and sustainable community.

At Action Against Hunger, we believe that addressing environmental challenges is key to breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty. Through the Siargao Green Economy Project, we are paving the way for a future where communities are empowered to thrive despite climate and economic challenges.

To know more about the Siargao Green Economy project, click here to consult the

Project Briefer

This publication was produced with the support of the Spanish Cooperation through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). The content is the sole responsibility of Action Against Hunger and does not necessarily reflect the views of AECID.

COMBATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF HUMANITARIAN CRISES IN THE PHILIPPINES: EARTH PROJECT

April 22, 2025/in 2025, Articles, Miscellaneous /by Alexane Simon

As climate change intensifies the frequency of environmental calamities and human-driven conflicts force entire populations to be displaced, vulnerable communities in the Philippines regularly face humanitarian crises. Despite good intentions, emergency interventions by different actors have sometimes unintentionally worsened ecological damage, posing long-term challenges for recovery and resilience. The Environmental Actions for Resilience and Transformative Humanitarian Interventions (EARTH) project seeks to reverse this impact by combining nature-based solutions with community-led actions to restore the environmental ecosystems damaged in the cities of Zamboanga and Malabon. This replicable model aims to pave the way for more ecologically sustainable practices in humanitarian responses.

In the Philippines, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events have exposed vulnerable communities to a heightened risk of displacement, leading to environmental degradation and ecosystem damage. These events have left lasting scars on the well-being and livelihoods of some communities.

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONS

In addressing these crises, sometimes, well-meaning humanitarian interventions have paradoxically contributed to environmental degradation. Relief efforts following disasters have sometimes led to an influx of non-biodegradable materials. Without a comprehensive waste management strategy, these materials accumulate in vulnerable ecosystems, straining natural resources and compromising long-term recovery efforts. Additionally, degraded environments—such as deforested coastal areas and clogged waterways—exacerbate disaster risks, making communities even more vulnerable to future hazards.

Mangrove ecosystems, essential for coastal protection and biodiversity, have particularly suffered due to poor waste management in emergency shelters and resettlement areas. These challenges highlight the urgent need to integrate ecologically sustainable practices into humanitarian responses to ensure they do not inadvertently harm the ecosystems and populations they aim to protect.

Recognizing these challenges, Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines and ACCORD Inc. through the support of the European Union Humanitarian Aid, launched the Environmental Actions for Resilience and Transformative Humanitarian Interventions (EARTH) Project.

This project aims to restore environmental ecosystems damaged in the cities of Zamboanga and Malabon and to promote sustainable livelihoods to strengthen community resilience, reducing both environmental degradation and the risks associated with climate-induced disasters.

CLOSER LOOK: THE CASES OF ZAMBOANGA AND MALABON

The cities of Zamboanga and Malabon exemplify the link between humanitarian crises and their environmental repercussions. In these locations, vital coastal mangroves, crucial for storm protection and biodiversity, have been destroyed by urbanization and human activities. Rivers and waterways have turned into dumping grounds for waste, increasing the risk of flooding and waterborne diseases.

ZAMBOANGA CITY: ENVIRONMENTAL AFTERSHOCKS OF CONFLICT

In photo : Assessment in Zamboanga where mangrove ecosystems are degraded and heavily polluted. (Photo by Juan Blenn Huelgas for Action Against Hunger)

In Zamboanga City, the aftermath of the 2013 siege highlighted how poor waste management planning during large-scale humanitarian interventions can exacerbate environmental damage. In fact, the displacement of thousands led to deforestation of mangrove ecosystems near shelters and an accumulation of single-use plastics from relief materials.

“The relocation site is now livable, but challenges are still here,” – Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, Head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

This not only harmed the environment but also increased community vulnerability to future disasters. Degraded mangrove ecosystems in these areas make them more susceptible to severe impacts from hazards such as floods and typhoons.

The decline of mangrove vegetation, coupled with inadequate sanitation and water shortages, left resettled families struggling to rebuild their lives sustainably.

MALABON CITY: AN URBAN LANDSCAPE PRONE TO FLOODING

In photo: Assessment in Malabon City – Tullahan River separating residential houses and factory – (Photo courtesy of ACCORD)

Meanwhile, Malabon City, a densely populated area, faces a different but equally crucial set of challenges. The Tullahan and Batasan rivers, vital waterways for the community, have become heavily polluted due to unregulated waste disposal.

Waste bins installed along the rivers collect up to 16 cubic meters of garbage daily, underscoring the impact of human activity. However, during the monsoon season, these bins are regularly removed to prevent obstruction of water flow, causing a massive overflow of waste into mangrove ecosystems and Manila Bay, contributing to the coastal pollution.

Despite efforts to mitigate these issues, the absence of coordinated waste management plans in barangays has not only compounded environmental challenges but also increased potential public health risks, such as waterborne diseases.

INTRODUCING THE EARTH PROJECT

Launched on December 2024, the Environmental Actions for Resilience and Transformative Humanitarian Interventions (EARTH) Project represents a transformative approach to addressing the crosscutting challenges of humanitarian crises and environmental degradation. Rooted in the vision of community resilience, the project employs a people-centered, multisectoral, nature-based solutions (NBS) model to drive meaningful change, piloted in the cities of Zamboanga and Malabon.

The EARTH Project merges advocacy with practical interventions in areas such as mangrove reforestation, solid waste management, water conservation, and sustainable livelihoods. By restoring critical ecosystems, the project aims at the end, to mitigate environmental risks while empowering local communities.

“We want to engage local organizations and universities to see what models we can replicate and improve the living conditions of the people,” – Suresanathan Murugesu, Country Director of Action Against Hunger Philippines.

COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION THROUGH SAVINGS GROUPS

In coordination with the City Agriculture Office, City Environment and Natural Resource Office (CENRO), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), Community Savings Groups (CSG) will be established as a mechanism to manage the activities.

Composed of “waste/eco warriors”, CSGs members will participate in the ecosystem restoration efforts while cultivating economic resilience. Members will be trained in financial literacy, mangrove nursery management, waste segregation, and sustainable livelihoods, equipping them with the skills needed to enact long-term change.

MANGROVE REFORESTATION AND ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

In coordination with local government units, the project targets six hectares of land for mangrove reforestation—three hectares each in Zamboanga and Malabon.

Mangrove nurseries equipped with rainwater harvesting systems will play a pivotal role in the project’s success. These nurseries will cultivate 15,000 indigenous mangrove propagules, including Bakauan Bangkaw, Bakauan Babae, and Bakauan Lalake varieties.

Harvested rainwater will ensure a steady water supply, even during dry spells, supporting the healthy growth of seedlings before their transplantation into coastal areas. The nurseries will also serve as hubs for community engagement, fostering a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

WASTE MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS

To start the planting of mangroves, these currently polluted sites will be prepared and completely cleaned to ensure that the propagules thrive.

In addition to ecosystem restoration, the EARTH Project will promote sustainable waste management practices. In line with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003), waste reduction and environmental sustainability will be emphasized, focusing on the implementation of ecological solid waste management strategies, including Material Recovery Facilities (MRF), to reduce pollution and improve urban living conditions.

Households and local communities will encourage waste recycling and composting, transforming biodegradable waste into valuable fertilizer to create urban gardening initiatives.

Ultimately, the EARTH Project will not only reduce contributions to landfills but also support local food security.

AWARENESS-RAISING AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGE

To ensure the long-term impact of these interventions, the EARTH Project emphasizes awareness-raising and behavioral change. Through multi-stakeholder meetings, community assemblies, and targeted educational campaigns, the project fosters a culture of environmental responsibility. Households will be encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, while advocacy efforts address gaps in waste management coordination and resource allocation.

ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL AND HUMANITARIAN CHALLENGES

The EARTH Project ultimately aspires to pave the way for a future where vulnerable populations can thrive in harmony with their environment by blending ecological restoration with community-driven risk reduction strategies, and advocacy. This initiative underscores the vital role of nature-based solutions in resilience-building. Over time, it will serve as a replicable model to minimize the ecological impact of humanitarian responses while strengthening communities’ ability to recover and prepare for future hazards.

To know more about our project, check out the The Environmental Actions for Resilience and Transformative Humanitarian Interventions briefer

Action Against Hunger formalizes partnership with MSSD for synergized and inclusive development initatives in BARMM

April 7, 2025/in 2025 /by Admin

Today, we took another meaningful step in our commitment to support the communities of the Bangsamoro region.

Action Against Hunger and the Ministry of Social Services and Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in responding to crises in Mindanao, while also supporting MSSD’s development initiatives.

MSSD acknowledged the long-standing working relationship between our organizations, noting that Action Against Hunger has been a regular partner in many MSSD-led programs. This MoU now formalizes that collaboration—laying the groundwork for more strategic planning and coordination.

“By collaborating, contributing, and working with MSSD, our objective is to improve communities and help strengthen social protection services and socio-economic outcomes in BARMM,” shared Suresh Murugesu, Country Director of Action Against Hunger Philippines.

Photo by Yasraf Gayao for Action Against Hunger

“We’re very happy to have this MoU to support the synergy we already have in serving our local communities. I see the need for continued dialogue to identify where our programs align, and I propose regular assessments to understand how they support each other and the impacts they’re making,” said Atty. Raissa Jajurie, MSSD-BARMM Minister.

Photo by Yasraf Gayao for Action Against Hunger

We are grateful for the trust and partnership of MSSD and for the continued efforts of our dedicated technical teams. Moving forward, we look to deepen collaboration through ongoing discussions and shared goals.

Together, we remain committed to ensuring no one is left behind.

Photo by Yasraf Gayao for Action Against Hunger

WORLD WATER DAY – ADVOCATING FOR CLEAN WATER FOR CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION IN SIARGAO

April 3, 2025/in 2025, Articles, DRR, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field, Typhoon Odette /by Alexane Simon

SIARGAO ISLAND – Access to clean and safe water is a critical issue in Siargao, where climate change and pollution threaten water security for children and communities. To address this, Action Against Hunger and UNICEF led initiatives, supported by New Zealand Aid, in Burgos, Siargao, in celebration of World Water Day. These activities focused on reducing pollution through a coastal clean-up and educating communities on sustainable water management, aligning with both organizations’ commitment to safeguarding access to clean water and promoting climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

Water security in Siargao is not only about access but also about protecting the island’s natural water sources from pollution. The increasing accumulation of waste along the coastline directly threatens marine biodiversity and the cleanliness of freshwater supplies.

To address this, on March 24, as part of the World Water Day celebration, a community-led coastal clean-up was conducted, bringing together residents, barangay officials, and government agencies to clear debris from a 5-kilometer stretch of Burgos’ shoreline.

Through this clean-up initiative, part of the “Typhoon Odette Recovery and Rehabilitation Towards Climate-Resilient Programme”, Action Against Hunger highlights the importance of waste management in maintaining water security. Indeed, left unchecked, waste accumulation on beaches and coastal areas degrades water sources, making it even more challenging to provide clean and safe drinking water.

Around 30 people from different barangays of the municipality of Burgos participated in the post-celebration activity for World Water Day. Action Against Hunger, together with the community members and the local government representants, took part in collecting a total of 17 sacks of waste from the shoreline.

Action Against Hunger team, community members, and local representatives joined forces to clean the beach in Barangay Baybay in Burgos, as a post-celebration activity of World Water Day. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger.)

In photo: Plastic waste collected during the beach clean-up session in the Municipality of Burgos, Siargao Island. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger.)

Among the collected waste, a significant portion consisted of plastics. These include plastic bottles washed ashore, broken fishing nets, and microplastics. The presence of microplastics is particularly alarming as these tiny fragments enter marine ecosystems and ultimately pose serious risks not only to marine species but also to human health through food consumption.

This issue is even more pressing given that Siargao Islands is a Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS), a designated conservation area aimed at preserving its rich biodiversity and natural resources. The accumulation of plastic waste in such a protected zone highlights the urgent need for stronger waste management practices and community engagement to safeguard the island’s ecosystems.

In photo: Wendie Gonia, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Burgos introducing the advocacy of the World Water Day Celebration to the students of Burgos Central Elementary School. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

In this way, the community of Burgos is already taking proactive steps in this direction. This clean-up session is not the first one they’ve conducted this year.

“A month ago, we already conducted a beach clean-up session and collected 25 sacks of waste. This brings the total to 42 sacks of waste gathered within less than a month,” says Wendie Gonia, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) for Burgos.

By participating in these kinds of activities, residents and local representatives are actively contributing to the coastal and environmental protection including local water sources and further reinforcing the vital link between clean water, proper sanitation, and environmental health. “It is clear that we need to advocate to change practices and behaviors to protect our coasts,” she emphasized.

Effectively controlling pollution is crucial, as poor waste management threatens water quality and endangers ecosystems and human health. Coastal pollution – particularly plastic waste – contaminates marine environments and increases the risk of waterborne diseases, directly affecting communities’ access to safe drinking water.

What happens to the collected waste after the clean-up?

After the clean-up, the collected sacks were subsequently transported to a designated center. In the municipality of Burgos, the waste is carefully sorted for proper disposal, with most recyclable materials transported to the local government’s material recovery facility (MRF) in Barangay Poblacion. Meanwhile, residual waste is taken to the residual containment area in Sitio Patag.

Finally, plastic bottles and metal waste are collected by a local company responsible for processing recyclable materials off the island. These are then repurposed into useful items such as school chairs. Glass waste, on the other hand, will be processed locally, by the LGU within the month using the newly acquired equipment.

By involving community members and with the mobilization of the local government, the initiative fosters environmental responsibility and raises awareness of the vital connection between pollution control, clean water access, and climate resilience.

Specifically, the participation of the Office of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources (MENRO), the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Protected Area Management Office of the Protected Landscape and Seascape (DENR-PAMO–SIPLAS) , is crucial as these key representatives play a vital role in enforcing long-lasting positive change.

It’s important to note that Siargao’s coastal and island communities are among the most at-risk in the Philippines, frequently facing natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, and landslides. The island’s limited infrastructure and geographical isolation pose additional challenges, including restricted access to clean water and sanitation services. Many municipalities, including Burgos, San Benito, Del Carmen, Pilar, and Santa Monica, are classified as 4th to 6th class – these are considered low-income municipalities and are often faced with limited resources to invest in critical lifelines for their constituents.

The devastating impact of Typhoon Odette in December further exacerbated these vulnerabilities, causing widespread damage, reducing household incomes, and increasing health risks—particularly for children, women, and other vulnerable groups. In response, Action Against Hunger has been actively supporting the island’s recovery through resilience-building initiatives to ensure that their communities are better equipped to face future challenges.

SCHOOL INTERVENTION ON WASH PROMOTION

In addition to the clean-up activity, World Water Day was also an opportunity to engage with students and school personnel on the importance of WASH. Action Against Hunger conducted an interactive session in the Burgos Central Elementary School to present key WASH promotion initiatives, focusing on hygiene practices and safe water consumption. This intervention was an opportunity to raise awareness among young people about their role in adopting sustainable hygiene behaviors.

In Picture: Action Against Hunger team introducing sustainable hygiene behaviors to the students of Burgos Central Elementary School – Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger

During this intervention, DENR-PAMOSIPLAS also participated – introducing their action, explaining to the students the biodiversity and the importance for them to preserve the forests of their island. By involving schools in WASH and environmental advocacy, the initiative reinforces the long-term sustainability of sanitation practices ensuring that future generations understand and uphold these essential principles.

OUR ACTIONS

“Typhoon Odette Recovery and Rehabilitation Towards Climate-Resilient Programme,” a partnership between Action Against Hunger Philippines, UNICEF and New Zealand Aid, aimed at strengthening climate-resilient WASH services in disaster-affected areas.

Our action aims to improve local governments’ WASH services and governance mechanisms for disaster recovery, rehabilitation, and climate change adaptation and to improve access to clean water, promote hygiene, and ensure proper sanitation to reduce waterborne illnesses and improve public health.

Through technical training, resource provision, and strategic planning, the project enhances regional and provincial capabilities in WASH and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). By aligning operational management with national and regional action plans, the project ensures long-term sustainability and community resilience in the municipalities of Burgos, San Benito, Del Carmen, Pilar, and Santa Monica, in Siargao Island.

FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

By fostering sustainable practices and strengthening local capacities, this initiative contributes to the long-term well-being of Siargao’s communities, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for future generations. The project aligns closely with UNICEF’s advocacy for children’s rights, ensuring that underserved areas receive the necessary support for resilient and inclusive development.

The World Water Day beach clean-up and school intervention serve as crucial reminders that improving water quality and sanitation requires both community participation and systemic change. By addressing pollution, raising awareness, and enhancing WASH services, this initiative ensures that access to clean water is not only about infrastructure but also about advocating to preserve the environment that sustains it.

To know more about the project, check out the project briefer:
Typhoon Odette Recovery and Rehabilitation Towards Climate-Resilient Programme

Written by: Alexane Simon
Contributors / Editors: Maricel Vina Menez, Joyce Sandajan

Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger

PROMOTING CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND HYGIENE DURING EMERGENCIES

February 24, 2025/in 2024, 2025, Articles, Emergency Response, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field /by Alexane Simon

Barangay Catanusan, located in Minalabac—one of the three poorest areas in the province—was severely affected by flooding when Tropical Storm Kristine passed through, followed by five other storms. The residents faced tremendous hardship as the rising waters endangered lives, and even now, the community continues to struggle with the aftermath. Homes, livelihoods, and essential services, including daycare centers, were submerged. UNICEF, Action Against Hunger, and the Center for Disaster Preparedness, with support from the UN Central Emergency Fund, are working closely with parents and teachers to ensure that children receive vital hygiene education.

CAMARINES SUR ─ During the storm surge, Barangay Catanusan in the Municipality of Minalabac was heavily impacted. “Our barangay is located in a low-lying area. Due to our geography, we serve as a catch basin for Minalabac. When it rains for three days, we are already flooded,” shared Melinda Nalzaro, a daycare center teacher in the community.

Between October and November 2024, no less than six storms hit the region, bringing heavy rainfall to Barangay Catanusan and leaving homes, livelihoods, services, and residents devastated. The daycare center, located just two meters from the Bicol River, was also severely impacted by the flooding.

In photo: Elna Quirante, a 29-year-old mother whose child attends the daycare center in Barangay Catanusan, shares her experience during the flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

For instance, Elna Quirante, a 29-year-old mother whose child attends the daycare center, did not evacuate on October 21, initially thinking it would just be a mild storm. The following evening, floodwaters had already entered their home, forcing them to seek higher ground. For two nights, they sheltered on their roof, surrounded by water more than two meters deep. On October 24, rescuers arrived and evacuated them to a relative’s house for seven days.

In photo: Melinda Nalzaro, a teacher at the daycare center in Catanusan, shares how she braved the floodwaters to save equipment and materials from the daycare. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

The Catanusan Daycare Center, one of the registered evacuation centers, sheltered eight families. However, floodwater quickly rose to about six feet. The rapid increase in water levels prompted an immediate evacuation. “The current was strong, so I prioritized getting the pregnant women and persons with disabilities to safety first. It was terrifying because it took about eight to ten people to push the boat against the strong current,” Melinda recalled.

The next day, despite the flooding, Melinda returned alone to the daycare to rescue their belongings. “I tried to save whatever I could, placing the freezer on a table to prevent damage. Unfortunately, I ended up with body pains from all the heavy lifting. I managed to retrieve my laptop, but it no longer works. I also secured important documents for child development workers, though most of the folders and records were damaged or lost in the flood,” she said.

As she made her way back, the water level had risen even higher. “The flood was already chest-deep. I slipped and nearly drowned, but thankfully, a man nearby saw me and pulled me out,” she recalled.

While Melinda talks about her experience, Elna shares how the disaster took a toll on their emotional well-being. “The flood left not only physical damage but also deep emotional trauma. Since then, every storm warning prompts my family to evacuate immediately, fearing a repeat of the disaster.”

To mitigate the impact on children, Melinda incorporated disaster awareness into her teaching. “At the daycare, I always prepare books about calamities. Whenever there’s a storm or flood, I do storytelling sessions to help ease the children’s fears and prevent them from becoming too traumatized.”

Despite these challenges, they continue to support the children, helping them feel safe and secure in the face of uncertainty

Support for Health and Hygiene During Emergencies

To ensure the health and hygiene of children and their families during emergencies, Action Against Hunger’s team is actively engaging with the youngest members of the community, providing essential hygiene education.

As part of the Emergency Response to Multi-Storms Project supported by UNICEF, children from the Catanusan Daycare Center participated in an interactive session on February 4, focusing on key hygiene habits such as proper handwashing and toothbrushing to prevent waterborne diseases.

In photo: Children of the daycare center learning the importance of proper hygiene practices (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

In photo: Children of the daycare center learning the importance of proper hygiene practices (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

The recent floods severely impacted access to clean water, damaging the daycare center’s electric water pump—the main source of drinking and cooking water. At the same time, families are now forced to buy bottled water, adding to their financial strain. For families like Elna’s, who were already struggling to meet basic needs before the storms, the situation has become even harder. The added expense of purchasing clean water to avoid contamination-related illnesses costs her family around 280 pesos per month.

Without a reliable water source, children face a higher risk of waterborne diseases. In this context, hygiene promotion activities are more critical than ever. Our efforts not only help prevent illnesses in the immediate aftermath of the storm but also contribute to long-term health and well-being, reinforcing positive hygiene habits that will benefit the community for years to come.

With the support of the United Nations Central Emergency Fund and together with UNICEF, and the Center for Disaster Preparedness, each child received a hygiene kit containing soap, a reusable water bottle, a toothbrush, and toothpaste, equipping them with essential tools to maintain proper hygiene despite the challenges.

In photo: Melinda Nalzaro, with the children of the daycare center after they received the hygiene kits. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

Melinda emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “Action Against Hunger’s activities, with UNICEF’s support, are a huge help. They teach children proper hygiene practices, such as daily toothbrushing drills, so these habits become routine. The children are aware of these practices, but parents, especially those with infants, sometimes forget to remind them.”

Ensuring that children learn, and practice proper hygiene remains essential in preventing disease and safeguarding community health. The stories of Elna and Melinda reflect the importance of timely humanitarian aid in disaster recovery. While recovery takes time, sustained support from Action Against Hunger teams on the ground remains crucial in helping communities like Barangay Catanusan rebuild stronger and be better prepared for future disasters.

Aside from UNICEF’s WASH support, Elna’s family also received cash assistance from Action Against Hunger’s emergency response focused on food security and livelihoods, totaling 9,000 pesos for food and essentials during a period of lost income.

From hygiene promotion to cash assistance, humanitarian assistance continues to play a crucial role in helping survivors rebuild their lives.

Written by: Alexane Simon
Contributor: Lileth Lascano and Joyce Anne Sandajan

WATER, HYGIENE, AND HOPE: SUPPORTING NANAY CARMEN AFTER THE FLOOD

January 31, 2025/in 2024, 2025, Articles, Emergency Response, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field /by Alexane Simon

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

November 28, 2024/in 2024, Articles, DRR /by Admin

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

September 11, 2024/in 2024, Articles, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field /by admin

“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!

August 21, 2024/in 2024, Articles, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field /by Admin

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.

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

August 20, 2024/in 2024, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field /by Admin

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.

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

August 9, 2024/in 2024, Articles, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field /by Admin

“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.

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

August 9, 2024/in 2024, Articles, Miscellaneous /by Admin

“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

August 9, 2024/in 2024, Articles, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field /by Admin

“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

Field Officer (WASH) – Siargao

August 4, 2024/0 Comments/in Job Postings /by admin

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

August 4, 2024/0 Comments/in Job Postings /by admin

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

August 4, 2024/0 Comments/in Job Postings /by admin

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

August 4, 2024/0 Comments/in Job Postings /by admin

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

August 4, 2024/0 Comments/in Job Postings /by admin

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

August 4, 2024/0 Comments/in Job Postings /by admin

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

August 4, 2024/0 Comments/in Job Postings /by admin

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

July 18, 2024/in 2024, Articles, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field /by Admin

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).

From Hazard to Harvest: Community Garden Sparks Change in Kapatagan

July 15, 2024/in 2024, Articles, DRR, Stories from the Field /by Admin

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.

Mental Health Support for Distressed Communities in BARMM

July 15, 2024/in 2024, Articles, Miscellaneous, Stories from the Field /by Admin

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).

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

June 3, 2024/in 2024, Articles, DRR /by Admin

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

June 3, 2024/in 2024, Articles, DRR /by Admin

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

Responding to Datu Piang’s El Niño Crisis

May 24, 2024/in 2024, Articles, DRR, Miscellaneous /by Admin

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

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

May 17, 2024/in 2024, Articles, Miscellaneous /by Admin

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

March 2, 2024/in 2024 /by Admin

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.

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

February 20, 2024/in 2024, Miscellaneous /by Admin

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.

Responding to the Mindanao Flooding Crisis

February 16, 2024/in Articles /by Admin

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.

7.2 Magnitude Earthquake in Surigao

January 28, 2024/in 2024, DRR /by admin

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

November 30, 2023/in 2023, Articles /by admin

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

October 5, 2023/in 2023, 2023, Articles /by admin

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

Shaping Healthy Communities through Inclusive Menstrual Hygiene Management

May 29, 2023/in 2023 /by admin

“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, 6^th 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

April 14, 2023/in 2023, Articles /by admin

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.

Working together with local agencies and LGUs to provide rapid response

March 21, 2023/in 2023, Articles, DRR /by admin

“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).

Surviving Crisis Mode with MOVE UP’s Support

February 21, 2023/in 2023, DRR /by Admin

“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 Philippines, Plan International, ACCORD Incorporated, and Nissa Ul-Haqq Bangsamoro. Read more

Women for WASH: Celebrating Women and Girls in Science

February 10, 2023/in 2023 /by Admin

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

January 19, 2023/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

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 Hunger, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Written by Arianne Gijsenbergh Read more

Restoring the Rice Fields After Typhoon Odette

December 19, 2022/in 2022, Articles /by Admin

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

November 27, 2022/in 2022 /by Admin

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

October 15, 2022/in 2022, Articles /by Admin

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.]

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 Hunger, Plan International, CARE 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.

Stories from the Field: A Mother’s Fortitude

October 14, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

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 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.

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

Odette Aftermath Snapshot: The Island’s Source of Life

October 12, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

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 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: Keeping faith in helping others despite Typhoon Odette’s impact

September 29, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

“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.

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

September 28, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

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.

Stories from the Field: Sailing Through Rough Seas

September 19, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

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 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.

Stories from the Field: Woman of the House

August 27, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

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 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.

Real Life Heroes: Michael “Q-pie” Queman

August 26, 2022/in 2022, Articles /by Admin

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.

Real Life Heroes: Leader in the Making

August 26, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

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 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.

Real Life Heroes: Al-King Dilangalen

August 23, 2022/in 2022, Articles /by Admin

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.

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

August 20, 2022/in 2021, Articles, DRR /by Admin

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

August 20, 2022/in 2021, Articles, DRR /by Admin

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

August 20, 2022/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

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

August 16, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

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

Supporting livelihoods, caring for families and communities

August 11, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

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

August 10, 2022/in 2022, Articles /by Admin

“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

August 10, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

“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 16^th 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

July 30, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

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

May 27, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

“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 Joyce Anne Sandajan
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For cleaner and healthier communities: UNICEF and Action Against Hunger train volunteers on hygiene and health

May 17, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Miscellaneous, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

Super Typhoon Odette (internationally named Rai) left thousands of families in Caraga with limited access to clean water and proper hygiene facilities last December 2021. So much so that open defecation has grown rampant in some communities due to the lack of available latrines.

Together with UNICEF, we have been inspiring and teaching communities the value of good hygiene in keeping children and families healthy during times of calamities.

In photo: WASH Project Staff and community health volunteers review the proper handwashing technique through demonstration in the Municipality of Del Carmen. | Photos by Benjie Montilla, Adam Daniel Lacson, Victoria Valderama and Abdul-Alim Talusob for Action Against Hunger (2022 March 18, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

From March 15 to 18, community health volunteers and rural sanitary inspectors from all 32 barangays of the municipalities of General Luna, Burgos, San Benito and Del Carmen in the Siargao Islands took part in the water, sanitation, & hygiene (WASH) training organized by Action Against Hunger through the support of the UNICEF and UN CERF.

“This re-orientation regarding sanitation can help prevent the spread of diseases since some of the people have been practicing open defecation,” said one of the participants. According to them, it has been a while since they started new activities about educating their neighborhood.

In photo: WASH Engineer explains and demonstrates the water quality testing activities of Action Against Hunger to selected Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) from the Municipality of Gen. Luna. | Photos by Benjie Montilla, Adam Daniel Lacson, Victoria Valderama and Abdul-Alim Talusob for Action Against Hunger (2022 March 15, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

The participants shared what they know about water contamination and water-borne diseases, all while talking about the importance of sanitation, and common hygiene practices.

Team members of our Super Typhoon Odette WASH Emergency Response proceeded to discuss in more detail the topics concerning water quality testing, community-applicable methods to purify and store water, dangers of fecal-oral transmission, and proper hygiene techniques. Additional discussions on preventing COVID-19 were also conducted. The communities were also given tips on conducting education sessions, and new methods to pique the community members’ interest.

In photo: Training participants planned and presented their Activity Plans regarding WASH education sessions in Mun. of Del Carmen. | Photos by Benjie Montilla, Adam Daniel Lacson, Victoria Velderama and Abdul-Alim Talusob for Action Against Hunger (2022 March 18, Surigao del Norte, Philippines)

Most of the invited barangay participants have identified misconceptions regarding water quality and the use of water purifiers. Others focused on household methods to purify water, even during emergency situations. Initially, their health promotions focused community-led discussions to reduce open defecation, as well as methods to reduce cases of schistosomiasis, better waste management to reduce dengue, and hygiene promotion targeting the youth and lactating mothers.

At the end of the training, each barangay created their own WASH-related activity plan that they could implement and share in their own communities. Each activity contains topics from the discussion, but they were given the leeway to discuss topics that concern their respective areas.

By building the capacities of our local partners in health and WASH, we are hoping to reach around 3,500 people through the education activities of the health volunteers in General Luna alone.

Photos by Benjie Montilla, Adam Daniel Lacson, Victoria Valderama and Abdul-Alim Talusob for Action Against Hunger

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 Joyce Anne Sandajan

Stories from the Field: Jun Gemparo

May 13, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

SURIGAO DEL NORTE — Reynaldo Gemparo, Jr. or ‘Jun’ as he’s known by everyone, dropped out of school after finishing the third grade at 13 years old. Since then, he’s been helping his father earn extra income for both of them. Jun is the youngest son of his namesake, 69-year-old Reynaldo Gemparo, Sr. Together, they live in Barangay Magsaysay of the Siargao Islands. Jun helps his father in their day-to-day chores especially if it involves lifting heavy items.

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When our team first met him, he had just refilled a water container from the newly installed water bladders in their barangay. Siargao was severely affected by Super Typhoon Odette (internationally named Rai) after making landfall in the Philippines last December 16, 2021.

Before the landfall, the Gemparos had evacuated to their neighbor’s house but the strong winds nearly wiped out that home too. Eight of them were packed in the comfort room as the storm wrecked the roof and all parts of the house. In the middle of that chaos, Jun said he saw fear in the eyes of those around him, including his father. They felt helpless as the wind raged above their heads. After that ordeal, the father and son soon realized that their home and livelihood had succumbed to the typhoon. Despite the devastation, Jun is thankful that they survived unscathed, and the fear quickly subsided.

The harsh typhoon had not only damaged several water pipes but also polluted their deep-well water source. After the storm, access to potable water became a problem. The water from the community’s deep well started tasting bad. It wasn’t until our water, sanitation, & hygiene (WASH) engineers tested the source and eventually confirmed that the water was indeed contaminated and unsafe for consumption.

To get clean water for drinking and cooking, the residents of Barangay Magsaysay use either boiled rainwater or opt to buy filtered water sold at 50 pesos per gallon. However, with summer around the corner, they know they would have to resort to buying water instead—an additional expense to their daily necessities. When two new water bladders were installed in their community, the Gemparo’s and the rest of the residents now had less to worry about.

Through the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Central Emergency Fund (UN CERF), potable water was easily made available through the Super Typhoon Odette Emergency WASH Response implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines in Caraga. After refilling the water container, Jun made his way back to their relative’s house where he and Reynaldo Sr. are now temporarily residing while they gradually work their way back to their normal life.

To help support their small family, Jun participates in crab fishing which then became their main source of income. Prior to Typhoon Odette, Jun would usually earn 200 pesos a day from catching crabs. On good days, he sometimes earned up to 1,000 pesos from tourists. After losing their boat to the typhoon, the father and son are left with no source of income. Nowadays, they rely on donations, financial support from relatives, and their remaining savings.

At his age, Jun already knows how to step up and be the head of the household. When asked about his dreams, his eyes lit up as he quietly replied, “makabalik sa eskwela” (to go back to school). He went on to add that he wants to learn another skill so he can have a good job in the future.

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). ●
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Around 1,250 flood-affected residents receive hygiene kits through REACH

April 26, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Uncategorized /by Admin

Almost four months after Typhoon Odette, the central and southern parts of the Philippines are faced with another mishap when Tropical Storm Agaton (internationally named Megi) had left almost 307,500 people displaced.

Heavy rainfall had left Maguindanao flooded for two weeks since April 7, 2022. This has caused a tremendous impact on the health and livelihood of families living in all 14 barangays in Mamasapano—especially in accessing and maintaining hygiene and health protection.

In photo: Barangay Lusay, Mamasapano (Photo courtesy of Mamasapano Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office)

With funding support from the European Union Humanitarian Aid, the REACH project launched an emergency kit distribution last April 21 to support almost 1,250 flood-affected families in Maguindanao. The distribution was facilitated by Action Against Hunger and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

Many of the participating families rely on agriculture as their main source of income. Now that crops have been damaged by the flooding, they worry that the lack of sustainable income will deprive them of access to their health and hygiene needs.

Working closely with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Office (MDRRMO) and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Mamasapano, we identified persons with disabilities to be prioritized in the said distribution. A total of 250 families were able to receive hygiene kits.

The selection of PWDs was advised by the MDRRMO and MSWDO due to the group’s increased vulnerability to health risks brought about by the flooding. In Mamasapano alone, more than 4,000 families are reportedly affected by the storm.

The ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Populations in Mindanao and the Visayas Affected by Conflict, Disasters, and the COVID-19 Pandemic’ (REACH) Project is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) and is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), United Youth of the Philippines-Women and Oxfam Pilipinas.

Written by Dennis Alcy Ellorimo | Edited by Joyce Sandajan Read more

Stories from the Field: Full of Smile, Full of Hope

April 21, 2022/in 2022, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

A day before Typhoon Odette (internationally referred to as Typhoon Rai) made landfall in the Philippines, more than 400 residents of Barangay Bilang-bilangan evacuated from their island community. Grace Obguia and her family were among them.

BOHOL — Grace never imagined that their living situation would change completely overnight. Together with her husband and three children, they spent the night of December 15 at Tubigon Cultural Center located in the mainland area of Tubigon Municipality.

Around 5:40 pm on the 16th of December 2021, Typhoon Odette was ravaging the nearby municipalities of Carlos P. Garcia and Bien Unido.

More than two months have passed but Grace still gets teary-eyed whenever she recalls the ordeal they had faced. “We could hear the winds howling and my children wouldn’t stop crying,” she shares. “All I could do was pray hard for everyone’s safety.”

Their anxiety continued to build up when the first floor of the cultural center became flooded due to the storm surge. This forced them to transfer to the second floor of the building despite the heavy rain. They stayed there for several hours waiting for the storm to pass while being completely drenched from the floodwater.

After spending two days in the evacuation center, they went back to the island only to be greeted by further dismay. What was once paved with quaint homes and vibrant coconut trees is now filled with Odette’s wreckage. The Obguia family’s home that stood along the shoreline was completely washed out. Disheartened and without a roof over their heads, the family decided to clear some of the debris and spend the night along the shore.

“We could hear the winds howling and my children wouldn’t stop crying,”

Within the next few days, Grace’s family found some comfort through the support of various people and organizations. Food assistance was readily available for many of the affected families. They also received cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which they partly used to purchase basic shelter materials. This allowed them to rebuild a modest home, this time a bit farther from the shoreline.

Bilang-bilangan is a quaint island located in the Municipality of Tubigon, Bohol. Surrounded by clear blue waters, many residents like Grace and her husband mainly relied on fishing for their livelihood. After the typhoon, they did not have a regular source of income because their fishing nets were all damaged. When food packs became scarce, they would catch mussels and other shellfish for their personal consumption. In rare cases, Grace would borrow some money from her friends in the mainland so she could buy for the needs of their 3-year old child.

Grace is thankful for any chance that she could save money. Action Against Hunger, through the Typhoon Odette Response of the EU-funded REACH project, provided her a hygiene kit that included soap, toothbrush, and other hygiene products that would last for a month, sparing her expenses on keeping her family clean and sanitary.

Photo by Roussam Dilig for Action Against Hunger

Despite the ordeal that she and her family have been through, Grace smiles as she thinks about all the help they have received since the calamity. She is hopeful and remains positive that there will only be better days ahead.

Photo by Roussam Dilig for Action Against Hunger

The Typhoon Odette Emergency Response of the REACH Project (Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Populations in Mindanao and the Visayas Affected by Conflict, Disasters, and the COVID-19 Pandemic) is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., Plan International Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Save the Children Philippines, United Youth of the Philippines-Women and Oxfam Pilipinas.

Written by Roussam Dilig | Edited by Joyce Sandajan Read more

72-year old farmer hopes for quick recovery from lost livelihoods after Typhoon Odette

April 10, 2022/in 2022, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

SURIGAO DEL NORTE — A few days before Typhoon Odette (internationally named Rai) made landfall in the Philippines, Luzviminda’s youngest son and his family moved in to stay with her home in Barangay Day-asan, Surigao City. “My son with his wife and child just returned to Siargao from Manila with the hope to raise their family here,” she shared.

At 72 years old, Luzviminda and her family make a living through coconut farming. This was brought to an abrupt end when Typhoon Odette visited the island. They are now solely relying on the help given by different agencies and the Surigao City local government.

Overall damages of Typhoon Odette on agriculture have been reported to cost around 17.7 billion pesos in total according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC). Experts have stated that it might take approximately five years for coconut farmers like Luzviminda to fully recover from the disaster. In that span of time, Luzviminda hopes they will receive continuous support as they restore their livelihood and recover from their losses.

“We’re grateful to Action Against Hunger and other humanitarian agencies,”

“We’re grateful to Action Against Hunger and other humanitarian agencies,” Luzviminda said as she thanked the team for the cash aid they received. This will minimize their family’s expenses in purchasing basic needs like food and water.

Luzviminda’s family is one of the 539 households in Barangay Day-Asan, Surigao City who received 5,150 pesos from the Multi-purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) of our Typhoon Odette Emergency Response funded by the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA).

Photo by Jowhari Maulana Salik for Action Against Hunger

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

Photo by Jowhari Maulana Salik for Action Against Hunger

Written by Johwadi M. Salik | Edited by Dale Divinagracia

Stories from the Field: Reyn Ambag

March 24, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

“I want to be an electrician someday so that if a power outage would happen because of a typhoon, I would be able to help in restoring it.”

Burgos, Siargao — 12-year old Reyn Ambag is a grade 7 student residing in Barangay Baybay, Burgos in the island of Siargao. He goes to school in San Isidro National High School which is located in the Municipality of San Isidro.

With Values Education as his favorite subject in school, Reyn has a knack for helping others. After observing the delays in restoring the electricity in their community, he now wants to pursue a related job in the future. “I want to be an electrician someday so that if a power outage would happen because of a typhoon, I would be able to help in restoring it,” said Reyn.

In photo: Action Against Hunger staff interviews Reyn in his home. (Photo by Benjie Montilla for Action Against Hunger)

As Reyn is particularly skilled in doing somersaults, a normal day for him is playing with his cousin on the beach while practicing simple acrobatics.

Reyn is raised by his mother who is a single parent. Aside from his mother, his cousin has also been living with them to help out in the absence of Reyn’s father. Reyn’s mother provides for all three of them. She is able to support their daily needs and Reyn’s schooling with the income she gets from their small retail (sari-sari) store.

In photo: Reyn sitting inside their damaged house. (Photo by Benjie Montilla for Action Against Hunger)

In the wake of Typhoon Odette’s impact, their family stayed inside the comfort room of the school where they evacuated to. There, he had witnessed through the window how the strong winds of the typhoon had ravaged their area. They stayed there until the storm subsided and it was safe for them to go out. Upon returning to their home, they were devastated to find that their house was damaged due to the fallen coconut trees.

In photo: Reyn sitting inside their damaged house. Above him is a temporary tarpaulin cover to serve as their roof while they have yet to repair the damage. (Photo by Benjie Montilla for Action Against Hunger)

With the support of UNICEF and UN CERF, Reyn’s family is one of the 221 households in Barangay Baybay that received emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene support last February 4, 2022.

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 Abdul-Alim Talusob & Benjie Montilla | Edited by Joyce Anne Sandajan Read more

Real Life Heroes: Juhaina Ebus

March 10, 2022/in 2022, Articles /by Admin

Juhaina Ebus, our Protection Assistant for the REACH Project, chooses to #BreaktheBias through empowering women in vulnerable communities. She does this by engaging them to participate in active decision-making. Her passion is advocating for people’s rights and giving help to those who need it the most. This is one of the many reasons why she’s certainly one of our Real Life Heroes.

Get to know Juhaina and her inspiring take on being a humanitarian worker:

What is your role in Action Against Hunger?

I conduct assessments on the protection needs or gaps in the communities I serve and advocate for their rights. I’ve also been raising awareness on how to live a safe and healthy life during this COVID-19 pandemic while providing emergency humanitarian assistance when needed.

Juhaina in one of the Legal Mission activities of REACH in Lanao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of Juhaina Ebus)

How long have you been working as a humanitarian worker?

I have been in this industry for more than 3 years. My first job with Action against Hunger was as a Psychosocial Support Assistant under the Marawi Siege Emergency Response project funded by the USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) in Cotabato City back in 2018.

From then on, I have responded to different emergency interventions such as Maguindanao Armed Conflict Response in 2019 as WASH Assistant; COVID-19 Response in Kidapawan in 2020 as a Hygiene Promotion Assistant. Since last year, I’ve been working as the Protection Assistant for the ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Populations in Conflict, Disasters, and the COVID-19 Pandemic’ project or REACH.

What motivates you to become a humanitarian worker?

Seeing smiles on their faces, having to hear different stories, and helping without expecting anything in return are some of the reasons why I find my work with the vulnerable population to be fulfilling.

My main motivation has always been my passion-driven attitude towards them—to contribute good lasting changes in terms of their behavioral, spiritual, & emotional aspect in looking at life. I also learned to be more patient and understanding of the fact that each of us has our own capacities.

Photo courtesy of Juhaina Ebus

Why are you making this sacrifice?

I pursued this path because it is my passion. As a registered social worker, I made sure to expose myself to the realities on the ground and further improve my skills depending on the evolving needs of the community. Life is never simple but helping improve the lives of others day by day is a work that I passionately enjoy.

What have been the challenges to your work?

Being away from my family is challenging but I always remind myself that sometimes independence means pursuing your passion by helping those in need and gradually contributing to making the world a better place.

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

To be able to really feel and see the lasting change on the overall social development of the beneficiaries and the underserved communities.

In photo: Juhaina (wearing black) conducts an orientation for the participants of the legal mission activity in Lanao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of Juhaina Ebus)

What are you most proud of?

Being a part of Action Against Hunger is a blessing because I can really say that there is an improvement in the fight against hunger & malnutrition within vulnerable communities.

How do you #BreaktheBias in your line of work and/or on a daily basis?

I will equally treat everyone with respect regardless of gender preference and will always be open to working collaboratively without prejudice.

Imagine a gender-equal world. What do you see?

A gender-equal world is a world wherein everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender or religion; a gender-equal world equates to a healthy society.

In photo: Juhaina (wearing black) conducts an orientation for the participants of the legal mission activity in Lanao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of Juhaina Ebus)

The ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Populations in Mindanao and the Visayas Affected by Conflict, Disasters, and the COVID-19 Pandemic’ (REACH) Project is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) and is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), United Youth of the Philippines-Women and Oxfam Pilipinas.

Together, we can #BreakTheBias

March 8, 2022/in 2022 /by Admin

Women have always been on the frontlines as agents of change and making a positive impact.

We have come a long way in empowering women and communities. But as long as there is inequality and bias, ending hunger is still far from reality. Only when we have a gender-equal world can we achieve a world free from hunger.

Together, let’s aspire and strive for a society that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Together, we can #BreaktheBias.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Read more:

Our approach to gender equality

Stories from the Field: Hacel Mae Escobido

March 7, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

“I’m grateful that my family and I were safe.”

Burgos, Siargao — Before Super Typhoon Odette made landfall in Siargao, Hacel Mae Escobido and her family had already evacuated to the nearby school in their area. With the typhoon’s destructive strong winds, it was fortunate enough that the room where they stayed was the only room left undamaged by Typhoon Odette.

In photo: Hacelmae sits along the shore of Baybay, Burgos in Siargao. (Photo by Benjie Montilla for Action Against Hunger)

“I’m grateful that my family and I were safe,” she shares after recalling the ordeal they went through.

Hacel Mae was only 3 months old when she was taken in by her adoptive parents who are also distant relatives of her birth parents. Her adoptive father works as a carpenter, while her adoptive mother takes care of their home.

At 11 years old, Hacel Mae is already enrolled as a junior high school student. “I want to become a police officer to serve and protect my community,” she shares. When she is not in school, she normally spends her day helping at the rice farm.

In photo: Hacel Mae arrives at her home after spending the morning helping out at the rice farm. (Photo by Benjie Montilla for Action Against Hunger)

With the support of UNICEF and UN CERF, Hacel Mae’s family is one of the 221 households in Barangay Baybay that received emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene support last February 4, 2022.

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 Abdul-Alim Talusob & Benjie Montilla | Edited by Joyce Anne Sandajan Read more

Stories from the Field: A Father’s Fight

March 5, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

TUBIGON, BOHOL — Dennis Frontera, a 45-year-old father of two teenagers, was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes almost a year ago. Before he was always full of energy, but that changed when his condition eventually led to renal failure. While he has since been receiving medical treatments, Dennis knew he was already due for a check-up.

His last consultation in December 2021 hadn’t been easy. Dennis had to be isolated for a couple of days at the hospital which unfortunately was at the same time that Typhoon Odette was wreaking havoc in his community at Barangay Bilang-bilangan. This experience made him hesitant to go back to the health facility.

When he found out about the medical mission in their barangay organized by Action Against Hunger, he was more than eager to get a consultation. This activity was part of the emergency health interventions of the Typhoon Odette Emergency Response of the REACH Project which is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO).

Medical Mission in Barangay Bilang-bilangan for people affected by Typhoon Odette. The activity is organized by Action Against Hunger through the EU-funded REACH Project. (Photo by Roussam Dilig for Action Against Hunger)

Dennis received further assistance through cash support which he can use to cover expenses for medicines and laboratory tests.

With the support he receives from his family and other organizations like Action Against Hunger, Dennis is hopeful that he will recover sooner than later. For the sake of his wife and children, he is optimistic that he will return to the energetic man that he was before.

Dennis is one of the 60,625 individuals that are expected to benefit from the Typhoon Odette Emergency Response of REACH.

Typhoon-affected residents of Barangay Bilang-bilangan queue for a health consultation during the medical mission organized by Action Against Hunger through the EU-funded REACH Project. (Photo by Roussam Dilig for Action Against Hunger)

The Typhoon Odette Emergency Response of the REACH Project (Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Populations in Mindanao and the Visayas Affected by Conflict, Disasters, and the COVID-19 Pandemic) is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., Plan International Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Save the Children Philippines, United Youth of the Philippines-Women and Oxfam Pilipinas.

Action Against Hunger staff conduct a hygiene promotion session during the Medical Mission in Barangay Bilang-bilangan last February 18, 2022 (Photo by Roussam Dilig for Action Against Hunger)

Written by Roussam Dilig | Edited by Joyce Sandajan, Dale Divinagracia

REACH community volunteers gear up in intensifying COVID-19 vaccine awareness in Mindanao

March 4, 2022/in 2022 /by Admin

We make sure that COVID-19 vaccines reach those who need them the most. Since last year, our COVID-19 Vaccination Response under the REACH Project has been supporting the local government and health units in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao so that more people in remote and disaster-affected communities are vaccinated and protected against the coronavirus.

Door-to-door visits in Barangay Sapa, Bayang, Lanao del Sur. (Photo by Veronica Avila for Action Against Hunger)

We are going door-to-door to raise vaccine awareness, traveling by land or by water one community at a time with the support of the European Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid. Recently, we have mobilized Community Based Information Groups (CBIGs) to support the health workers of our partner rural health units. Together with the CBIGs, we will be intensifying our awareness campaign on COVID-19 vaccination while increasing the pre-registrations of A2 and A3 priority groups.

30 community volunteers from the 34 barangays participated in the CBIG Orientation which was held at Barangay Casim Lumbaca-Ingud in the Municipality of Masiu, Lanao del Sur last January 13. Members of the Association of Barangay Chairpersons (ABC) in Masiu were also present.

In photo: CBIG Orientation with MHO in Masiu. (Photo by Veronica Avila for Action Against Hunger)

CBIGs have very important roles. The CBIGs will be doing household visits and community dialogues to conduct vaccine and other health-related orientations. Their most crucial role is to provide overall assistance to their respective barangay health units and vaccination teams.

As of January 2022, we have covered 45,376 people through REACH’s COVID-19 Vaccine Response activities.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Response of REACH (Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Populations in Mindanao Affected by Conflict, Disasters, and the COVID-19 Pandemic) is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), United Youth of the Philippines-Women and Oxfam Pilipinas.

Written by Veronica Avila | Edited by Joyce Sandajan

Real Life Heroes: Lea Añora

March 3, 2022/in 2022, Articles /by Admin

Last December, Lea Añora and the rest of our Tandag Field team were immediately deployed to Surigao City mere hours after Typhoon Odette made landfall—an experience that made her feel the proudest in being part of the most “hardworking humanitarian force of Action Against Hunger.”

On a regular day, Lea dedicates her time as a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Supervisor in our AECID-funded PROact Project while empowering women in her field to break free from stereotypes.

Get to know Lea and what makes her one of our Real Life Heroes.

What is your role in Action Against Hunger?

I am part of the PROAct Project that aims to improve disaster and climate change resilience in communities. As DRR Supervisor, I lead in facilitating skills and capacity training, spearheading community drills, provision of DRR Equipment and Early Warning Devices, facilitating, assisting our partner local government units in crafting and enhancing their DRR-CCA and Development plans, implementing Alternative Resilient livelihoods including the provision of technical support to partner Peoples Organization and conducting emergency response to disaster-affected areas, especially within the AOR of the base and neighboring provinces.

How long have you been working as a humanitarian worker?

It’ll be my 5^th year in the organization this coming March 2022

What motivates you to become a humanitarian worker?

The trust and confidence of our partners, believing us and the organization that we WILL and CAN make significant changes in their lives and into their communities.

Photo by Dale Divinagracia for Action Against Hunger

Why are you making this sacrifice?

To see more faces of hope and joy, encouraging others to be an instrument of positive change despite the cruelty of the world.

In photo: Lea (third from the right) in one of the activities of ProACT.

What have been the challenges to your work?

Engaging in a diverse environment, with people having different beliefs, stand-points, and characters.

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

Having the experience of being genuinely appreciated by the people that we are helping fuels me every day to do more beyond what is expected from me to accomplish.

What are you most proud of?

Recently, during our Typhoon Odette Emergency Response, I was part of the team that was deployed to Surigao City immediately after the aftermath of the typhoon. Everyone in our team, including our drivers, worked so hard that a 4-hour sleep and eating a full day’s meal was a luxury. There were times when we were all drenched in rain and in sweat during the first wave of our assessment and relief distribution. These challenges never stopped us.

Everyone extended an extra mile of heartful labor to aid the immediate needs of the typhoon survivors. This experience made me the PROUDEST – to be part of the most hardworking humanitarian force of Action Against Hunger.

In photo: Lea hands over a hygiene kit during one of the Typhoon Odette Emergency Response distributions in Surigao City. (Photo by Dale Divinagracia for Action Against Hunger)

As a DRR Supervisor, what climate change impact have you seen with your own eyes?

Taking to countless farmers and fisherfolks through the years, the common lament is that their yield has been dwindling. This is due to the extreme weather conditions that we are all experiencing today; change of weather pattern, severe heavy rainfall, long periods of the dry season, and rising sea level. These not only directly affect the livelihood of the farmers and fisherfolks, but also of the average customer because of rising prices for food.

Photo by Nino Kim Diez for Action Against Hunger

How do you help in combating climate change?

It is a challenge fighting against climate change. We can’t stop it. But, we can mitigate its impact. Strengthened advocacies on DRR-CCA, people’s increased resiliency, and capacities, and strong support from our local government units, concerned national government agencies, and non-government agencies or organizations are one of the most important keys in executing projects, programs, and activities that directly address the adverse impact of climate change in our communities.

In photo: Lea helps load the sacks of rice for distribution to Typhoon Odette survivors in Surigao City (Photo by Nino Kim Diez for Action Against Hunger)

How do you #BreaktheBias in your line of work or day-to-day activities?

In the humanitarian world, there is no room for discrimination. Each of us is given the opportunity and responsibility in helping the needs of the people, especially in times of crisis. I myself work without any bias towards my gender, for my attitude and passion define my work ethic which radiates to the people that I am working with.

How do you envision a gender-equal world?

A gender-equal world is a world that gives rights, independence, power, and responsibilities to both women and men without discrimination and segregation.

Photo courtesy of Lea Anora

‘Advancing Climate and Disaster Resilience Transformation in the Provinces of Agusan Del Sur, Surigao Del Sur, and Davao de Oro’ (ProACT) is a consortium project funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and implemented by Action Against Hunger & Fundacion CODESPA.

REACHING THE UNREACHED: Super Typhoon Odette WASH Emergency Response in CARAGA provides life-saving WASH support for affected communities in Siargao , Dinagat and Surigao City

February 21, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

On the 16th of December 2021, Typhoon Odette (internationally named Typhoon Rai) made its first landfall in the Siargao Islands of Surigao Del Norte in Caraga. Within hours of its impact, a total of 2,552,312 families across 38 provinces have been affected as the typhoon had incurred massive damages in infrastructure, houses, and livelihoods that have severe and long-term effects on the affected populations (Source: National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as of 30 January 2022).

Burgos was one of the municipalities that bore the brunt of Typhoon Odette’s impact. Geographically facing the Pacific Ocean, many of its communities experienced storm surges and violent winds.

Through our Super Typhoon Odette WASH Emergency Response in CARAGA, we are hoping to reach 26,000 typhoon-affected people within the Municipalities of General Luna, Burgos, San Benito, and Del Carmen. With the support of UNICEF Philippines and UN CERF, our goal is to provide the children and their communities with safe water and sanitation services while promoting proper hygiene practices in times of emergency.

In photo: UNICEF Emergency WASH kits are unloaded for distribution in Barangay San Juan, San Benito in Siargao. (Photo by Benjie Montilla for Action Against Hunger)

We jumpstarted our water, sanitation, & hygiene (WASH) activities starting in Barangay Baybay in the Municipality of Burgos and made our way to San Benito to reach Barangays Bongdo, Talisay, and San Juan. Within the first week of February, we have supported approximately 3,580 people (221 households in Burgos; 495 households in San Benito).

In photo: One of the recipients in Barangay Baybay, Burgos checks the contents of the UNICEF emergency WASH kit. (Photo by Benjie Montilla for Action Against Hunger)

Life-saving WASH assistance in the form of hygiene and/or water kits (jerry cans with Aquatabs/Hyposol) were provided to prioritized families with children under five years old, family members with vulnerable circumstances— pregnant/lactating women (PLWs); single-headed households, child-headed households; persons with disabilities (PWDs); senior citizens; and family members with comorbidities—or impoverished families who have not yet received emergency WASH support in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette.

In photo: Action Against Hunger staff conducts a hygiene promotion session in Barangay San Juan, San Benito in Siargao. (Photo by Benjie Montilla for Action Against Hunger)

During the distributions, hygiene promotion sessions for the participating families were conducted. Our WASH staff demonstrated how to practice proper handwashing using soap and water. The barangay health workers (BHWs) also supported our team before and during the distributions.

One of the recipients, a mother from Brgy. Bongdo, expressed her gratitude upon seeing several soap items in the emergency kit. She stated that her community had little expectations that they would still be receiving WASH support. According to her, neighboring barangays already received similar aid weeks before, but her barangay was not included.

Our Super Typhoon WASH Emergency Response in CARAGA is made possible 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 | Edited by Joyce Anne Sandajan

Supporting Typhoon Odette-affected families to meet food and other basic needs through cash assistance

February 18, 2022/in 2022, Articles /by Admin

Within a week after Typhoon Odette made its first landfall in the country, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has since been supporting our emergency response operations in Caraga. Now, we are taking a step further by continuing the support to help typhoon-affected families in recovering from the impacts of Odette.

Through the funding of the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), we are hoping to enable around 75,105 people to support their basic household needs through multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA).

This is part of our continued Typhoon Odette emergency response among the affected areas of Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and Bohol. Around 500 people from Barangay Day-asan in Surigao City had received cash assistance amounting to 5,000 pesos yesterday, February 16.

Aside from the cash assistance itself, heads of households also received an amount allotted for their transportation fare. This is the first among our series of MPCA activities in the coming weeks.

Photo by Meifen Mamangkas for Action Against Hunger

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

Written by Joyce Anne Sandajan Read more

A boy sits in one of the broken coconut trees along the shore

Action Against Hunger

Stories from the Field: Lenjie Concha

February 18, 2022/in 2022, Articles, Miscellaneous, Typhoon Odette /by Admin

“I was frightened and shocked because that was the first time I experienced such a horrible event.”

10-year old Lenjie Concha lives with his grandmother, uncle, and aunt in Barangay Baybay, Burgos on the island of Siargao.

His grandmother, a teacher, owns the house where they are living in. His uncle works as a part-time carpenter and provides the main source of income for their household. Lenjie’s uncle also takes care of him while his father is away in Davao for work.

Boy sitting outside his house; house is a combination of concrete, wood and bamboo. The roof is partially damaged

In photo: Lenjie sits outside his home in Barangay Baybay, Burgos, Siargiao Island. (Photo by Benjie Montilla for Action Against Hunger)

On the day that Super Typhoon Odette hit Siargao, though Lenjie was inside their home, he witnessed firsthand how the strong winds destroyed the houses in their neighborhood. “I was frightened and shocked because that was the first time I experienced such a horrible event,” said Lenjie.

Fortunately, the house that they were staying in was not severely affected.

“After the typhoon, I felt safe, and I was grateful that my whole family is alive,” he added.

Lenjie’s favorite subject in school is Science and he aspires to become a teacher someday, like his grandmother. His hope for the future is to earn a college degree and land a job so that he can support his family and have a good life. On normal days, Lenjie spends his free time playing hide and seek and other games with his friends.

In photo: Action Against Hunger staff interviews Lenjie outside his home. (Photo by Benjie Montilla for Action Against Hunger)

With the support of UNICEF and UN CERF, Lenjie’s family is one of the 221 households in Barangay Baybay that received emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene support last February 4, 2022.

Our Super Typhoon WASH Emergency Response in CARAGA is made possible with funding from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UN CERF) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Written by Abdul-Alim Talusob & Benjie Montilla | Edited by Joyce Anne Sandajan Read more

Flora Cuaton smiles upon receiving the food packs and NFI kits from REACH - Typhoon Odette Emergency Response. On the left side of the photo are the debris from their damaged house. The green house behind her is owned by one of their children, where they now temporarily stay altogether.

Typhoon Odette Aftermath: “We have to start from scratch and right now, we have nothing.”

January 21, 2022/in Articles /by Admin

Flora Cuaton, 57, lost their home and livelihood in the distant island barangay of Mantatao, Calape in Bohol province due to Typhoon Odette (internationally named as Typhoon Rai).

“We don’t know how long it will take us to build back all that we lost because we have to start from scratch and right now, we have nothing,” says Flora. She and her husband used to own a small retail (locally called sari-sari) store in front of their house which was situated just by the island’s dock. Their small business was good then but has now been reduced to only broken items and debris.

Flora points to where their previous house and sari-sari store used to stand. | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger (Bohol, Philippines)

Before the typhoon, Flora lived with her husband, four grandchildren, and a 35-year old daughter who has a disability. They are now staying with the family of their other child while their house is yet to be repaired. This makes two families—a total of 13 people—living under one small and cramped partially damaged house.

Flora and the rest of her extended family now only rely on relief goods to get by while living in difficult conditions and having no current source of income.

The piles of wood, broken items and other debris are what is left from what was once Flora and her family's house

The piles of wood, broken items, and other debris remain from what was once Flora and her family’s house. | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger (Bohol, Philippines)

With the support of the European Union, her family is one of the 227 typhoon-affected households in Mantatao who received food packs including 50 kilograms of rice, and non-food items such as kitchenware and sleeping essentials through the Typhoon Odette Emergency Response.

Food packs and NFI kits are lined up along the entrance of the barangay; a REACH Banner hangs and behind it are broken houses.

Food packs with sacks of rice and NFI kits are lined up along the entrance of the barangay which is just by the dock of the island. | Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger (Bohol, Philippines)

Barangay Mantatao is one of the islands in the Municipality of Calape. It takes a 25 to 30-minute boat ride from the town proper of Calape going to Mantatao island. Aside from being geographically isolated, many houses in Mantatao had been totally damaged by Typhoon Odette leaving many residents in great need of humanitarian support.

The Typhoon Odette Emergency Response of REACH is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., Plan International Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Save the Children Philippines, United Youth of the Philippines-Women and Oxfam Pilipinas.

Written by Joyce Sandajan

Affected families of Typhoon Odette react to emergency aid received from EU-funded REACH project

January 11, 2022/in Articles /by Admin

“As humanitarian workers, it felt good to see the people’s smiles when they received the sacks of rice, groceries and the kitchen and sleeping kits that were provided,” said Mary Amy Gagalac, the Head of Project of our Typhoon Odette (internationally named Typhoon Rai) Emergency Response in Bohol under the EU-funded REACH Project or the ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Populations in Mindanao and the Visayas Affected by Conflict, Disasters, and the COVID-19 Pandemic.’

Residents of Barangay Ugpong in Loboc, Bohol line up to refill their containers during one of the water trucking sessions provided by the REACH – Typhoon Odette Emergency Response implemented by Action Against Hunger.

We have been working to identify the needs of typhoon-affected communities in Bohol within days since Odette made landfall on December 16, 2021. Immediate life-saving aid through emergency kits and water trucking services have since been provided by REACH in the municipalities of Loboc, San Miguel, and Calape through the efforts of our teams on the ground.

A resident carries a refilled container while walking in a muddy path.

A resident carries a refilled container after the water trucking service in Loboc, Bohol. | Photo by Melinda Buensuceso for Action Against Hunger (Bohol, Philippines)

“They expressed their gratitude to us and to ECHO. One of the recipients from Barangay Ugpong whose house was totally destroyed by the typhoon was in tears upon receiving the relief goods,” Amy shares.

Vince, one of our Project Assistants, hands over a food kit to one of the typhoon-affected households in Barangay Camias, Calape, Bohol.

The Typhoon Odette Emergency Response of REACH is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., Plan International Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Save the Children Philippines, United Youth of the Philippines-Women and Oxfam Pilipinas.

Written by Joyce Sandajan

Providing clean water and life-saving emergency kits for Typhoon Odette affected families in Bohol through REACH

January 2, 2022/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Photo by Amy Gagalac for Action Against Hunger

We’re jumpstarting the new year with back-to-back distributions of life-saving aid through the support of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).

After a few days of queueing for sea cargos to transport our relief items, our REACH Typhoon Odette Emergency Response team was finally able to provide emergency kits for around 1,780 affected people in Barangays Camayaan and Ugpong in the Municipality of Loboc, Bohol on December 31 and January 2 respectively.

Photo by Amy Gagalac for Action Against Hunger

Families greatly impacted by Typhoon Odette (Internationally named Rai) received emergency kits consisting of food packs, hygiene kits, and other non-food items (NFIs) for kitchen and sleeping needs. Through the REACH Project, we are aiming to provide life-saving relief packs to 1,250 families in Bohol, benefitting an estimated 6,250 individuals affected by Typhoon Odette.

Aside from emergency kits, almost 1,800 residents from barangays Villaflor, Undol, Sawang, Gotozon, Valladolid, and Camayaan were able to receive potable water through REACH’s water trucking services so far.

To date, Action Against Hunger is awaiting the arrival of more hygiene and NFI kits to be distributed to our other target communities in the coming days.

Photo by Amy Gagalac for Action Against Hunger

The ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Populations in Mindanao and the Visayas Affected by Conflict, Disasters, and the COVID-19 Pandemic’ (REACH) Project’s Typhoon Odette (Rai) Emergency Response is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., Plan International Philippines, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Save the Children Philippines, United Youth of the Philippines-Women and Oxfam Pilipinas.

Typhoon Odette Aftermath: Affected families in Surigao del Norte receive initial emergency life-saving aid through USAID support

December 30, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

With the support of the USAID, an estimated 7,259 people affected by Typhoon Odette (Internationally named Rai) in Surigao del Norte received immediate life-saving aid through our Typhoon Odette Emergency Response.

In photo: Action Against Hunger team loads relief items to boats going to the island barangays of Talisay, Surigao Del Norte. (Photo by Nino Kim Diez for Action Against Hunger)

Since December 16, our teams have been going through different barangays in Surigao City (Sabang, Ipil, and the island barangay of Talisay), and the Municipality of San Francisco (Oslao) to identify and provide the basic needs of families greatly affected by the typhoon.

Three people carrying emergency kits (jerry cans & NFIs from Action Against Hunger and shelter tarpaulins from IOM) received during the distribution

Action Against Hunger distributed hygiene kits and non-food items for kitchen and sleeping essentials to typhoon-affected families in Sabang, Surigao City. Shelter tarpaulins were provided by the Immigration Organization for Migration (IOM). (Photo by Nino Kim Diez for Action Against Hunger)

“A lot of people still need basic life-saving assistance which needs to be urgently addressed in order to prepare them for early recovery,” says Maricel Vina Menez, Action Against Hunger Philippines Project Officer. She is one of the team members who has been immediately on the ground 24 hours after Typhoon Odette made landfall in Surigao del Norte.

In photo: Action Against Hunger team loads relief items to boats going to the island barangays of Talisay, Surigao Del Norte. (Photo by Nino Kim Diez for Action Against Hunger)

“We hope to reach 2,000 families before December ends,” she adds. Through the funding of the United States Agency for Internation Development (USAID), we were able to provide emergency food assistance, hygiene kits, and non-food items like kitchen utensils, sleeping mats & blankets.

CALL FOR DONATIONS: Help families affected by Typhoon Odette (Rai)

December 22, 2021/in Uncategorized /by Admin

Thousands of families will be greeting the new year without a roof above their heads or food on their tables. Families affected by Typhoon Odette have barely any access to food, potable water, health services, and other basic needs.

People’s living conditions in severely-affected areas worsen as electricity, water supply, and telecommunication lines have yet to be restored. Food supplies are depleting by the day and the weather has been unforgiving, making it more difficult for the many people who lost their livelihoods and homes. Both government and humanitarian agencies have been steadfast in responding to people’s needs, but with the catastrophic impact of the typhoon more support is needed.

Make a donation today and help save lives.

Now, Ca

PRESS RELEASE: USAID Providing Humanitarian Assistance in Response to Devastating Super Typhoon Rai in the Philippines

December 22, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

For Immediate Release | Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Office of Press Relations ([email protected])

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing $200,000 in immediate assistance to support people affected by Super Typhoon Rai in the Philippines. The typhoon–known locally as Typhoon Odette–brought torrential rains, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and damage to homes. Many cities across the Philippines have lost power and some bridges and roads remain impassable. People are seeking shelter in evacuation centers and cannot safely return home yet.

With this assistance, USAID is partnering with Action Against Hunger to provide food, water, hygiene supplies, and other relief items in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Island in the Caraga region to help people affected by the storm. USAID is also supporting the restoration of water supply services and sanitation facilities, as well as hygiene promotion activities to keep people safe and healthy.

In addition, USAID works year-round to help communities in the Philippines prepare for and be more resilient to natural disasters. Through existing programs, USAID partner, the UN World Food Program, is transporting relief supplies, including enough food provided by the Government of the Philippines to feed tens of thousands of families, and deploying mobile operations vehicles to support emergency telecommunications. USAID partner, the International Organization for Migration, is helping to manage evacuation shelters and provide critical relief supplies, including USAID heavy-duty plastic sheeting to meet critical shelter needs for 4,800 families.

USAID has disaster experts in the Philippines and in the region who are coordinating response efforts with the Government of the Philippines and humanitarian partners. Our thoughts are with the people of the Philippines who have been affected by this disaster.

For the latest updates on U.S. humanitarian assistance in the Philippines, visit: www.usaid.gov/humanitarian-assistance/philippines

Photo by Nino Kim Diez for Action Against Hunger

Read USAID’s official press release here.

Assessing immediate needs of areas affected by Typhoon Rai (Odette PH)

December 21, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Super Typhoon Odette (Internationally known as Typhoon Rai) has left the southeastern part of the Philippines devastated within hours of its initial landfall in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte last December 16, 2021.

Photo by Nino Kim Diez for Action Against HungerPhoto by Nino Kim Diez for Action Against Hunger

After making landfall in six different provinces, Typhoon Odette has affected a total of 99,501 families, with 328,847 people currently displaced (based on the December 18 report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council). Many areas still have very limited access to basic needs. Communication and power lines are still down in many areas.

Photo by Nino Kim Diez for Action Against Hunger

Since December 17, our teams have been on the ground to conduct needs assessments in Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and another team traveling to Southern Leyte.

Photo by Nino Kim Diez for Action Against Hunger

We are continuously coordinating with government agencies and other organizations in identifying the urgent humanitarian needs of affected communities. As part of our initial emergency response, we are hoping to provide life-saving support for typhoon-affected families by early next week.

We need your help now so that we can provide urgent humanitarian assistance to families whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed.

Photo by Nino Kim Diez for Action Against Hunger

Help us provide urgent life-saving assistance.

Make a donation today

THE INVISIBLE MONSTER – THE ROAD TO THE OSCARS

December 17, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

The Invisible Monster, the short film by Javier and Guillermo Fesser in collaboration with Action Against Hunger, has won more than 40 awards and recognitions in international festivals since its premiere. Recently, it has been selected by the Hollywood Academy to compete for the best documentary category in the 94^th Academy Awards, or popularly known as the 2022 Oscars.

“With our work on the ground, we see with our own eyes the “invisible hunger” that plagues the future of our country. The news that “The Invisible Monster” may be nominated for an Oscar means a lot to us because people are learning that solving hunger is not just about providing food. It also means providing livelihoods, clean water, education, and emergency response,” stated the Action Against Hunger team in the Philippines. “Now that more and more people are seeing the invisible reality of thousands of Filipino children, we hope they will take action and support the work we are doing to save lives and give hope.”

THE INVISIBLE MONSTER: FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE RED CARPET

After being screened exclusively to the 364 patrons who made it possible, its tour of cultural centers, its distribution in schools through the project The Race Against Hunger, and its screening on Movistar+ for six months, The Invisible Monster has left a trail of screenings, recognitions and awards that have positioned it as an audiovisual reference in the field of social cinema.

The notable awards and recognition the film has won are: Grand Prize for Best Short Documentary at the Rhode Island Flickers Festival, the Sammy and Jules Award for the Short with the Biggest Heart at the Cleveland Film Festival, the Jury Mention and Youth Award at the Medina del Campo Film Week, the Audience Award and Best Cinematography at the Tarazona y Moncayo Comedy Film Festival, and the Best Production Direction for Luis Manso at the Fugaz – CortoEspaña Awards, among many others.

WATCH THE INVISIBLE MONSTER FILM

Also watch:

The Invisible Monster Teaser | The Invisible Monster Full Trailer | Invisible Monster Water Project | Message from Chefs Lau and Jac Laudico | Message from Guillermo Fesser

SYNOPSIS

Aminodin’s father always smiles because he says that “happy people live longer.” That is why, at eight years old, Aminodin puts on his best smile while working at the Papandayan dumpsite, where he lives with his family.

His cousin Aliman, on the other hand, lost his smile when bombs fell from the sky in his hometown of Marawi City. As Aliman spends his days sad and crestfallen in a refugee camp, Aminodin devises a plan to make him smile again.

THE DIRECTORS

JAVIER FESSER

Winner of six Goya Awards, Spain’s equivalent to the Oscars, the prestigious filmmakers’ works include The Miracle of P. Tinto, Camino, and Oscar-nominated Binta and the Great Idea. His 2018 film, Campeones (Champions), was the highest-grossing Spanish language film in Spain for that year. Committed to social issues, Javier has directed audiovisual projects linked to non-profit organizations such as UNICEF and the Organization of Ibero-American States.

GUILLERMO FESSER

Well-known in Spain for his radio show Gomaespuma alongside Juan Luis Cano, Guillermo works as a writer and correspondent in America. His multifaceted career includes the direction of the film Candida, a story based on his bestselling biography of a cleaning lady, and the publication of several innovative interactive books for children specifically for tablets and mobile phones.

MOVE UP 4 activates Rapid Response to assist displaced families following gas spill in Kidapawan

November 7, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Ninety-seven displaced families from Barangay Ilomavis were given hygiene kits and basic personal protective equipment (PPE) from the MOVE UP 4 project last October 30, 2021.

In photo: Team members at the Sitio Lake Agko evacuation center. (Photo by Jan Iddo Azucena for Action Against Hunger | Cotabato, Philippines)

Most of these families are temporarily staying in evacuation camps in Sitio Lake Agko after a gas spillage occurred three weeks prior, causing undesirable and potentially hazardous fumes. The incident prompted the residents to leave their homes for health and safety reasons. There is an ongoing investigation as to the cause of the spillage.

In photo: Hygiene kits are being unloaded from the delivery truck, to be distributed to displaced families in Barangay Ilomavis. (Photo by Jan Iddo Azucena for Action Against Hunger | Cotabato, Philippines)

The drilling operation had produced undesirable and potentially hazardous fumes. The incident prompted the residents to leave their homes for health and safety reasons, particularly for the well-being of children, pregnant individuals, differently-abled persons, and the elderly. Displaced families are expected to stay at the evacuation site until the end of November 2021.

In photo: MOVE UP 4 team conducts a hygiene promotion session during the distribution. (Photo by Jan Iddo Azucena for Action Against Hunger | Cotabato, Philippines)

Photo by Jan Iddo Azucena for Action Against Hunger (Cotabato, Philippines)

The Kidapawan City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) along with the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) had provided food packs for the displaced families which are expected to last for a week. but will only last for a week. MOVE UP 4 is currently in coordination with the local government of Kidapawan in assessing other potential needs of the affected community.

Photo by Jan Iddo Azucena for Action Against Hunger (Cotabato, Philippines)

This assistance is part of MOVE UP 4’s rapid response mechanism (RRM) activities. The goal of the RRM is to ensure that people who are affected by sudden emergencies—such as conflicts and disasters—have timely access to life-saving humanitarian aid.

Photo by Jan Iddo Azucena for Action Against Hunger (Cotabato, Philippines)

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 Union, MOVE UP 4 is implemented by Action Against Hunger, Plan International, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Written by Louie Bullanday, Roger Cabiles, Jr. | Edited by Joyce Sandajan.
Read more

GrabFood and Mastercard kick off their 4th Quarter Pay Day Weekend Campaign to support Action Against Hunger’s programs in the Philippines

October 28, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

We don’t want you to fight hunger with an empty stomach.

That’s why we’re grateful and excited that Mastercard & GrabFood PH are supporting our cause in taking action against the causes and effects of hunger!

As part of GrabFood PH and Mastercard’s 2021 Pay Day Weekend Campaign, eligible Mastercard cardholders will be entitled to a ₱150 discount on GrabFood orders paid with a Mastercard credit, debit, or prepaid card with a minimum spend of ₱550.

Go to the Grab App and use the promo code MASTERCARD150.
The campaign will be running on three payday weekends:

October 29 – 31 2021
November 26 – 28 2021
December 31 – January 2, 2022

For every promo redeemed, Mastercard will be donating 150 pesos to Action Against Hunger Philippines to help fund our projects. Read more

ProACT project launches first Localized Climate Outlook Forum in Davao De Oro

October 26, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

The 1^st Localized Climate Outlook Forum in Davao De Oro is launched online today via zoom. This is spearheaded by the ProACT project in partnership with the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro, particularly the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) and Provincial Agricultural Office (PAGRO) together with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) in Region XI.

The forum attempts to bring information on climatic conditions and changing weather patterns to the most vulnerable and most affected sectors. The goal is to strengthen resilient livelihoods by having efficient preparation for impacts of climate-related risks especially among agricultural communities and other vulnerable groups.

In compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols, the forum will be facilitated online in however, face-to-face localized and translated sessions are expected to roll out at the municipal and barangay levels once restrictions have been lifted.

Watch the 1st Localized Climate Outlook Forum in Davao De Oro

Advancing Climate and Disaster Resilience Transformation in the Provinces of Agusan Del Sur, Surigao Del Sur, and Davao de Oro’ (ProACT) is a consortium project funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and implemented by Action Against Hunger & Fundacion CODESPA.

Promoting inclusive household decision-making to empower rural women

October 15, 2021/in 2021, Articles, DRR /by Admin

MINDANAO — Women and girls in rural communities have been providing invaluable contributions in development, particularly towards nutrition, food security, and building climate resilience. However, gender and development indicators have consistently shown that rural women and girls are generally more vulnerable to poverty and the impacts of climate change as compared to rural men and women in urban communities.

In 2019, Action Against Hunger Philippines with the guidance of our International Gender Desk conducted a gender analysis within our partner communities at the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The results of the analysis showed that roles in Mindanao seem to have changed from traditionally assigned gender roles and responsibilities, with women now being more involved in productive activities. However, this does not seem to have reduced the allotted time women dedicate to reproductive work. With women spending more time on productive tasks, but not less reproductive ones, a significant increase in their overall workload was noted.

The gender analysis also noted that although both women and men participate in income-generating activities and decide together on some key issues, key decisions like mobility, heritage, what specific work is assigned to each person, and the use of family land, etc. still fall under the decision of men. Evidently, this is one of the factors barring women’s access to income-generating activities since farming is considered the region’s main source of income. Agricultural labor like tending to the fields is mainly considered as the responsibility of men. Therefore, it comes with no surprise that men also present the highest percentages of agriculture knowledge.

Because of our commitment to mainstream gender equality in all our programs, we are aiming to maximize project outcomes while promoting gender empowerment. To do this, we plan to integrate interventions that are influencing household decision-making into existing food security & livelihoods programming.

Household decision-making impacts child health and nutrition in multiple ways. It influences underlying causes of undernutrition: decisions related to household production, household consumption, and caregiving practices. Household decision-making can also lead to improvements in women’s mobility; control of own time and income; men’s trust, confidence, and respect for women; women’s own self-confidence; and the sharing of household chores.

Using the Household Decision-Making (HHDM) Approach, we aim to shift household behaviors regarding decision-making and distribution of household work by spotlighting the work performed by women at reproductive and productive levels and adding more value to their contributions. The HHDM approach will hopefully encourage family members to contribute equitably—allowing each member to learn, cope, adapt and transform in the face of shocks and stresses and therefore increase household and community resilience in the long run.

“This innovative approach will enhance our FSL strategies making it more inclusive and gender transformative,” – Menchie Lacson

The HHDM approach is based on the household dialogue toolkit developed by Mercy Corps, which we’ve adapted appropriately to the context of Filipino communities, particularly in Mindanao. This was made possible through the support and guidance of Bishnu Bahadur Khatri, a seasoned international expert, and researcher on household dialogue along with human rights, child rights, social inclusion, gender-based violence, climate change, and gender equality among many others.

A Household Decision Making Approach Facilitator Guidebook is currently in the works, which we will be piloting through our USAID-funded disaster risk reduction project. In the meantime, the HHDM approach nonetheless has since been implemented following an online ‘training of trainers’ (ToT) on Family and Household Dialogue. The five-day training was facilitated by Bishnu Khatri last from April 8-12, 2021 and was participated by Action Against Hunger staff from the Philippines’ Manila head office, Cotabato field office, and international headquarters.

Action Against Hunger staff with Bishnu Khatri (top-right) during the last day of the HHD Training (April 12, 2021)

“This innovative approach will enhance our FSL strategies making it more inclusive and gender transformative, [We’re] grateful for your generosity in sharing your knowledge and expertise on this approach Bishnu,” says Menchie Lacson, the Food Security & Livelihoods (FSL) Coordinator and selected Gender Champion for Action Against Hunger Philippine Mission.

As we push for long-term development, we are hopeful that more women and girls in rural communities will have active involvement in decision-making and community participation through effective and inclusive household dialogues.

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

Written by Joyce Sandajan Read more

Empowering Rural Women: Community Savings Group Leader joins online dialogue in support of UN Food Systems Summit 2021

October 14, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

In celebration of the International Day of Rural Women tomorrow, we honor Alma Bayawan and her dedication to empowering her community towards resilience by promoting sustainable livelihoods.

“As a leader of our Community Savings Group, I will share with my members the importance of planting more types of crops and use practical ways to increase our crop production and would increase income and most especially we will ensure that our families have food to eat,” – Alma Bayawan, Uswag CSG Leader

“Bilang leader sa among Community Savings Group (CSG), akong I share sa akong mga members ang importansya sa pagtanom ug pag gamit sa praktikal nga paagi aron mas modaghan among tanom ug makadugang sa income ug masiguro nga adunay makaon among mga pamilya,” shares Alma.

Alma is the incumbent leader of the Uswag CSG in Barangay Illomavis, Kidapawan City. On September 9, 2021, she represented her community as she participated in the Food Systems Independent Dialogue, ‘Building Resilient Local Food Systems by 2030’ which was last spearheaded online by the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR).

Alma joins the Food Systems Independent Dialogue: Building Resilient Local Food Systems by 2030 online via Zoom | © Photo by Roger Cabiles for Action Against Hunger

She provided her insights from the discussion, wherein she mentions, “Natun-an nako nga dili lang dapat isa ka klase ang itanom sa uma, mas mayo nga magtanom pud ug laing klase nga tanom nga mohaum sa klima sa among lugar ug mosukol sa taas nga init o kanunay nga pag-ulan sama sa kamoteng kahoy o kamoteng balagon. Aside sa makadugang kini sa among income, aduna pud kami dugang nga kakuhaan ug pagkaon sa among mga pamilya.”

“I learned that I should not rely on a single variety of crop to be planted in the field, it is better also to plant other types of crops that will suit the climate of our place and could resist in drought or frequent rains such as cassava or sweet potato. Aside from increasing our income, we would also have additional sources of food for our families.”

The main objective of the activity is to solicit concrete actionable commitments from various stakeholders. These will be their contribution to the quest in ensuring safe and nutritious food for all, which is also in support of the United Nations Food Systems Summit 2021.

“Daghan kong natun-an sa akong pag apil gahapon sa virtual dialogue. Una, na meet nako ang uban nga participants sa laing lugar nga pareha pud nako usa ka farmer ug padayon nga naningkamot sa pagtanom aron maka income ug adunay makaon ang pamilya,” she said. Alma hopes to share with her fellow members the resilient strategies she had learned from the dialogue with her fellow CSG members.

“I have learned a lot from my participation in the virtual dialogue, I met other participants in other places who are also farmers like me and continued to grow crops to earn an income and have food for the family,”

Like Alma, we recognize the work of rural women ─ they are real-life heroines in the world’s food systems. “Uswag” means ‘develop’ and agreeably, rural women’s significant contributions to nutrition, food security, and climate resilience put their communities on the right path towards sustainable development.

The Food Systems Independent Dialogue was convened by IIRR in partnership with the Philippine Coalition of Advocates for Nutrition Security, Inc. (PhiLCAN), Philippine Society of Nutritionist-Dietitians, Inc. (PSND), PROLINNOVA Philippines Country Platform (PROLINNOVA), and Scaling Up Nutrition-Civil Society Alliance Philippines (SUN-CSA PH). Action Against Hunger is a member of PhiLCAN.

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 Union, MOVE UP 4 is implemented by Action Against Hunger, Plan International, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Written by Roger Cabiles, Jr. | Edited by Joyce Sandajan.

REACH 2 conducts Protection Training and Monitors to support Lanao del Sur LGUs in establish inclusive and accessible services

October 11, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

One of the goals of REACH is to establish a safe and inclusive environment for conflict and disaster-affected communities while focusing on those who are most vulnerable to these threats.

To make this a reality, a series of Protection Trainings were conducted last July 2021 where 60 participants from the municipalities of Masiu, Bayang, Butig, and Lumba Bayabao in Lanao del Sur attended.

The trainings were conducted to support and empower the local government units by establishing inclusive and accessible protection services.

Identified Protection Monitors will be mainstreaming protection in the implementation of programs in the communities. They will also help in the identification and monitoring of protection issues, as well as advocating referral pathways on gender-based violence and child protection.

Each municipality developed its Protection Activity Plan. The plans included activities such as mobile legal missions, psychosocial support (PSS) sessions, identification, and monitoring of protection cases & referrals.

Together with our partners, we are aiming for a future that provides inclusive and non-discriminatory protection for all.

The ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Populations in Mindanao Affected by Conflict, Disasters, and the COVID-19 Pandemic’ (REACH) Project is funded by the European Union and is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), United Youth of the Philippines-Women and Oxfam Pilipinas.

Written by Joyce Anne Sandajan

Over 400 households in Datu Piang affected by the recurring Maguindanao displacement receive shelter kits from REACH 2

October 2, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

DATU PIANG, MAGUINDANAO — Action Against Hunger Philippines, through the REACH 2 project, provided 410 shelter kits to conflict and flooding-affected families in Barangay Montay, Datu Piang on the 23^rd of September 2021.

Our team worked closely with the local government of Datu Piang together with the barangay council in managing the distribution. The kits were composed of mosquito nets, mats, and blankets. A hygiene promotion session was also conducted to refresh the participating families’ knowledge on proper hygiene and sanitation practices.

During the first quarter of 2021, heavy rainfall had left several Maguindanao towns flooded, affecting areas such as Sultan sa Barongis, Datu Salibo, Datu Piang, Mamasapano, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, and Rajah Buayan. This, unfortunately, was not a new occurrence for them since several areas of the province were already prone to flooding. Maguindanao yet again experienced massive flooding which started last September 8, 2021. This caused tremendous impacts on the lives of people repeatedly displaced due to this hazard, making access to adequate protection and dignified living more difficult for those in already vulnerable circumstances. For example, women and girls who are displaced are faced with compromised access to personal security and dignity, making them extremely at-risk.

In photo: Heavy rains in Maguindanao had caused streets to be submerged in several inches of rainwater last September 8, 2021.

In some cases, opportunities to build back their lives and move forward are impeded because of recurring conflicts in the area. This situation causes internally displaced individuals (IDPs) to have limited access to quality water, sanitation & hygiene facilities (WASH) as well poses potential health risks.

In photo: Residents are faced with recurring flooding in Barangays Dalug Balt, Lumigues Sogud, and Cormatan from Masiu.

With funding from the European Union, REACH 2 aims to establish a protected environment for conflict and disaster-affected communities in Mindanao as one of the project’s key humanitarian objectives.

The ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Populations in Mindanao Affected by Conflict, Disasters, and the COVID-19 Pandemic’ (REACH) Project is funded by the European Union and is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), United Youth of the Philippines-Women and Oxfam Pilipinas.

Written by Ramon III Jungco. Edited by Joyce Sandajan.

Real Life Heroes – Angela Nalaunan

September 27, 2021/in 2021, Articles, DRR /by Admin

Angela’s involvement with Action Against Hunger started back in 2014 when she became part of our Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) Emergency Response in Northern Iloilo. Now, she is a Project Assistant for our USAID-funded disaster risk reduction (DRR) project in BARMM, and a Real-Life Hero!

Get to know Ma. Angela Nalaunan and what sparked her motivations to become a catalyst for change.

What is your role in Action Against Hunger?

As project assistant for the “Strengthening Local Resilience and Building Capacities in Areas at High Risk of Natural Hazards in BARMM, Mindanao” project, my responsibility is coordinating with community partners and leaders, especially with the local government at both barangay and municipal levels. I also facilitate training sessions and provide awareness and information to the community with regards to disaster risk reduction, and resilient livelihood.

How long have you been working as a humanitarian worker?

I’ve been working as a humanitarian for a decade now. I was involved with Action Against Hunger before, from 2014 to 2015, as PhATSS Officer for our Typhoon Yolanda Emergency Response in Northern Iloilo.

What motivated you to become a humanitarian worker?

Being a research student when I was in college, I was exposed to different communities in different situations. After seeing and understanding what they were experiencing, it gave me a sense of purpose— to become a catalyst for change. That’s why I became a humanitarian worker.

Why are you making this sacrifice?

Working with different kinds of people is a challenging job. But being a vessel of hope, sharing one’s expertise, and seeing people with a smile on their faces is one of the most rewarding things in this world.

What have been the challenges to your work?

There are times when work is a bit out of control and things don’t go as planned. But, what is important is that you overcome these obstacles because you want to be a part of something good.

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

Always go back to your purpose, remind yourself why are you are here, and you will just overcome those challenges.

What are you most proud of?

Being a catalyst for change for a lot of people.

What climate change impact have you seen with your own eyes?

Being in a DRR project I have seen and expose to a lot of natural disasters like floods, typhoons, and earthquakes. Seeing this community affected by this calamity is heartbreaking, it took away their property, livelihood, and worst their loved ones, and it is very devastating.

How are you taking action against climate change?

By sharing awareness, facilitating training, and giving information regarding Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Actions that the community could understand.

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

MOVE UP team co-evaluates landslide simulation drill in Kidapawan City

September 27, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

KIDAPAWAN CITY — Action Against Hunger, under the MOVE UP 4 Project, served as one of the evaluators for the community landslide simulation drill in Sitio Embasi last September 16, 2021. The drill was facilitated by the local government of Barangay Perez, Kidapawan City in accordance with the 3rd Quarter Nationwide Earthquake Simulation Drill.

Aside from the Action Against Hunger’s MOVE UP team, representatives from the Philippine Red Cross, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) & City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Kidapawan evaluated the said simulation activity.

Sitio Embasi is one of the highly hazard-prone areas in Barangay Perez because of its steep location. The remote community was heavily affected during the landslide caused by the October 2019 Mindanao Earthquakes. This negatively impacted as many as 90 families who have been displaced since. To date, many of these families are still residing in evacuation centers since the relocation site organized by the Kidapawan City governments is yet to be completed.

The simulation drill began at exactly 9:10 a.m., kicking off with the community alarm siren and signaling the evacuation of about 30 families living in the area.
During the simulation, the barangay local government unit (BLGU) responded promptly to the ‘landslide victims’ who had fled their homes.
A triage and first aid station for casualties were also established.

Photo courtesy of Kidapawan City Information Office

Meanwhile, the barangay social workers assisted in the evacuation of the families and then facilitated the distribution of food relief who were relocated to Datu Igwas Integrated IP School. Similar to actual emergency situations, the said school was turned into an evacuation center during the drill.

Photo courtesy of Kidapawan City Information Office

One of the potential challenges raised during the activity was the evacuation of families with COVID-19 exposure—those who are undergoing isolation or quarantine. This is where members of the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) were called in to assist in the evacuation. Their main role is to ensure that suspected, probable, and confirmed COVID patients will not infect others should an evacuation take place.

In photo: First responders act out a rescue situation during the landslide simulation drill at Sitio Embasi, Barangay Perez last September 16. 2021. (Photo courtesy of Kidapawan City Information Office)

The roles of MOVE UP and other evaluators at the scene were to measure and determine the community’s preparedness in the event of a landslide in their area. As a result, any gaps or areas for improvement noted from the activity were expected to be addressed in the barangay’s evacuation plans.

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 Union, MOVE UP 4 is implemented by Action Against Hunger, Plan International, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

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PBA 2021: Converging efforts with local government and RHUs to strengthen health and nutrition initiatives in Mindanao

September 24, 2021/in 2021, Articles, Miscellaneous /by Admin

Limited access to quality health care has been one of the identified humanitarian gaps within remote areas even before the pandemic. This immediately took a turn for the worse when COVID-19 negatively impacted these health systems. Many primary healthcare services have become inaccessible due to the lockdown restrictions or overcapacity of patients. Conflict-affected communities─especially the poor, displaced, and those in other vulnerable conditions─are at greater risk more than ever.

This is why our Program-Based Approach (PBA) in Mindanao has been coordinating with rural health units to ensure that primary health services are available, sustainable, and easily accessed by vulnerable communities.

Since the second quarter of 2021, we have been sponsoring medical-dental missions of the local government with support funding from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).

Dental Services during the Health Mission at Lumbatan last August 23, 2021 (Photo by PBA Mindanao 2021 for Action Against Hunger)

A total of 1,202 people—collectively from Binidayan and Lumbatan of Lanao del Sur—participated in a series of activities from July 26 to September 2. Our nutrition screening activities were also integrated with the health mission to converge our health initiatives on the ground.

MUAC Screening during the Health Mission at Lumbatan on September 2, 2021 (Photo by PBA Mindanao 2021 for Action Against Hunger)

Following the nutrition screening, all individuals identified to have severe or moderate acute malnutrition were then referred to the RHUs to receive appropriate care and treatment. To supplement their nutritional needs, they will also receive financial assistance from our multi-purpose cash program.

Nutrition Awareness Session during the Health Mission in Binidayan on July 26, 2021(Photo by PBA Mindanao 2021 for Action Against Hunger)

Aside from these interventions, nutrition-awareness sessions were also held to refresh or heighten the participants’ knowledge of good health practices. In Binidayan, pregnant and lactating women (PLW) who are at nutritional risk also received hygiene kits and hygiene promotion sessions.

Hygiene Kit Distribution for PLWs at Binidayan during the Health Mission on July 26, 2021 (Photo by PBA Mindanao 2021 for Action Against Hunger)

Our efforts to stop and prevent hunger continues. We aim to fully protect, assist, and advocate for disadvantaged communities that are at greater risk to societal, environmental, and health crises.

The Program-Based Approach (PBA), otherwise referred to as ‘Multi-Sectoral Lifesaving Assistance to People Most Vulnerable to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Conflict, and Disasters ─ Mindanao Program 2021’ is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines.

Written by Joyce Anne Sandajan Read more

Real Life Heroes – Lyndon Arbes

September 22, 2021/in 2021, Miscellaneous /by Admin

For Lyndon Arbes, being able to spark change and making a lasting impact in society is both his pride and joy. The drive to help others in need emanates from a propensity to put himself in the others’ shoes. This, he shares, is rooted in his personal experience during his humble beginnings.

Now working as the Deputy Head of Project for our MOVE UP Mindanao project, Lyndon shares with us the lessons he gained from his 22 years of working as a humanitarian worker, or rather, as a real-life hero.

What is your role in Action Against Hunger?

I am currently the Deputy Head of Project for the Moving Urban Poor in Mindanao Towards Resilience (MOVE UP 4) project. My role for the project is to manage, coordinate, implement, monitor, and evaluate all the activities in Action Against Hunger in strengthening the resilience of the urban poor against human, natural and climate-induced hazards. We do this by building and supporting the capacities of communities on resilient livelihoods. The project also advocates for the inclusion of alternative temporary shelters, technical assistance on camp management, social protection, and/or risk-transfer modalities in local government disaster risk reduction management plans.

Photo courtesy of Lyndon Arbes

How long have you been working as a humanitarian worker?

I have been in the development work and humanitarian for 22 years now.

What motivated you to become a humanitarian worker?

Coming from a poor family, I fully understand how difficult life can be. I empathize with communities, especially with our farmers and other vulnerable sectors, who have experienced devastating impacts of disasters—losing livelihoods over and over, or grieving over lost lives.

Being a development and humanitarian worker is a noble work and profession that provides me the opportunity to give back to the people in need. Through my work, I am able to help others improve their socio-economic condition, protect their lives and livelihoods, and enabling them to withstand and bounce back after disasters. Seeing their faces brimming with so much joy is what inspires me most.

Why are you making this sacrifice?

We are all human and everyone deserves help. We need to care for others the same way we care for ourselves, and our families.

Photo courtesy of Lyndon Arbes

What have been the challenges to your work?

Working in the development sector is sometimes a very complex process considering that communities we work with have different social, cultural, and political contexts. So, sometimes you need to be creative and innovative in the ways you advocate them. Adding to this challenge is the current COVID-19 pandemic which brings us certain limitations. But we make our maximizing our efforts now more than ever in enabling communities to be more vigilant in case of potential crises, while at the same time learning to exercise caution against COVID-19.

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

Working with farmers and the most vulnerable sector of our community has always been my passion. Seeing them transform their lives with smiles on their faces gives me a sense of fulfillment, and also my source of motivation.

What are you most proud of?

In my 22 years of working with humanitarian organizations, what I am most proud of is being part of a community that is helping improve the lives of many with the utmost sincerity and passion. I am proud to have this as my legacy.

Just recently, we were able to mobilize around twenty-seven community savings groups in Kidapawan City with total savings, social funds, and livelihood amounting to 1.5 million pesos. These savings came directly from all the members, which they managed to accumulate in less than a year. It makes me proud how a change in their mindset and attitude has allowed them to achieve this milestone—not only are they financially literate and independent but they are also more prepared and resilient.

Photo by Jan Azucena for Action Against Hunger

What climate change impact have you seen with your own eyes?

Climate change is real, and it’s been happening not only now but even way back. If you saw on TV that the glaciers are continuously melting which is resulting in rising sea levels, this means changes in our climate patterns are now being characterized by extreme weather events. The fact that El Niño and La Niña are becoming more intense is one of the many shreds of evidence that climate change is real.

How are you taking action against climate change?

Climate Change is a global issue but solutions can be started right at the community level. There are plenty of ways we can do to fight climate change. One is to simply reduce our own carbon footprints. We can also plant more trees and advocate for change—change other people’s attitudes and be more caring towards our environment.

Photo courtesy of Lyndon Arbes

: Photo courtesy of Lyndon Arbes

Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 4) is an urban disaster risk reduction (DRR) project which aims to build resilience among urban poor communities in Mindanao. With funding from the European Union, MOVE UP 4—also known as MOVE UP Mindanao—is implemented by a consortium of partners consisting of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and their local partner ACCORD Incorporated. Read more

Action Against Hunger provides emergency response equipment to Maguindanao

September 13, 2021/in 2021, Miscellaneous /by Admin

MAGUINDANAO — The municipality of Datu Saudi Ampatuan received a total of 745 various emergency response equipment from Action Against Hunger last August 27, 2021. This intervention is part of our USAID-funded disaster risk reduction (DRR) project at the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) which aims to strengthen the local resilience of hazard-prone communities.

The equipment were allotted to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management (MDRRM) Office, and five barangays namely: Dapiawan, Elian, Gawang, Kitango, and Madia. DSA Municipal Administrator Musib Tan, MDRRM Officer Rohanna Salik, and the Association of Barangay Chairpersons (ABC) President Anwar Kedtag received the emergency equipment during the short turn-over ceremony. The ceremony was also participated by representatives from each of the five barangays.

DSA Municipal Administrator Musib Tan shares a short message during the turn-over of emergency response equipment. (2021 © Photo by Michael Ryan Queman for Action Against Hunger)

“We are thankful for all the support—from capacity building on DRR and livelihood to the provision of equipment. These will help enable our response to disasters more effective,” said Musib Tan.

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

Written by Michael Ryan Queman | Edited by Joyce Sandajan

Launching the first Climate Outlook Forum for Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur DRR partners

September 4, 2021/in 2021, Articles, DRR /by Admin

MAGUINDANAO — Our disaster risk reduction (DRR) project focused on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) launched its 1^st Maguindanao & Lanao del Sur Climate Outlook Forum last September 2, 2021.

In partnership with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the forum was facilitated online by Action Against Hunger’s Cotabato team. Charly Jamero, the Chief Meteorological Officer for the Ministry of Science & Technology – PAGASA, serves as the key resource speaker for the said activity.

Photo by Michael Ryan Queman for Action Against Hunger

A total of 58 people participated in the virtual forum—among these were representatives from the municipal and barangay government units, along with key agencies in BARMM. Members of the People’s Organization also attended the event. Some municipalities like Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Piang, and Rajah Buayan organized viewing sessions for individual participants that had limited or no internet connection in their respective households. A number of attendees who were not based in Maguindanao also joined the session.

Photo by Michael Ryan Queman for Action Against Hunger

For the activity, Ms. Jamero gave an overview of climate outlook. She then proceeded to discuss anticipated weather and climate updates in Visayas & Mindanao from September 2021 until January 2022.

“We want to level down, localize, and contextualize climate information and use it for decision-making. We hope that this climate outlook fora can be a means for our community members and decision-makers to utilize these learnings in improving our resilience-building strategies. We should be able to make an informed decision out of the climate information that we have.” – Juan Blenn Huelgas, Action Against Hunger DRR Coordinator

In a concise yet enlightening message, Juan Blenn Huelgas—current Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Coordinator for Action Against Hunger Philippines—emphasized the importance of using the information gained from the discussion in drafting local government plans and community decision-making. “We want to level down, localize, and contextualize climate information and use it for decision-making. We hope that this climate outlook fora can be a means for our community members and decision-makers to utilize these learnings in improving our resilience-building strategies. We should be able to make an informed decision out of the climate information that we have,” he said.

Photo by Michael Ryan Queman for Action Against Hunger

Delilah Chua, Head of Base for Action Against Hunger Cotabato Field Office, also attended the virtual forum and thanked all partners, participants, and facilitators for taking part in the first round of discussion on climate outlook.

BHA-DRR / Cotabato Team (Photo courtesy of Michael Ryan Queman)

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

Written by Michael Ryan Queman | Edited by Joyce Sandajan Read more

MOVE UP 4 featured in DILG-LGA Newsletter

September 2, 2021/in 2021, Miscellaneous /by Admin

Spotted: Our Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 4)—or also known as MOVE UP Mindanao Project— was featured in the 2nd Quarterly LGA Merit Newsletter!

The Local Government Academy’s (LGA) second quarterly newsletter for the year 2021 can now be accessed at the LGA website lga.gov.ph. The LGA releases monthly and quarterly newsletters showcasing its projects, programs, and activities, as well as best practices all geared towards local governance excellence.

The publications also highlight the stakeholders and partner agencies including the Local Governance Resource Centers (LGRCs), Local Government Operations Officers (LGOOs) and many more.

GRAB YOUR COPY HERE

Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 4) is an urban disaster risk reduction (DRR) project which aims to build resilience among urban poor communities in Mindanao. With funding from the European Union, MOVE UP 4—also known as MOVE UP Mindanao—is implemented by a consortium of partners consisting of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and their local partner ACCORD Incorporated.

Real Life Heroes – Roger Cabiles

September 1, 2021/in 2021 /by Admin

Being a humanitarian worker is more than a career choice. Most of the time, it involves having a shared sentiment that anyone and everyone can help others in many different ways.

Roger Cabiles, our Head of Project and Consortium Manager for the MOVE UP Mindanao project, shares a similar perspective as he talked about the value of paying it forward.

We sat down with Roger and asked him a few questions about his role as a project implementor, team leader, and inspirational real-life hero.

What is your role in Action Against Hunger?

I ensure that the [MOVE UP 4] activities are implemented and managed well in our project areas to ensure a positive impact on the communities and the people we serve. I also lead the coordination between our consortium partners and stakeholders to ensure that we work on the same goals, we complement each other’s strengths and we provide necessary support and assistance when needed.

Signing of agreement: Four people seated side by side. The two in the middle are signing papers.

Roger Cabiles (second from the left) represents the MOVE UP 4 consortium as he signs the agreement with the local government of Cotabato Province on July 15, 2021. (Photo by MOVE UP 4 for Action Against Hunger)

How long have you been working as a humanitarian worker?

Almost a decade—from an indigenous peoples’ community in Pampanga to Typhoon Haiyan Response in Tacloban City with DSWD, then to post-conflict rehabilitation in Bangsamoro with FAO UN and now urban resilience with MOVE UP in Mindanao.

What motivated you to become a humanitarian worker?

A belief that everyone deserves a dignified life and a just society.

Why are you making this sacrifice?

I don’t really see it as a sacrifice but a shared responsibility. When someone sees poverty, inequality, and oppression, there should be no second thoughts about taking action. As for me, I know that my strengths are in managing and implementing development projects so I feel that this is my contribution to making the world a better place. Everyone has a stake in this so everyone should do their part, no matter what profession, no matter what work they do.

In photo: Roger Cabiles, Jr. shares updates on the MOVE UP 4 projects within intervention areas.

What have been the challenges to your work?

There are times you get overwhelmed with all that’s happening in the world and you feel you can’t do anything about it.

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

It is ironic that this feeling of being overwhelmed is also a motivation and a push for me. There’s a lot of work to be done and one should breathe, relax and get back to work.

“When someone sees poverty, inequality, and oppression, there should be no second thoughts about taking action. Everyone has a stake in this so everyone should do their part, no matter what profession, no matter what work they do.” – Roger Cabiles, MOVE UP 4

Photo courtesy of Roger Cabiles

What are you most proud of?

I am proud when I become dispensable to a project. It means I have done my job— mentored my team well and made it more about the communities and less of us and the project. That is the measure of success for a development project—community ownership and sustaining the gains even after the project timeframe. Empowerment and sustainability are things that I am very proud of.

What climate change impact have you witnessed?

Oceans are getting warmer and warmer and typhoons are getting stronger and stronger. I have worked in post-Haiyan rehabilitation and I’ve seen its devastating impact. This will be the new normal.

How are you taking action against climate change?

Being conscious of the impact of your lifestyle and your actions on the environment as well as on vulnerable communities. But more than personal responsibility, demanding more from the private sector and the government on concrete and tangible ways to address climate change and its impact on communities especially the vulnerable ones.

Photo courtesy of Roger Cabiles

Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 4) is an urban disaster risk reduction (DRR) project which aims to build resilience among urban poor communities in Mindanao. With funding from the European Union, MOVE UP 4—also known as MOVE UP Mindanao—is implemented by a consortium of partners consisting of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and their local partner ACCORD Incorporated.

Photo by Juhaina Ebus for Action Against Hunger

605 Displaced Families in Mindanao receive cash assistance to counter food insecurity

August 31, 2021/in 2021, Articles, Miscellaneous /by Admin

Photo by Juhaina Ebus for Action Against Hunger

MINDANAO — A total of 605 displaced families in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao received cash assistance amounting to 5,000 and 3,400 last August 18 to 20, 2021 during our Cash-for-Food payout, an activity under REACH Mindanao’s food security and livelihood (FSL) program.

The cash assistance is intended to support families who are at risk of facing food insecurity due to experienced protracted displacement. Local government units and agencies are already responding to these vulnerable communities, but because there are certain areas that would be deemed more susceptible to conflicts, calamities, and now the COVID-19 pandemic, these additional threats exacerbate the living conditions of internally displaced people. The situation they face can also further limit their financial resources, therefore making it more difficult to provide enough healthy and nutritious food for the entire family.

This household head successfully claims the Php5,000 during the cash payout for Datu Piang participating families. (Photo by Juhaina Ebus for Action Against Hunger)

Aside from the mentioned amount, each participating family also received a small allowance to cover the household representative’s travel expenses going to the payout center. Among the initial recipients of the cash support, 375 families were home-based internally displaced persons residing in Masiu, Lanao del Sur while the remaining 230 families resided in flood-affected areas of Datu Piang, Maguindanao. The goal of the cash assistance is to help affected families to meet the minimum food consumption necessary for each member.

IDPs in Masiu are no longer strangers to ongoing conflict and disasters. The Municipality of Datu Piang on the other hand is reportedly considered as a “catch basin” of several rivers coming from neighboring provinces. This makes the area more prone to flooding which can be easily triggered by heavy rainfall.

The payout activity was conducted in coordination with the municipal local governments of Masiu, and Datu Piang. REACH Mindanao will continue to roll out a series of food security & livelihood support programs for specific vulnerable populations in Mindanao.

(Photo by Al-king Dilangalen for Action Against Hunger)

The ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Populations in Mindanao Affected by Conflict, Disasters, and the COVID-19 Pandemic’ (REACH) Project is funded by the European Union and is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), United Youth of the Philippines-Women and Oxfam Pilipinas.

World Humanitarian Day 2021 – Jo An Jagape

August 23, 2021/in 2021 /by Admin

In celebration of World Humanitarian Day 2021, meet Jo An Jagape, our FSL Assistant for Mindanao Program 2021, and one of our Real Life Heroes! Get to know Jo An and find out how what inspires her in her work as a humanitarian worker:

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

As Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) Assistant, my responsibilities are to coordinate, profile, and identify target beneficiaries. I assist my team in the implementation of the cash-for-food program; focusing on the most vulnerable, food-insecure displaced households and host communities affected by conflicts, disasters, and COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo taken before COVID-19 pandemic. Image courtesy of Jo An Jagape

How long have you been working as a humanitarian worker?

Since 2005, after completing my college degree. I was initially engaged with a local non-government organization based in Lanao del Norte as a finance staff, but along the way the organization involved me with other tasks from coordination, representation, trainings, youth organizing and exposed me to farmers & fisherfolk communities with different cultures. This nourished my social awareness.

My involvement with Action Against Hunger started during the 2012 Typhoon Sendong (WASHI) Emergency Response in Iligan City. Since then, I have been involved in eight different Action Against Hunger projects, in different roles.

I’ve also had great experiences with other agencies or INGOs doing humanitarian work. I’ve learned and cherished ideas that are new to me, and even enhanced and replicated these ideas to other projects.

What motivated you to become a humanitarian worker?

I have a dream that someday we will collectively achieve the change we want for our next generation’s society. When I was in college, I was involved in a youth organization. This group helped me a lot in opening my mind and understanding the situation of our society. My eldest sister, Jet, who is also working with a local non-government organization encouraged me to try and work with a local NGO and along the way, I got the perspective of serving the community in need and understanding the principle of humanity. Working with communities that have different cultural and religious perspectives has influenced my passion for solidarity and to continue my humanitarian responsibility to serve the most vulnerable.

Photo taken before COVID-19 pandemic. Image courtesy of Jo An Jagape

Why are you making this sacrifice?

Someone asked me once why I am focusing now on the food security and livelihood sector when my previous engagement with NGOs was mostly linked with the financial side of things. For me, accounting work and recording books in a cozy office space have the same workload in the field but in a different twist. As an FSL staff, you will be dealing with everything, from office to communities’ concerns. Being in a technical team you must be responsible, adaptable, proactive, and have a sense of mindfulness to support any developments. Until now I am still eager to learn other concepts to help me improve strategies in responding efficiently during emergencies or in the recovery phase.

Photo taken before COVID-19 pandemic. Image courtesy of Jo An Jagape

What have been the challenges to your work?

As a humanitarian worker, you take a lot of risks. It might be your security, privacy, health condition, stress from workload, and being away from your family. It’s been more than a year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has worsened with different variants. I remember last year that I was away from my 2 young children for almost a year because of pandemic protocols. Balancing work and family time were greatly affected by the pandemic.

My current project has target areas that are located far from the base. It takes us 3 hours of travel time to arrive at the venue. Organizing a limited number of people in the area were done because of restricted mass gatherings while respondents and target households’ attendance was limited due to transportation concerns, fear from virus infection or just thinking that they’ll be forced to vaccinate. With all these work challenges the health & nutrition and community volunteers, RHU/LGU staff were very supportive to the team and flexible with their time to accommodate the planned activities. With their active participation, the project implementation went as planned.

The fear of becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus is inevitable, but what I do is protect myself with proper hygiene and discipline to prevent the virus.

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

In the current project I am in, I am very glad that I’m surrounded by colleagues that have a sense of urgency, who are very creative, and have an open mind to others’ opinions on how to implement efficiently the planned activities. My team’s positive attitude keeps me motivated.

Photo taken before COVID-19 pandemic. Image courtesy of Jo An Jagape

What are you most proud of?

The positive learnings that I will bring wherever I might be assigned in my future humanitarian journey. My previous projects have exposed me to new knowledge. I remember my previous colleague, Jonathan Gorre, teaching me how to quickly determine nutritionally at-risk children and women using Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tapes. This knowledge, along with other quality learnings from other colleagues from different sectors will be with me forever.

Photo taken before COVID-19 pandemic. Image courtesy of Jo An Jagape

What climate change impact have you seen with your own eyes?

In 2021, people living in Mindanao have experienced rising temperatures, extreme heat that is unusual and is above the average recorded from the previous years.

How are you helping combat climate change?

Combating climate change is very challenging! For me, I’ve changed to a minimalist lifestyle, practicing less consumption, and supporting green technology. I have also joined groups that advocate to plant more trees and develop an agroforest. Future generations will surely benefit the cause.

The ‘Multi-Sectoral Lifesaving Assistance To People Most Vulnerable To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Conflict, and Disasters’ or Mindanao Program 2021 is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

Help us fight climate change by leading The Human Race.

Action Against Hunger Philippines joins #TheHumanRace on World Humanitarian Day

August 22, 2021/in 2021 /by Admin

Sheryl Bejerano and Emlan Lilangan, representatives of Action Against Hunger, hold #TheHumanRace banner. | Photo courtesy of Shey Bejerano.

MAGUINDANAO — Our team members broke a sweat this World Humanitarian Day as Action Against Hunger Philippines took part in The Human Race campaign last August 19, 2021.

Represented by our Cotabato team, Sheryl Bejerano (HR Officer) and Emlan Lilangan (Finance Officer) joined the World Humanitarian Day (WHD) 2021 activity at Barangay Labungan in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Along with other humanitarian organizations, our team members trekked about 6-8 kilometers in total, going to and fro Labungan School which hosted the program.

Individuals trekking a muddy dirt road, following a disorganized line.. Around them are green trees and bright blue sky.

Members of different humanitarian organizations trek the dirt road going to Labungan School #TheHumanRace | Photo by Shey Bejerano for Action Against Hunger

A tree-planting activity and a quick photo session followed thereafter to commemorate the event.

Female person in Action Against Hunger shirt wearing face mask and cap, holds a small tree to plant on the ground. Around her are green trees and bright blue sky.

Shey, HR Officer for Action Against Hunger Cotabato Field Office, plants a tree sapling during the WHD 2021 event. #TheHumanRace | Photo by Emlan Lilangan for Action Against Hunger

“As we highlight the immediate human cost of climate crisis, the eight kilometer trek and tree planting activity had been a very challenging and joyful journey, paired with a fruitful contribution towards a greener future while we continue to take action against climate change – one of the main causes of hunger in the world’s most vulnerable communities.” – Sheryl Bejerano, Human Resources Officer for Action Against Hunger – Cotabato Field Office

People posing for a photo. Behind them are green trees and bright blue sky.

Representatives of different humanitarian organizations gather for a photo session after #TheHumanRace hike. | Photo courtesy of Shey Bejerano.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) organized the said event, which had attendees from the World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Organization for Migration (IOM), Plan International, Fondation Suisse de Déminage (FSD), Islamic Relief Worldwide, World Vision, Oxfam, Equal Access International (EQI), United Youth of the Philippines-Women, Inc., Mangunaya Mindanao Inc., Women’s Organization of Rajah Mamalu Descendants (WORMD), Save the Children, Community and Family Services International (CFSI), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Development – Sustainable Development (UNDP), United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS), United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Several BARMM agencies also participated, including the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE), Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), and the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD).

Six individuals sitting in a long table covered in yellow table cloth. Behind them is a green backdrop tarpaulin with bold text " THE HUMAN RACE" An audience is seated in front of them.

Photo by Shey Bejerano for Action Against Hunger

During the program, Melinda Malang, OCHA Head of Mindanao Sub Office, presented the rationale of the WHD 2021. The momentous event was held in solidarity with this year’s World Humanitarian Day campaign on climate action for the world’s most vulnerable people.

#TheHumanRace

The climate emergency is wreaking havoc across the world at a scale that people on the front lines and in the humanitarian community cannot
manage. Time is already running out for millions of the world’s most vulnerable people – those who have contributed least to the global climate emergency but are hit the hardest. Millions of people are already losing their homes, their livelihoods and their lives.

With most climate campaigns focused on slowing climate change and securing the planet’s future, World Humanitarian Day 2021 will highlight the immediate consequences for the world’s most vulnerable people. The campaign aims to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs top the agenda when world leaders meet at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November.

“The climate emergency is a race we are losing, but it is a race that we can win.” – António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General

#TheHumanRace is a global challenge for climate action in solidarity with the .people who need it most. Hosted on the sports app Strava, anyone can join the campaign by logging 100 minutes of total activity—either run, roll, ride, walk, swim, kick or hit a ball—between August 16 to 31. People who don’t wish to take part physically can also virtually support #TheHumanRace via the campaign microsite.

Register or know more about #TheHumanRace

World Humanitarian Day 2021 – Louie Bullanday

August 20, 2021/in 2021 /by Admin

In celebration of World Humanitarian Day 2021, meet Louie Bullanday, MOVE UP 4 Mindanao’s DRR Supervisor, and one of our Real Life Heroes! Get to know Kim and find out how he takes action against climate change:

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

As DRR Supervisor, my role is to provide technical assistance to LGU and pilot communities to improve their resilience mechanisms. These include advocating for Alternative Temporary Shelter systems that promote protection and dignity to displaced people caused by disasters, formulate clear social protection plans and promote resilient livelihood strategies

Photo courtesy of Louie Bullanday

How long have you been working as a humanitarian worker?

I have been working as a humanitarian worker for 12 years.

What motivates you to become a humanitarian worker?

The feeling of fulfillment despite challenges is what motivates me. Many are called, but only a few are chosen to do this kind of work. I was chosen to become an instrument to deliver assistance to the survivors of any calamities, and ensuring that the dignities of these people are being upheld.

Why are you making this sacrifice?

Being able to relieve the suffering of people from a disaster gives me fulfillment. I love this kind of work because you see people happy and witnessing their sincere gratitude.

Photo courtesy of Louie Bullanday

What have been the challenges to your work?

Working in communities that do not treat preparedness and resiliency as one of their priorities. They are taking it for granted.

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

The welfare of those families that are dependent on assistance or support from their government, especially the most vulnerable sectors like children, elderly, and PWD.

My family, especially my children, motivates me to do my best at work. I want to be a good example to them.

What are you most proud of?

When I led my team to deliver assistance to affected communities during our previous emergency response. The sincere expressions of gratitude and smiles from the people energized the team to continue to do good.

Photo courtesy of Louie Bullanday

What climate change impact have you seen with your own eyes?

The changes in weather pattern which greatly affects farmers. Farmers can no longer depend on rain coming during the rainy season.

How do you help in combating climate change?

My contribution to the fight against climate change is by promoting proper waste disposal, planting more trees, and helping in information campaigns. I strive to be a good example.

Photo courtesy of Louie Bullanday

Help us fight climate change by leading The Human Race. Read more

World Humanitarian Day 2021 – Nino Kim Diez

August 20, 2021/in 2021 /by Admin

In celebration of World Humanitarian Day 2021, meet Nino Kim R. Diez, ProACT’s Project Officer and one of our Real Life Heroes! Get to know Kim and find out how he takes action against climate change:

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

I take the lead in implementing the ProACT Project in the province of Surigao del Sur. The aim of the project is to improve vulnerable communities’ resilience to disasters and climate change.

How long have you been working as a humanitarian worker?

I have been working as a humanitarian worker for 13 years.

What motivates you to become a humanitarian worker?

My motivation comes from my personal experiences and struggles in the past. I have seen that vulnerable sectors often do not have enough representation, especially us who are differently-abled. Most of the local governments before do not have concrete programs that specifically cater to these sectors. I want to be able to fill that gap in my own way.

Photo courtesy of Nino Kim Diez

Why are you making this sacrifice?

I am a teacher by profession, but I have chosen to be in the development work because as I see it, it is not only the children who need attention but also other vulnerable groups such as women, PWD’s, Senior Citizens, and Indigenous People.

What have been the challenges to your work?

Being away from my family is a big challenge for me. Sometimes I cry when I realize that, while I am serving the underserved communities, my family is longing for my presence as well. One other challenge is the different political and cultural environments that I encounter in my work almost every day.

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

Despite these challenges, I continue doing the work because I have a mission to fulfill for myself, especially for the people who are unfortunate in life. It is both the love and understanding of my family that fuel me to continue humanitarian work.

What are you most proud of?

I am very proud to become an instrument in the development of communities, especially the people who have been hit by disasters. I have become part of their successful journey toward building a better life and achieving their dreams.

What climate change impact have you seen with your own eyes?

The effects of climate change are inevitable. Through the years, I have seen the sea level rise and changes in seasonal patterns. These, coupled with the increased frequency of typhoons, have greatly impacted the communities I work in.

How do you help in combating climate change?

I always encourage my team to plan and combine our trips when doing fieldwork. I also try to go paperless, be it in the office or in the field, as much as possible. Moreover, I encourage the community, especially farmers, to use low-cost technologies and environmentally-friendly agricultural techniques. Lastly, I participate in the political process of formulating plans to address climate change.

Help us fight climate change by leading The Human Race. Read more

Barangays in Davao de Oro receive early warning devices

August 20, 2021/in 2021, Miscellaneous /by Admin

Photo by Lea Anora for Action Against Hunger (2021)

DAVAO DE ORO — Just last August 13, 2021, twenty (20) barangays in Maco and Mabini, Davao de Oro had received early warning devices from Action Against Hunger through our ProACT Project.

Weather patterns have become unpredictable due to climate change. Many communities in the area have been experiencing various weather events and calamities. Because of this, we wanted to ensure that these communities are well informed and duly prepared in the event of a disaster.

Photo by Lea Anora for Action Against Hunger (2021)

These early warning devices will be tested during community drills which are scheduled to occur within the months of August to September, during which increased rainfall will be expected.

Photo by Lea Anora for Action Against Hunger (2021)

This disaster risk reduction (DRR) support is part of our commitment to building resilient communities by supporting barangays to have efficient early warning protocols, while improving the information dissemination community members and other groups, coming from the barangay level or local government units (BLGU).

Photo by Keith Filipinas for Action Against Hunger (2021)

ProACT aims to strengthen the partner communities’ capacities with regard to climate change adaptation, promotion of food security, and also income generation. To do so, the project uses a value chain approach for 3,650 families affected by disasters in the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, and Davao de Oro.

The main goal is to improve disaster, climate resilience, and socio-economic conditions of vulnerable communities we work with.

: Photo by Lea Anora for Action Against Hunger (2021)

: Photo by Lea Anora for Action Against Hunger (2021)

: Photo by Lea Anora for Action Against Hunger (2021)

: Photo by Lea Anora for Action Against Hunger (2021)

‘Advancing Climate and Disaster Resilience Transformation in the Provinces of Agusan Del Sur, Surigao Del Sur, and Davao de Oro’ (ProACT) is a consortium project funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation or Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID), and implemented by Action Against Hunger and Fundacion CODESPA.

Written by Vina Menez. Edited by Joyce Anne Sandajan.

World Humanitarian Day 2021 – Sitti Mhuriza Mamasalagat

August 19, 2021/in 2021 /by Admin

In celebration of World Humanitarian Day 2021, meet Sitti Mhuriza Gampal-Mamasalagat, one of our Real Life Heroes:

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

I am a team leader and a mentor. I may be the “Captain of the Ship,” but I value my “Mates” most. I am trained to train future “Captains” and set to be a good example.

Photo courtesy of Sitti Mhuriza Mamasalagat (Disclaimer: This photo was taken before the COVID-19 pandemic)

How long have you been working as a humanitarian worker?

Formally started my humanitarian career in February 2014 with Action Against Hunger.

Photo courtesy of Sitti Mhuriza Mamasalagat (Disclaimer: This photo was taken before the COVID-19 pandemic)

What motivates you to become a humanitarian worker?

It is already in me way before I became part of any humanitarian organization. I never knew that life prepared me to be the person who I am now. [And] it all made sense when I became a Professional Registered Nurse and it led me to a whole different level of care when I became a humanitarian worker; both have a common goal and definition, that is to “Save Lives” and inspire others to do the same.

Photo courtesy of Sitti Mhuriza Mamasalagat

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

I definitely believe that my existence serves a purpose and only few are chosen to have this opportunity – to make a difference and be an inspiration to the affected communities. The challenges, I face them with courage and perseverance. All my experiences in the past enabled me to see and realize that having a positive perspective can help me think of new ways to assist individuals in need.

Photo courtesy of Sitti Mhuriza Mamasalagat

What are you most proud of?

I am nothing without the support of others who believed in me. I am nothing if not because of the helping hands of the people surrounding me. That is why I am proud of my family, friends, and colleagues who stood by me. Wearing different and same hats, working in all sorts of shaped tables, writing on the same notes while using various pens, I had one goal: make people’s lives better, comfortable, and just.

Help us fight climate change by leading The Human Race. Read more

Hundreds of displaced families in Zamboanga City receive multi-sectoral cash assistance

August 16, 2021/in 2021, Miscellaneous /by Admin

On September 9, 2013, conflict broke out in Zamboanga City between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and a rebel group, an event that displaced 109,000 people in the city alone.

Eight years after the Zamboanga Siege, more than 700 families are still living in transitory sites of Masepla, Rio Hondo, Asinan, and Buggoc and they face further setbacks when COVID-19 started. Many have been struggling with food insecurity after losing their livelihoods as a result of the pandemic.

Under our project funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), we hope to support the remaining displaced residents through a Multi-purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) program.

During the first round of the payout last July 28, an initial 167 families had received 5,100 pesos which can be used for livelihood, hygiene, health, or shelter purposes among many others. Some of the participants who had already received the cash assistance have reportedly spent it on either capital for their small business, medicine and health services, or shelter purposes such as rental payment and purchasing of kitchenwares and solar lamps.

This marks the first MPCA activity of the project as the team will be conducting scheduled payouts in the coming weeks.

Our ‘Multi-Sectoral Lifesaving Assistance To People Most Vulnerable To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Conflict, and Disasters’ is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

ProAct spearheads ‘New Normal’ Disaster Community Drill in Davao de Oro

August 11, 2021/in 2021 /by Admin

Representatives for Barangay Anitapan on stand-by at evacuation camp stations while waiting for ‘evacuees’ of the landslide simulation last July 28, 2021 | Barangay Anitapan, Mabini, Davao de Oro (Photo by Vina Menez for Action Against Hunger)

MABINI, DAVAO DE ORO — In order to increase community awareness on disaster risks, our ProAct Project team initiated an activity entitled, “Community Drill Towards a Resilient Disaster Governance in the New Normal” last July 28 and 30, 2021. This was conducted in partnership with the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) and Municipal Social Welfare Department (MSWD) of the Municipality of Mabini, Davao de Oro.

Community members of Barangay Anitapan participate in the landslide simulation during the community drill last July 28, 2021 | Anitapan, Mabini, Davao De Oro (Photo by Mark Dalin-as for Action Against Hunger)

Community residents of Barangays Anitapan, and San Antonio actively participated in the simulation exercises focusing on landslides and flooding.

MDRRMO representatives demonstrate emergency response through a simulation during the community drill at San Antonio, Mabini, Davao De Oro | July 30, 2021 (Photo by Nino Diez for Action Against Hunger)

COVID-related scenarios and standard health protocols were also included in the drill to test BDRRMC’s capacity in handling multiple hazards. The early warning actions, evacuation camp and management protocols, and community responses had been assessed and evaluated using pre-designed criteria identified in the contingency plans.

Health volunteer in full PPE during the ProACT community drill at Anitapan, Mabini, Davao De Oro | July 28, 2021 (Photo by Vina Menez for Action Against Hunger)

The activities were also held in observance of National Disaster Resilience Month 2021, putting more emphasis on strengthening the capacities of local communities for effective response, and adhering to in-depth rehabilitation and recovery efforts in the midst of a pandemic.

Simulation of emergency rescue operations during the community drill at Anitapan, Mabini, Davao De Oro | July 28, 2021 (Photo by Vina Menez for Action Against Hunger)

: MDRRMO representatives talks with participants during the community drill at San Antonio, Mabini, Davao De Oro | July 30, 2021 (Photo by Vina Menez for Action Against Hunger)

: MDRRMO representatives demonstrate a rescue attempt during a landslide simulation at the community drill at San Antonio, Mabini, Davao De Oro | July 30, 2021 (Photo by Jin Serrano for Action Against Hunger)

: MSWDO representatives conduct a relief operations simulation during the community drill at San Antonio, Mabini, Davao De Oro | July 30, 2021 (Photo by Nino for Action Against Hunger)

: Participants of the community drill at San Antonio, Mabini, Davao De Oro | July 30, 2021 (Photo by Nino Diez for Action Against Hunger)

: Demonstration of first aid for injured victims during the community drill at San Antonio, Mabini, Davao De Oro | July 30, 2021 (Photo by Mark Dalin-as for Action Against Hunger)

: Emergency first aid demonstration during the community drill at Anitapan, Mabini, Davao De Oro | July 28, 2021 (Photo by Vina Menez for Action Against Hunger)

: Health protocols were included in the community drill at San Antonio, Mabini, Davao De Oro | July 30, 2021 (Photo by Vina Menez for Action Against Hunger)

Advancing Climate and Disaster Resilience Transformation in the Provinces of Agusan Del Sur, Surigao Del Sur, And Davao De Oro or ‘ProACT‘ is a consortium project implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines and Fundacion CODESPA, with funding from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).

https://www.facebook.com/lgaphilippines/posts/2906249299595916?_rdc=1&_rdr

Local Government Academy, MOVE UP Consortium ink partnership agreement to promote disaster resilience

August 3, 2021/in 2021, Articles, Miscellaneous /by Admin

From left to right: Local Government Academy (LGA) Executive Director Thelma Vecina, CARE Philippines Country Director David Gazashvili, ACCORD Inc. Executive Director Sindhy Obias, Action Against Hunger Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator Juan Blenn Huelgas (representing Country Director Suresh Murugesu), Plan International Philippines Country Program Manager for Disaster Resilience Chrisnobel Cruz (representing Country Director Annie Locsin), LGA Assistant Director Esmeralda Daphne Purnell, and MOVE UP Project Consortium Manager Roger Cabiles sign the Partnership Agreement today during the virtual ceremonial signing program. (Courtesy of MOVE UP 4 Consortium)

28 July 2021 – The Local Government Academy (LGA) and the Moving Urban Poor Communities Towards Resilience (MOVE UP) Project signed a partnership agreement as part of their commitment to strengthen disaster resilience.

Cooperation between the capacity and development arm of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and MOVE UP includes the review of various L!STO Operations Manual and conduct of capacity development interventions to local chief executives and other relevant stakeholders involved in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) activities.

The MOVE UP project, funded by the European Union, aims to help in institutionalizing urban resilience and disaster preparedness mechanisms for urban poor communities across the Philippines. The project is implemented by a consortium of international non-government organizations led by Action Against Hunger Philippines, with Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD.

During the event, LGA Executive Director Thelma Vecina said the ceremonial signing is highly symbolic as it coincides with the celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month and is aligned with the LGA’s vision to build resilience through local government capacity-building activities.

“Today’s partnership is really significant and symbolic as we celebrate the National Disaster Resilience Month this July. For us in the LGA, this is really a great contribution to our efforts to build resilience of the local governments,” she said.

Furthermore, LGA Executive Director Vecina expressed that the LGA believes that increasing disaster resilience requires collective will and action from and among the communities, the local leaders, and stakeholders. “This is one among our many efforts to translate these commitments into actions. Hopefully, this initiates more cooperation in the future that will strengthen our nation’s resilience towards disaster,” she added.

Meanwhile, Juan Blenn Huelgas, Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator of Action Against Hunger Philippines underscored the important role played by local government units in our collective effort to reduce the impact of disasters.

“Our local government units are at the forefront of mitigation, prevention, response, and management of these risks and vulnerabilities. It is right that we strengthen their capacities on resilience so that our urban poor population can withstand and manage the impact of natural and human-induced disasters, the very objective of the MOVE UP Consortium,” Huelgas said.

Child-centered organization Plan International Philippines’ Country Program Manager for Disaster Resilience Chrisnobel Cruz, meanwhile, emphasized the effects of disasters on the most vulnerable population, particularly girls and young women.

“Disasters could be detrimental to our effort to protect the rights and welfare of girls and young women. Disasters, and the crisis that comes with it, subject young women to the continual risk of violence, child marriage, and early and unplanned pregnancy, and threaten to roll back gains made in girls’ access to education,” Cruz said.

A strong partnership between the government and the civil society is needed to continuously increase the capacity of LGUs to prepare for and respond to disasters amid the mobility restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, CARE Philippines Country Director David Gazashvili said.

“As of last year, our webinar series entitled the Resilience Knowledge Exchange Series (RKES) reached 95 academic institutions, 80 CSOs, 83 national or regional government agencies, and 27 private-sector organizations. All of this of course would not be possible without the dedicated and passionate work of our partners and funders in the implementation of various development programs across the country. Therefore, we greatly cherish and foster the partnerships and collaborations with the likes of our consortium members and the DILG-LGA,” he said.

The Partnership Agreement, ACCORD Executive Director Sindhy Obias said, is a collective promise to share expertise to support local government units who are on the frontline in DRRM activities.

“As we sign this partnership agreement today, we view it not just a piece of paper but an expression of our collective commitment to work together towards the common goal of supporting our partners, particularly the local governments who are on the frontline when it comes to dealing with disasters, among many other related concerns on the ground. Being part of the MOVE UP consortium, ACCORD is very excited to work with DILG-LGA and share our experiences in resilience building,” Obias said.

Watch the Virtual Ceremonial Signing

Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 4) is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of partners consisting of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

For inquiries or concerns, contact: Claudine Complativo,

Communications and Advocacy Specialist (MOVE UP Project) | 0906-589-8180

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, or the consortium members.

Neither the European Union nor any of the consortium members can be held responsible for them.
Read more

PBA Mindanao 2021 starts cash assistance program for COVID-affected IDPs in Zamboanga

August 3, 2021/in 2021 /by Admin

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Our field teams conducted the initial Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) and Social Preparation orientations among our #PBAMindanao2021 Project participants living in the transitory sites of Masepla, Asinan, Buggoc and Rio Hondo last July 21-23, 2021.

The livelihood assistance is in support vulnerable communities in Mindanao after community immobility and restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated the living condition of many residents, particularly those who were protractedly displaced following the Zamboanga siege back in 2013.

With the support of the City Government of Zamboanga, City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) of Zamboanga, and the Integrated Resource Development for Tri-People (IRDT), the participants were assisted by the IRDT volunteers and community leaders on the multipurpose cash transfer (MPCT) distribution plan, following and explaining the strategic mechanism to ensure organized payout activity. During the activity, health reminders and COVID safety protocols were discussed and followed.

Our ‘Multi-Sectoral Lifesaving Assistance To People Most Vulnerable To The Covid-19 Pandemic, Conflict, and Disasters’ or Program Based Approach (PBA) Mindanao 2021 Project is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) The project aims to protect, assist, and advocate for displaced people, indigenous peoples, vulnerable population, and marginalized communities particularly vulnerable to conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic.

MOVE UP 4 Mindanao strengthens support to partner communities this National Disaster Resilience Month

July 28, 2021/in 2021, Articles, Miscellaneous /by Admin

MOVE UP 4 reinforced the partnership with the Provincial Government of Cotabato by providing technical assistance in updating their DRRM plan during the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Planning Workshop held last July 14-15, 2021 at Parkland Suites, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. The workshop was conducted in line with the 2021 National Disaster Resilience Month’s theme, “Tamang Pamamahala’t Kahandaan, Kaalaman at Pagtutulungan sa Sakuna at Pandemya’y Kalasag ng Bayan.”

Roger Cabiles, MOVE UP 4 Consortium Manager and Head of Project for Action Against Hunger Philippines, held a discussion on ‘Shock-Responsive Social Protection and Resilient Livelihoods in DRRM Planning.’ Aside from tackling the importance of supporting disaster-resilient livelihoods, the discussion also emphasized the need to have effective, responsive, and inclusive social protection for communities.

Roger Cabiles, Jr. presenting in front of the seated participant with the project area presentation flashed on an overhead television on his right.

In photo: Roger Cabiles, Jr. shares updates on the MOVE UP 4 projects within intervention areas.

The MOVE UP consortium manager also shared updates on various MOVE UP livelihood activities in Kidapawan City. Among the examples were the establishment of Community Savings Groups in addition to providing livelihood assistance to at-risk households, promoting crop insurance, and other risk transfer mechanisms.

Three representative individuals from Action Against Hunger talk with Cotabato PDRRM Officer, Abril Espadera

In photo (L-R): Lyndon Arbes (Deputy Head of Project for Action Against Hunger), Delilah Chua (Action Against Hunger Head of Iligan Base). Roger Cabiles, Jr. (MOVE UP 4 Consortium Manager & Head of Project for Action Against Hunger), and Abril Espadera (Cotabato Provincial DRRM Officer)

MOVE UP 4 Mindanao continuously supports local government units in building the resilience of our partner communities. It aims to strengthen the disaster preparedness, response, and management capacity of both the national government and local government units (LGU).

Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 4) is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of partners consisting of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Written by: Joyce Sandajan
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, or the consortium members. Neither the European Union nor any of the consortium members can be held responsible for them.

Emergency Preparedness Helps Action Against Hunger Team Escape Mt. Apo Landslide

July 21, 2021/in 2021, Miscellaneous /by Admin

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Twelve (12) Action Against Hunger staff members were left stranded after a landslide had blocked a part of Mt. Apo Highway last July 16, 2021. The incident was reported to have occurred sometime in the morning after a series of heavy rainfall in the area.

No casualties were reported and the staff members managed to safely go over the landslide area before the Kidapawan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) rescue vehicle arrived and assisted them back to the city proper. The staff members who experienced the ordeal were part of the MOVE UP 4 Project team in Kidapawan and visiting staff from Action Against Hunger Philippines’ Manila Head Office.

The teams were already on their way back in two separate vehicles after conducting field visits in Barangay Illomavis when they reached the roadblock caused by the landslide. Being the first to witness the scene and having no alternate routes going to the city proper, the stranded staff decided to go over the mound of debris by foot.

The landslide covered a portion of the road, making it impossible for vehicles to pass throigh.

Photo by Roger Cabiles, Jr. for Action Against Hunger

“[The situation] gave us an opportunity to reflect about humanitarian workers, that we are dispensable,” shared MOVE UP 4 Consortium Manager and Head of Project Roger Cabiles. Despite facing a predicament, the team remained calm and quickly followed emergency protocol. “Being careful is really important as well as assessing risks and hazards and knowing what to do if a disaster happens,” he added. Deputy Head of Project Lyndon Arbes then coordinated with Kidapawan CDRRMO Head Psalmer Bernalte, who facilitated the quick rescue response.

“[The situation] gave us an opportunity to reflect about humanitarian workers, that we are dispensable…Being careful is really important as well as assessing risks and hazards and knowing what to do if a disaster happens,” he added.

Photo courtesy of Kidapawan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office

Clearing operations on the highway began immediately thereafter. According to Psalmer Bernalte, soil movements have gradually been covering portions of the highway two months earlier, prompting the city to conduct preventive measures against potential landslides.

For the MOVE UP 4 team, the experience further strengthened their commitment to work with partner LGUs and communities through disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and resilience building.

“These risks and hazards are normal to the communities we serve, and they experience it in their everyday lives… our work in building the resilience of our communities continues,” said Roger Cabiles.

Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 4) is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of partners consisting of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Written by Joyce Sandajan

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, or the consortium members. Neither the European Union nor any of the consortium members can be held responsible for them.

Photos by Lyndon Arbes / Louie Bullanday for Action Against Hunger

MOVE UP 4 signs agreement with Cotabato Provincial Government

July 19, 2021/in 2021, Miscellaneous /by Admin

KIDAPAWAN CITY — The MOVE UP 4 Mindanao reached another milestone as the disaster risk reduction (DRR) project signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Provincial Government of Cotabato last July 15, 2021, at the Provincial Capitol, North Cotabato. Roger Cabiles (Action Against Hunger Head of Project and Consortium Manager of MOVE UP 4) and Efren Piñol (North Cotabato Provincial Administrator) were the main signatories during the ceremony.

In photo (L-R): Delilah Chua (Action Against Hunger Head of Iligan Base). Roger Cabiles, Jr. (MOVE UP 4 Consortium Manager & Head of Project for Action Against Hunger), Efren Piñol (Cotabato Provincial Administrator), and Mercedita Foronda (PDRRMO Head)

The agreement outlines the partnership between the two parties which supports the promotion, adaptation, and replication of MOVE UP 4’s tested urban resilience strategies. Mercedita Foronda (Head of Cotabato Provincial DRRMO), Delilah Chua (Action Against Hunger Head of Cotabato Base), Lyndon Arbes (Action Against Hunger Deputy Head of Project), and Louie Bullanday (Action Against Hunger DRR Supervisor) were also present as witnesses of the ceremonial signing event.

The partnership is a leap towards achieving the project’s goal of building the resilience of urban poor communities by strengthening disaster preparedness, response, and management capacity of the national government and local government units.

: Photos by Lyndon Arbes / Louie Bullanday for Action Against Hunger

: Photos by Lyndon Arbes / Louie Bullanday for Action Against Hunger

: Photos by Lyndon Arbes / Louie Bullanday for Action Against Hunger

: Photos by Lyndon Arbes / Louie Bullanday for Action Against Hunger

Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 4) is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of partners consisting of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Written by Joyce Sandajan | Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, or the consortium members. Neither the European Union nor any of the consortium members can be held responsible for them.

REACH 2 Project analyzes market capacity and demand trends in Lanao del Sur to bridge gaps on food security

July 8, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Providing healthy food that’s enough for the entire family is a usual concern for those struggling from unemployment. Additional threats like emergency situations and an ongoing health crisis make it even more difficult to combat food insecurity.

This is a common ordeal for many of the communities we are working with and one of the ways we address this is through our cash-for-food programs. For this intervention, our REACH Mindanao project went around the local markets in Lanao del Sur to analyze market capacity and demand trends in relation to the availability and accessibility of goods. This assessment will give us a better understanding of the needs and capacities of both consumers and local micro-businesses.

Photo by Jeffrey Simprota for Action Against Hunger

Photo by Jeffrey Simprota for Action Against Hunger

Through the market assessment, we will be able to identify how the COVID-19 pandemic affected market operations, price changes, and understand any changes in the traffic and volume of consumers in comparison to pre-pandemic times.

From the information gathered, the goal is to strengthen our strategies and processes as we prepare to roll out new set of food security & livelihood (FSL) activities in the next months.

The ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Populations in Mindanao Affected by Conflict, Disasters, and the COVID-19 Pandemic’ (REACH) Project is funded by the European Union and is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services (IDEALS) Inc., Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), United Youth of the Philippines-Women and Oxfam Pilipinas.

We Are Currently Looking for an Operations Officer in Manila

July 7, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

We are currently looking for an Operations Officer in Manila. For further details, go to https://bit.ly/3dLTl9q

Interested applicants meeting the requirements should:

1. Click the link

2. Read the details thoroughly

3. Go to the bottom right corner of the page

4. Click the “Apply for this Position” button

Given the urgency of this position, the vacancy may close on or before 𝟮𝟬 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭.

In celebration of #NutritionMonth, Help Us Provide Life-Saving Aid To Families At-Risk

July 5, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Do you believe that hunger is predictable?

If you answered yes, you’re correct! Hunger is indeed predictable, preventable, and treatable.

Unfortunately, until now 33% of Filipino children under the age of five are suffering from chronic malnutrition.

So in celebration of #NutritionMonth, make a donation (any amount helps!) and help us provide life-saving aid to families at-risk.

https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations

We Know The Fight Against Hunger Can Sometimes Be Overwhelming

July 3, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Hey there! We know the fight against hunger can sometimes be overwhelming. But every step you take to end hunger makes a difference!

Whether big or small, your support is seen through the eyes of families we’ve reached and how they’ll no longer have to worry about their next meal, or walk miles and miles just to get clean water.

That’s why we’ll never give up – and you shouldn’t either.

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽, 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!

https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations

MOVE UP 4 launches Webinar on Mainstreaming Social Protection Initiatives at the Local Level

June 28, 2021/in 2021, Articles, Miscellaneous /by Admin

A webinar on ‘Mainstreaming Social Protection Initiatives at the Local Level’ was launched last Thursday, June 24, which was organized by the Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP) project in partnership with the Local Government Academy. The webinar was attended by almost 500 local chief executives and local government unit staff from all over the Philippines.

Roger Cabiles, Action Against Hunger Head of Project and MOVE UP 4 Consortium Manager, presented the Urban Resilience Model and Basic Concepts on Shock-Responsive Social Protection while Atty. Melchor Mergal, Municipal Mayor of Salcedo in Eastern Samar, shared the successful implementation of an Anticipatory Action in DRRM project in their municipality.

Click here to watch the webinar

Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 4) is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of partners consisting of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Written by Joyce Sandajan | Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, or the consortium members. Neither the European Union nor any of the consortium members can be held responsible for them.

USAID-funded DRR Project Strengthens Community Resilience by Empowering Women

June 20, 2021/in 2021, Articles, DRR /by Admin

We recognize gender inequality as both a cause and effect of hunger. Until now, there are communities where women have less access and control over resources while also having limited participation or representation in decision-making, therefore putting them at risk.

This is why one key strategy of our USAID-funded Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Project in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is empowering these women to strengthen their barangay’s resilience through community savings groups (CSG). The main goal of CSGs is to encourage and create a saving culture in the community while offering a unique financial opportunity for participating households.

Photo by Michael Ryan Queman for Action Against Hunger

Last month, 30 women from Barangay Gawang of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao participated in the Community Savings Group Orientation held by Action Against Hunger on June 16, 2021. Because CSGs provide a level of financial security even without any access to formal banking services, all women gave their commitment to creating a savings group for the barangay. Once established, the collective savings can offer a safety net for the members’ households in times of disasters and other emergency situations.

A community savings group (CSG) is a community-based program where a group of vulnerable and at-risk persons in a community agrees to save a certain amount periodically and depositing the savings in a group account. Savings groups are a way for people without access to formal banking services to access some financial security. Savings groups are owned, managed, and operated by the members, using a simple, transparent method where groups accumulate and convert small amounts of cash into savings that can be used in times of crisis. This way, economic security is increased and financial services are brought closer to communities for promoting secure investment with savings.

The group can further decide to focus on savings or invest in personal or collective livelihood activities to improve household income. In most cases, the group also engages in giving loans. Moreover, not only does the CSG provide potentially better financial opportunities for families but also empowers the participants—in this case, the women of Barangay Gawang—as they engage in financial planning, decision-making, and active community involvement.

Photo by Michael Ryan Queman for Action Against Hunger

‘Strengthening Local Resilience and Building Capacities in Areas at High Risk of Natural Hazards in BARMM, Mindanao’ is a disaster risk reduction (DRR) project funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA) and implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines with the support of local government units and partner stakeholders.

We Are Looking for a Base HR Officer in Cotabato

June 17, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Hello! We are looking for a Base HR Officer in Cotabato. For further details and to apply, go to this link: https://bit.ly/3pWuVPs

Interested applicants meeting the requirements should:

1. Click the link

2. Read the details thoroughly

3. Go to the bottom right corner of the page

4. Click the “Apply for this Position” button

Given the urgency of this position, the 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝟮𝟵 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭.

𝘞𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘪𝘯, 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳, 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘹𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘏𝘙 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘺𝘱𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘹𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘴𝘦𝘹𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘦, 𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵. 𝘞𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘧𝘧, 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴. 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥.

Happy Philippine #IndependenceDay from Action Against Hunger

June 12, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan, Pilipinas!

Happy Philippine #IndependenceDay from Action Against Hunger. Mabuhay!

#FlashbackFriday – One Of The Ways We Help Communities Is By Enabling Them To Be Prepared In The Event of Disasters Or Emergency Situations

June 11, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

#FlashbackFriday – One of the ways we help communities is by enabling them to be prepared in the event of disasters or emergency situations, all the while being financially resilient. For instance, more than a year ago we coordinated with a of group of empowered women in making an impact in their livelihoods and their whole community.

*Photos were taken before the pandemic*

Barangay Caimpugan in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur sits along the Gibong River—a source of irrigation for some 6,000 hectares of rice fields in three municipalities of the province. Because of its close proximity to the river, its residens often experience floods during the rainy season, especially with heavy rains induced by tropical storms causing the river to overflow. Aside from this, clean and safe drinking water is hard to come by since the baranagay is not coverd by public water utility services.

For the Caimpugan Women for Strength (CAWOFS) Cluster Level Association, a federation of 6 self-help groups (SHGs) composed of women, this reality does not deter them from aspiring for a better future.

What they needed was a sustainable source of livelihood to be able to contribute to their families’ income while striving to learn more about the ways they can reduce the impacts of flooding to their community.

An opportunity came with the contingency planning and resilient livelihood workshop through the I-RESPOND 2, a project funded by Kindernothilfe (KNH) and implemented by Action Against Hunger aimed at improving the capacities of partner barangays on disaster preparedness and resiliency. CAWOFS actively shared their ideas and together with their barangay local government unit (BLGU) leaders learned how they can best prepare for and mitigate the impacts of disasters. The Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRMC) was strengthened with the inclusion of the officers and members of the CLA into the different committees. Together with the BLGU, they were able to develop a contingency plan on flood.

The Resilient Livelihood discussion also helped them craft a plan to provide earning opportunities for their members while helping to solve one of the community’s problems – clean water supply. They developed a business plan around distribution of safe drinking water to the households. In January 28, 2020, the group received the seed capital worth 50,000 pesos from the I-Respond 2 through Foundation for the Development of Agusanons, Inc. (FDAI), a local KNH partner.

“This business will help us a lot. Everyday people need clean drinking water. And every day is a challenge for most households. We know that the rainwater is not as clean anymore but we have no choice but to use it”, said Lilibeth Lalangan, the CAWOFS President. Now, with the operation of the water refilling business, members of the Volunteer SHG will have another source of income while providing access and clean drinking water to the community.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: https://bit.ly/3gmv1eS

An Act Against Climate Change Is A Step Closer To Ending World Hunger.

June 6, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Disasters due to climate change have reportedly doubled globally during the last 20 years.

The Philippines is already one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and being faced with disasters several times in a year, Filipinos are driven to resilience. As we experience increasing temperatures and more extreme weather changes in the long run, these pose even greater threats to the already vulnerable communities in the country.

An act against climate change is a step closer to ending world hunger.

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.

https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations

(Photo by Rosa May Maitem for Action Against Hunger)

Many Filipinos To This Day Continue To Live In Evacuation Camps or Makeshift Homes

May 30, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Many Filipinos to this day continue to live in evacuation camps or makeshift homes. These are the people are often forced to leave their homes due to conflict or disasters who until now have not been able to start over. Most have limited job opportunities and struggle to provide for their families.

For over 20 years, we have been working all over the country, supporting as many vulnerable families as we can.

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations

(Photo by Lys Arango for Action Against Hunger)

Fighting Severe Hunger Is Not As Easy As Simply Providing Food

May 29, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Fighting severe hunger is not as easy as simply providing food. It takes proper attention, treatment and time to help a child recover from malnutrition.

Help us provide children who are suffering from chronic malnutrition with the appropriate care that they need.

𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations

(Photo by Lys Arango for Action Against Hunger)

The Alternative Resilient Livelihood Program Under Our ProACT Project Was Officially Launched During the First Sikpaw Festival Held at Tuyawan Aqua Park, Magsaysay, Nabunturan

May 24, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

The Alternative Resilient Livelihood program under our ProACT project was officially launched last April 14, 2021, during the first Sikpaw Festival held at Tuyawan Aqua Park, Magsaysay, Nabunturan.

The festival is derived from the local term ‘Sikpaw’, which in Nabunturan means “harvesting using fishnets.” The concept originated from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Nabunturan in 2020 with support from ProAct and the local government unit of Barangay Magsaysay. It wasn’t until this year that the concept had come to fruition through the efforts of government agencies, private organizations, and local government units.

A series of livelihood technologies and services were introduced during the festival which includes tilapia harvesting and processing—a venture that will be supported by Action Against Hunger Philippines in coordination with the DTI Philippines, Department of Labor and Employment – DOLE and TESDA.

ProACT is a consortium project implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines and Fundación CODESPA, with funding from AECID Philippines.

Did You Know That 1 in 10 Filipinos Have Limited Access To Safe and Reliable Water Sources?

May 23, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Did you know that 1 in 10 Filipinos have limited access to safe and reliable water sources?

Help us provide these communities with clean and safe water by supporting our WASH programs.

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations

Limited Access to Clean and Safe Water is One of the Many Underlying Causes of Malnutrition

May 22, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Limited access to clean and safe water is one of the many underlying causes of malnutrition.

In order to address this, we truck water into affected areas and install storage tanks and reservoirs. Where water is scarce or unsafe, we protect natural springs, decontaminate wells, install and rehabilitate hygiene infrastructures and pipe water into hard-to-reach communities and health facilities.

Throughout our presence in the Philippines, we have been actively strengthening our water, sanitation & hygiene programs to support communities against preventable diseases.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗔𝗦𝗛 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/what-we-do/#water-sanitation

(Photos by EJ Villafranca for Action Against Hunger)

#ThrowbackThursday to 2019 When We Sat Down and Talked With One of our Beneficiaries During our #MaguindanaoConflict Response

May 20, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

#ThrowbackThursday to 2019 when we sat down and talked with one of our beneficiaries during our #MaguindanaoConflict Response.

“We were all panicking and we didn’t know what to do at the time that airstrikes started,” recalled Kautin Bano. “We left around 6 in the morning and evacuated to the nearest health center. When we got there, we had no choice but to wait and observe.”

Kautin Bano, his wife and children, had to leave their home in Barangay Pandi, Datu Salibo on March 11, 2019, Maguindanao due to the airstrikes that occurred in Barangay Inaladan, Shariff Saydona.

This was not the first time that Kautin and his family were forced to leave their home. Since the 1980s, they had to evacuate several times due to conflicts in the area. With funding from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, 600 families received emergency aid such as non-food items (NFI), hygiene kits and hygiene promotion sessions through Action Against Hunger Philippines‘ emergency response.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/…/constant-displacement-mag…/

(Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger)

With Your Support, We Can Help Alleviate Hunger and Malnutrion

May 16, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

All over the world, malnutrition continues to rise because of conflicts, climate change and now COVID-19.

With your support, we can help alleviate hunger and malnutrion by supporting more people to earn incomes so that they can provide food for their families. We can improve access to clean water, good hygiene, and health services, therefore preventing the spread of diseases.

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀. 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations

(Photo by Daniel Burgui for Action Against Hunger)

Help Us Enable Communities So That Children Can Grow Strong and Free from Hunger.

May 15, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Hunger is predictable, preventable, and treatable, however, the pandemic has put even more children at risk of suffering from malnutrition.

You too can have the opportunity to take action by supporting our nutrition and health programs. Help us enable communities so that children can grow strong and free from hunger.

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations

(Photo by Agnes Lavarraine for Action Against Hunger)

A Wheelchair Provision Under Our ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Conflict-Affected Populations in Mindanao’ (REACH)

May 12, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

“Thank you… I don’t have to borrow a wheelchair from the neighbors anymore whenever I have to do something important,” said 62-year old Norcaisa Macapasir.

For ten years, Norcaisa has become acustomed to using her hands as legs as she lives with paraplegia. After her husband passed away in 2010, Norcaisa started feeling numbness in her legs. Not long after, her lower body was paralized completely.

On February 23, 2021, Action Against Hunger Philippines in coordination with the municipal health officer (MHO) and the local government unit (LGU) focal for health provided her with a wheelchair to support her in her daily activities.

The logistic support received by Norcaisa was one of the health and protection interventions under our ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Conflict-Affected Populations in Mindanao’ (REACH). The REACH project was funded by the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO and is implemented together with CARE Philippines, Oxfam Pilipinas, and their local partners.

Story from the Field: A Wheelchair of Her Own

May 12, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

For ten years, Norcaisa Macapasir has become acustomed to using her hands as legs as she lives with paraplegia. Despite her condition, the sixty-two year old is known to maintain a cheerful disposition.

After her husband passed away in 2010, Norcaida started feeling numbness in her legs. Not long after, her lower body was paralized completely. Now, she and her 25-year old son, Alanoding, live together in a bahay kubo in Saguiran, Lanao del Sur. To assist her with her personal hygiene, Alanoding made a hole in their wood flooring where she would defecate and urinate.

Because of Norcaida’s situation, Action Against Hunger in coordination with the municipal health officer (MHO) and the local government unit (LGU) focal for health provided her with logistic support by giving her a wheelchair of her own. On February 23, 2021, the wheelchair was personally delivered to her home.

“Thank you… I don’t have to borrow a wheelchair from the neighbors anymore whenever I have to do something important,” she says in tears, overwhelmed with joy from the assistance she received.

The logistic support received by Norcaida is one of the health and protection interventions under our ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Conflict-Affected Populations in Mindanao’ (REACH). The REACH project is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and is implemented together with CARE Philippines, and their local partners.

We Are Constantly Scaling Up Our Efforts to Prevent Hunger, But We Need Your Help Now More Than Ever

May 9, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

How do we fight hunger and malnutrition?

At Action Against Hunger, we educate and support mothers about the importance of breastfeeding for the first six months, and work to improve care and feeding practices. We also train local health care workers and partners to screen and treat undernutrition, and we provide technical expertise and support to strengthen local health systems. These are just some of the components of our nutrition programs.

We are constantly scaling up our efforts to prevent hunger, but we need your help now more than ever.

𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations

(Photo by Alfons Rodriguez for Action Against Hunger)

For Many Filipinos, Access to Food is a Daily Challenge

May 8, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

For many Filipinos, access to food is a daily challenge.

All over the world, about 20 million more people are facing crisis levels of hunger as compared to previous years. Issues like conflicts, natural disasters, and COVID-19 contribute to this alarming increase. We all have a role to play to change this.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀.
Visit: https://actionagainsthunger.ph/what-we-do/…

(Photo by Daniel Burgui for Action Against Hunger)

We are looking for a Deputy Country Director in Manila

April 28, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

We are looking for a Deputy Country Director (Programmes) in Manila! For further details please go to this link: https://bit.ly/3eDI9LA

How to apply:
1. Click the link
2. Read the details thoroughly
3. Go to the bottom right corner of the page
4. Click the “Apply for this Position” button

Given the urgency of this position, the vacancy may close on or before 11 May 2021.

We provide equal opportunities to candidates regardless of their origin, nationality, race, gender, regional and sexual orientation. This vision aims to integrate equal treatment and opportunities among women and men in all HR processes and policies within the organization.

Health Volunteer Saves Allowance to Support Family

April 26, 2021/in 2021 /by Admin

The onset of the global pandemic severely affected displaced communities brought by earthquakes in North Cotabato. They become more vulnerable as their mobility has been limited and opportunities to earn a living and provide for their basic needs have been hampered harshly. Their already limited capacities were further impeded by health official’s implementation of lockdowns, curfew, and disallowing of social gatherings. This situation is extremely difficult for the people living in the evacuation centers and camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the North Cotabato Province.

Joan Bayawan, 27, a mother of one, residing in the Barangay Ilomavis, City of Kidapawan, Province of Cotabato was one of those severely affected by both the Mindanao earthquakes and the COVID 19 pandemic. Her barangay was greatly hit by a series of strong magnitude earthquakes that devastated the province during 16th, 29th, and 31st of October 2019. After being displaced for more than a year following the disaster, Joan and her family thought they would slowly regain economic security, and little by little find way back to their normal life. Unfortunately, everything blushed off as COVID-19 pandemic deeply affected their livelihood, causing them poor access to basic social services such as health and nutrition, education, transportation, and information.

Despite having been affected by the Earthquake and the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic, Joan became one of Action Against Hunger’s health volunteers in their barangay. She was among the trained water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) committee members who underwent Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) training conducted by Action Against Hunger on August 8, 2020 in Kidapawan City under the project “COVID-19 Emergency WASH Assistance to Conflict and Earthquake Affected Communities in Mindanao.” Since then, Joan and her colleagues have been conducting regular health and hygiene messages, demonstrate hygiene promotion activities, and communicated updates to the project team.

Because of her dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to help her community, Joan was able to play a significant role in helping earthquake affected communities prevent the spread of the life-threatening disease.

In recognition of the effort and time spent, Joan and her fellow volunteers were given support through cash and in-kind incentives for their rendered hours. As a volunteer, she received an allowance amounting to $62.78 (PhP 3,150.00) for 10 working days—$ 6.2 (PHP 315) per day based on the minimum wage in North Cotabato. This amount was also allocated for phone credits to update the project on its progress, to provide feedback from the communities and to communicate changing local situations from their respective areas.

“I am very happy with the allowance I received. Aside from the fact that this amount should be used for communication and reporting, whatever amount I save in excess is very useful. This is really a big help for me and my families’ finances supporting our daily needs. It is hard for us to find resources because of COVID restrictions and protocols,” said Joan.

Not only was Joan able to support her community by raising awareness and educating them about COVID-19, her volunteer stint also somewhat serves as a much-needed temporary employment for Joan, providing income as well as appropriate social protection. Her activities for the project also prevented Joan and her family from resorting to negative coping mechanisms due to the hardship brought by two calamitous events in the province.

Joan’s family was also among the 6,350 families that received non-food items (NFIs), hygiene kits, and received direct hygiene promotion sessions in North Cotabato.

The COVID-19 Emergency WASH Assistance to Conflict and Earthquake Affected Communities in Mindanao was a nine-month emergency response project which aimed to support 151,081 individuals from conflict and earthquake – affected populations across the province of Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, and province of Cotabato. The project was implemented by Action Against Hunger, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and CARE Philippines, and funded by Bureau of Humanitarian Affairs (BHA) of the United States Agency for International Aid (USAID). ●

Our Teams Distribute Hygiene Kits and Build Latrines and Hand-Washing Stations to Prevent Outbreaks of Diseases During a Crisis

April 25, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Prior to the pandemic, our teams distribute hygiene kits and build latrines and hand-washing stations in the communities we work with to prevent outbreaks of diseases during a crisis. In communities at risk, we construct water filters made from basic materials and teach healthy practices like hand-washing, cooking with clean utensils, and drawing water from protected sources.

Read more about our WASH projects and find out how you can support us: https://actionagainsthunger.ph/what-we-do/#water-sanitation

With The Coronavirus Pandemic Far From Over, Many Families From These Vulnerable Communities Continue to Rely On Relief

April 24, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Communities that are heavily affected by natural disasters or conflicts face food insecurity among other potential problems and risks. With the coronavirus pandemic far from over, many families from these vulnerable communities continue to rely on relief.

Help us enable them to have better access to livelihood opportunities, health assistance or clean water and hygiene facilities. Your support can help these families get back on their feet.

DONATE NOW:

Call For Donations

Photo by Agnes Lavarraine for Action Against Hunger

Climate Change Continues To Be One of the Biggest Problems We Face Today #EarthDay

April 22, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Climate change continues to be one of the biggest problems we face today—a threat multiplier for communities suffering from hunger and malnutrition. We know that ending world hunger is only possible if we have a healthy planet, which is why we are committed in protecting and caring for the environment.

Let’s all do our part to reduce negative impacts on the environment. Happy #EarthDay from Action Against Hunger Philippines!

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘂𝘀:
www.actionagainsthunger.ph

Real Life Heroes – Abubakar Balabagan

April 21, 2021/in 2021 /by Admin

As humanitarian workers, our field teams have time and time again shown great dedication at ground level in reaching even the most isolated communities. One great example would be Abubakar “Bhaks” Balabagan who has always given his best efforts despite the risks and challenges.

Get to know Bhaks and what makes him one of our Real-Life Heroes!

What motivates you to become a humanitarian worker?
My purpose, which is to help people in the community who are suffering during disasters, and saving lives as well.

Why are you making this sacrifice?
It makes me fulfilled. I am happy to help vulnerable people in the community through Action Against Hunger and be able to have a role in providing free and direct access to beneficiaries – because it is one of the organization’s principles.

Bhaks teaches participants how to use the hyposol solution during the hygiene promotion session in Baras, Catanduanes. (Photo by Joyce Anne Sandajan for Action Against Hunger)

What have been the challenges to your work because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
The pandemic is very challenging because the risk of contracting and/or transmitting the virus can happen anytime and anywhere if not careful. Because of this, we have to limit gathering beneficiaries in small areas for activities like hygiene promotion sessions.

What motivates you to keep doing your work even with these challenges?
My motivation comes from the people I serve. When I became a humanitarian worker, I became more conscious of the people’s daily struggles and have a deeper understanding on how different their situations are. For instance, many of them are striving to survive the economic downturn during this pandemic.

What are you most proud of?
The thought that the work that I do, in some way or another, will have a ripple effect that will impact the lives of the people I serve.

Bhaks has been working with Action Against Hunger for more than 4 years. Now, he is currently part of our Typhoon Rolly (Goni) Emergency Response Team as one of the Project Assistants.

The Emergency Assistance to Typhoon Affected Communities in Catanduanes and Albay Province, Philippines is funded by by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines, and CARE Philippines. Read more

Access To Safe Water Is Crucial In Preventing Infectious Diseases Like COVID-19

April 19, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗-𝟭𝟵. However, around 7 million Filipinos are dependent on unsafe and unsustainable water sources.

In fact, even before the pandemic, those residing in congested dwellings in informal settlements, transitory sites, and evacuation areas were already facing problems with inadequate water, poor sanitation and waste management, and limited access to health care facilities.

We help these communities through our programs on water, sanitation & hygiene. 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

Photo by Lys Arango for Action Against Hunger

Real Life Heroes: Nino Renz Santos

April 15, 2021/in 2021 /by Admin

One of our Nutrition Assistants shares his story of how he became a humanitarian worker and his experiences following this decision. Get to know, Nino Renz Santos, one of our Real Life Heroes:

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿?

It all started when I volunteered on a project in Bohol last 2013. The decision of engaging a volunteer work was made out from my unrewarding work at my hometown. At first, my family was not in favor with it because of the distance and personal reasons. Eventually they gave their blessings to me because they believed that this would make me happy. During my work and stay in Bohol, the province suffered from a strong earthquake and shifted the project on emergency relief.

Despite the trauma, lack of sleep and demanding work required for disaster response, it never gave me reasons to complain because I felt that the communities’ needs for help is more important than my own. Less than a month after the earthquake, a strong typhoon devasted the Visayas islands which led to project’s suspension and sending off the volunteers out of Bohol. In spite the rollercoaster ride of emotions, the volunteer experience significantly changed my life and became my personal calling in doing humanitarian work. It opened doors for me to help and work with the communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan in Eastern Samar.

Now that I’m with Action Against Hunger, I remain as a humanitarian worker because I always believe that humanitarian work is more than a job; it is a calling to make a difference in the lives of people in times of distress.

Why are you making this sacrifice?

My life now as a humanitarian worker has been different from the one I had back home. Going out of my comfort zone requires self-sacrifice but in return it taught me to be independent and raised the bars for my personal and professional growth. It also led me to practice my profession as a nutritionist-dietitian particularly in the field of public health. Public health nutrition was my Achilles heel back in college, but it has now become my professional expertise and strongpoint in development work. The various exposure to the realities of the communities and personalities adds yearning to further improve myself so that I can better respond to the changing and varying needs of the communities. Finally, these experiences helped me understand life outside than what I’m used to, and I hope that my simple contribution can suffice to improve the lives of the people I work with.

What have been the challenges to your work because of the COVID-19 pandemic?

I was worried that I might contract COVID-19 while working in the communities. But through self-care and precautions, I am blessed that I didn’t acquire the virus to date. To worry and fear of one’s health while working on this time of pandemic is already challenging for us humanitarian workers. But to put one’s mental health to test during these trying times hits different and I was not spared from it. Prior to the pandemic and unbeknownst to me, I was already experiencing anxiety and panic attacks. It got worse during the height of the pandemic and it affected my work that I had to reschedule my planned health and nutrition activities. To overcome this, my physician recommended me to consult with a clinical psychologist and undergo psychometry. With the support of my friends and workmates, my mental health gradually improved, and I can now manage my anxiety.

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

While I was recovering for my mental health, there were people who pushed me to my boundaries and helped me realize of why I’m doing humanitarian work in the first place. If it wasn’t for my supervisor – Levy Marcon, who encouraged me to implement the activities while my psychometry was ongoing, I would have applied for sick leave and succumbed to sadness for doing nothing. If it weren’t for the enthusiastic and proactive health workers and local leaders of our partner communities in Lanao del Sur, there would have been more children or mothers suffering from double burden with the ongoing pandemic. It’s okay not to be okay during this pandemic but I chose to be in service of others and give them a sense of hope.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my contribution in helping communities rise from adversities. Not everyone can have the opportunity to be able to work directly with vulnerable populations and help them to recovery. Despite the added challenges working through this pandemic, the experience brought me feelings of accomplishment by fulfilling my duties as a humanitarian worker. And for that, I am blessed and grateful that I can continue this calling: to bring positive impact and lasting changes to communities.

Nino Renz Santos is currently working as one of the Nutrition Assistants of our ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Conflict-Affected Populations in Mindanao’ (REACH) Project which is funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and is implemented together with CARE Philippines, Oxfam Philippines, and their local partners.

Undernourished People, Especially Young Children, Who Contract COVID-19 Could Be At Greater Risk

April 11, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Undernourished people, especially young children, who contract COVID-19 could be at greater risk. To counter this, we need to support health facilities in their fight against the pandemic. In addition to this, we are working hard in maintaining the continuity of our maternal and child health programs.

You can help us strengthen and expand our activities focused on child malnutrition, support for women and psychosocial support.

𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗪:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

One of the 60 Beneficiaries Who Lost Their Home and Livelihood Due to #TyphoonRolly Received 5,200 pesos As Part of Our Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance

April 8, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

#StoriesfromtheField: “We were still doing okay financially even though the pandemic slowed our business down, but when Typhoon Rolly happened, I feel like we went back to zero,” said 58-year old Maria Tipo whose community in Barangay Guinsaanan of Baras, Catanduanes was greatly affected by #TyphoonRolly (Goni) last November 2020.

Maria and her husband used to live along the shore of Barangay Guinsaanan. Together, they managed to get by through their sari-sari store which was then frequented by tourist who were visiting Binurong Point, a popular tourist in the area. After losing both their home and their livelihood, they are now temporarily residing in a makeshift home they built from scratch in a small space beside her grandmother’s lot. With no source of income, they rely on relief packages for food and other basic needs.

“There are times when I have trouble sleeping at night because I worry, if the handouts stop what will happen to us?,” said Maria. She now has to work for the both of them since her husband had become partially paralyzed after suffering from stroke in 2019.

On January 27, Maria was one of the 60 beneficiaries from Barangay Guinsaanan who received 5,200 pesos as part of our multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA). This is one of the key programs under our 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗮𝘆, which is co-implemented by CARE Philippines. The project is made possible through the funding of the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.

The goal of the MPCA is to enable typhoon-affected families like Maria’s to meet immediate food and basic humanitarian needs. Maria hopes for stability for her family in the coming days. Unfortunately, only a few days after the distribution, Maria’s husband passed away due to health reasons. Before his passing, Maria shared that her hopes for their family in the coming days was to build another house. “𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲, 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲, 𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀.”

(Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger)

We Are Currently Looking for a Finance Manager in Manila

April 7, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

We are currently looking for a Finance Manager in Manila. For further details please go to: https://bit.ly/3mxzRbJ

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱:
1. Click the link
2. Read the details thoroughly
3. Go to the bottom right corner of the page
4. Click the “Apply for this Position” button

Given the urgency of this position, the vacancy may close on or before 𝟮𝟬 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭.

Residents of Barangays Maliwanag and Panggao in Saguiran, Lanao del Sur Usually Travel Around 6 kilometers To Access Water Sources

March 29, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Residents of Barangays Maliwanag and Panggao in Saguiran, Lanao del Sur usually travel around 6 kilometers to access water sources. Toilets are limited, some need repair and others are damaged. Because not all have access to these facilities, some practice open defecation.

To address this, we constructed water, sanitation & hygiene (WASH) facilities in the community through our REACH project. About 2,900 people will be able to access these facilities—including those residing in distant barangays who visit Maliwanag and Panggao just to retrieve water. 31 households will hopefully benefit from the three units of sanitation facilities which consists of two toilets per unit.

The construction of the facilities also implemented a cash-for-work program, offering a livelihood alternative for several evacuees. WASH Committees and the barangay local government unit are actively supporting the project.

With funding from EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO, this intervention is part of our ‘𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗺𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁-𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼’ (𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛). The project is implemented together with CARE Philippines, Oxfam Pilipinas, and their local partners.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗔𝗦𝗛 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/what-we-do/#water-sanitation

Leaving Behind Your Home Is a Choice For Many, But For Families Dealing With Conflicts or Calamities, It Is a Sacrifice

March 27, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Leaving behind your home is a choice for many, but for families dealing with conflicts or calamities, it is a sacrifice they have to make to ensure their safety. Their lives may be at risk, jobs, and incomes can be destroyed, food sources can be limited or become more expensive, and children’s access to education may be interrupted.

We have been providing humanitarian assistance to IDPs in the Philippines for over 20 years now. Our projects directly support the displaced & affected populations, and even host communities so that all people have equal abilities and opportunities to lead more fulfilling lives.

Together, let’s help vulnerable communities recover from crisis.
𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

Providing Emergency Non-food Items and Hygiene Kits to a Total of 540 Families Temporarily Taking refuge in Datu Pendililang Piang Elementary School and Mahad Madrasa in Barangay Salbu

March 25, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Clashes between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and a faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on March 18 has displaced more than 3,000 individuals in several municipalities in Maguindanao: Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Shariff Saidona Mustapha, Shariff Aguak, and Mamasapano.

“Based on the information gathered, the fighting is still ongoing. This will result in more people forced to leave their homes for safety,” said Delilah Chua, Head of Base for Cotabato. “Just in a span of one day, we have seen the number of families practically doubling in number. When we validated the Pendililang evacuation center on March 20, it was 269. The next day, the number jumped to 419. In the Barangay Salbu evacuation center, the same thing happened as well: from 271 it increased to 425 the very next day.”

In response, Action Against Hunger Philippines with funding from the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and logistical support from the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO, provided emergency non-food items and hygiene kits to a total of 540 families temporarily taking refuge in Datu Pendililang Piang Elementary School and Mahad Madrasa in Barangay Salbu.

As We Celebrate #WorldWaterDay, We Recognize 7 Million Filipinos Who Still Depend On Unsafe And Unsustainable Water Sources

March 22, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Water is a basic necessity in our daily lives. However, 7 million Filipinos still depend on unsafe and unsustainable water sources. In some isolated communities, reliable water sources are sometimes inaccessible.

Access to clean and safe water is crucial is a key element in fighting hunger and malnutrition. This is why we have been providing technical assistance and training programs to local communities in facilitating water, sanitation and hygiene projects in areas where such coverage is lacking.

This #WorldWaterDay, let’s provide access to safe and sustainable water for more Filipino communities.

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

(Photo by Jasper Llanderal for Action Against Hunger)

850 Families Receive Emergency Aid After Tropical Storm Auring

March 19, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Severe Tropical Storm Auring (International Name: Dujuan), entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on February 17 and affected more than 200,000 people as the country’s first tropical cyclone of 2021. While it did not develop into a typhoon, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (NDRRMC), the storm inflicted infrastructure and agricultural damages amounting to 53 million pesos and 106.7 million pesos, respectively.

Surigao del Sur was hit the hardest as Auring’s heavy rains caused massive flooding which damaged homes and displaced several families. By February 24, Tandag—Surigao del Sur’s capital—was in a state of calamity.

In response to this emergency, Action Against Hunger’s field team distributed kits containing basic hygiene materials and non-food items such as blankets and cooking utensils to 850 families across several municipalities in Surigao del Sur: San Agustin, Marihatag, and Bayabas. Distribution was done between the dates of February 27 to March 2.

(Photos by Nino Kim Diez, Lea Anora, Mark Dalin-as for Action Against Hunger)

This humanitarian assistance was conducted under Action Against Hunger’s REACH Project funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and implemented together with CARE Philippines and Oxfam Philippines.

In photo: A beneficiary unpacks the contents of the hygiene and NFI kits she received.

Forming A Cash Savings Group (CSG) For Emergencies In Kidapawan City

March 19, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

One of the ways we empower women is through our livelihood programs. Across the communities we work with, we provide them with knowledge and proper tools to enable them to be financially resilient.

These women from Barangay Ilomavis in Kidapawan City are uniting their efforts in forming a cash savings group (CSG) for emergencies. Their barangay was one of the hardly affected barangays during the series of Mindanao Earthquakes back in 2019.

Photo by Louie Bullanday for Action Against Hunger

Following this, our MOVE UP 4 Project introduced these women to the CSG as one of the mechanisms to build financial independence and resilience for their households. Aside from the emergency funds they managed to save, they have also gained more confidence from being able to provide financial stability for their family during emergency situations like disasters or the pandemic.

We celebrate the success of these women and hope to empower more through the work that we do, one community at a time.

Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 4) is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of partners consisting of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Written by Lyndon Arbes, Louie Bullanday, Joyce Sandajan
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, or the consortium members. Neither the European Union nor any of the consortium members can be held responsible for them.

Real Life Heroes – Cha Magdadaro

March 18, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Charity “Cha” Magdadaro, one of our Project Assistants for our Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco) Response in Cagayan shared with us her insights as a humanitarian worker for eight years now. Get to know Cha and find out what makes her one of our Real Life Heroes.

What motivates you to become a humanitarian worker?

I started working as a humanitarian volunteer in 2013. After few involvements, I tried jobs in the industrial field, but my heart always searched for a job that works with the community. Working in this field gives me deeper satisfaction than other jobs. I witnessed a huge need of change that most communities in the Philippines need, and the small, step-by-step impact of humanitarian intervention to communities always makes a big difference.

Being able to witness children learning, mothers accepting new knowledge, and empowering the members of community – these things are priceless.

Why are you making this sacrifice?

With the challenges that the pandemic we are all facing and the calamities that heap up the burden of the vulnerable community, it is not easy to just ignore it. Humanitarian work is needed. Someone needs to do it. Someone needs to be there. I am answering the call.

What have been the challenges to your work because of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Due to budgetary constraints, we could not help all the people needing assistance. We had to be selective and narrow down our beneficiaries to the most vulnerable sector of the population.

Several of our planned activities have also been postponed due to community quarantine initiatives that the LGUs imposed. Within the community, the challenges of involving senior citizens, pregnant and lactating women and other vulnerable members of the community had been tough since they were the ones not allowed to be in social gathering, not even allowed to go out.

But then, beyond the mentioned challenges, the risk of being with a lot of people amid this pandemic is the most weighing burden I have. The heightened sense of protecting myself for the sake of my family, friends and the team is always the priority. With all the tasks I have to accomplish every day, this is a big challenge.

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

Helping the community is what drives me to keep going. Being an avenue to meet the immediate needs of the community is a fulfilling moment. 3 months after Typhoon Goni, some of our beneficiaries still live in tents in evacuation centers. The most common profile of the people we help are families with pregnant and lactating mothers do not earn a living wage and Senior Citizens with chronic ailments. Our interventions help them sustain hope despite the flooding and the pandemic that had caused them to lose so much.

The impact of the assistance I help deliver to the community outweighs the personal risks that the pandemic brings.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of the team I am with in this emergency response. Despite the pandemic, we are still able to achieve our purpose in the community. There is always that challenge to strike the balance between taking a risk and protecting ourselves. Nonetheless, my team works hard, sacrificing things in life, just to do their job at its best.

Our Humanitarian Assistance to Typhoon Vamco-affected Communities in Region II, Philippines is funded by the European Union, and implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, ACCORD Incorporated, and Plan International Philippines,

Providing A Wheelchair As Part Of Our Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of The Most Vulnerable Conflict-Affected Populations in Mindanao (REACH) Project

March 11, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

7-year-old Abdul Khalid was a healthy baby boy when he was born but when he turned one, his mother, Salma, noticed that his legs started becoming weaker and thinner. Since then, Abdul Khalid’s parents have been preoccupied with attending to his special needs.

Because of his condition, he needs to be carried most of the time which limits his parents’ daily activities and sometimes holds them back in doing farm activities and other livelihood opportunities.

Last December 8, 2020, Abdul Khalid was one of the selected beneficiaries for the health mission conducted at Saguiaran Multipurpose Hall in Saguiran, Lanao del Sur. The activity was facilitated by Action Against Hunger together with the municipal health officer (MHO) and staff of the regional health unit (RHU).

Through the health mission, Abdul Khalid was granted with a wheelchair which was delivered on February 23, 2021 with the support and coordination of the MHO and the local government unit’s focal for health.

Upon receiving the wheelchair, Abdul Khalid’s father, Malic, expressed his gratitude for the health assistance. Because they no longer have to carry their son all the time, this will be a big help in carrying out their daily activities more efficiently, thus giving Salma and Malic more time to focus on their livelihoods and at the same time improving their son’s quality of life.

This health & protection intervention is part of our 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗺𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁-𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 (𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛). The project is funded by the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO and is implemented together with CARE Philippines, Oxfam Pilipinas, and their local partners.

(Photo by Jonairah Alingan for Action Against Hunger)

In Celebration of International Women’s Day, Our Finance Manager #ChooseToChallenge Gender Inequality

March 10, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

This International Women’s Month 2021, we asked some of our mission’s women leaders on what gender issue they #ChooseToChallenge, and how they use their voices to empower women around them.

Our Finance Manager, Ms. Jessa Marie Junco, chose to challenge gender inequality.

“Gender equality has evolved through time, but not truly fixed. We must look towards the real involvement of women, at all levels and for every role as all universal values have nothing to do with gender. Without equality, our freedom is fragile and vulnerable.” – Jessa Marie

How about you, what do you #ChooseToChallenge?

In Celebration of International Women’s Day, Our HR Manager #ChooseToChallenge Gender Injustice

March 10, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

This International Women’s Month 2021, we asked some of our mission’s women leaders on what gender issue they #ChooseToChallenge, and how they use their voices to empower women around them.

Our HR Manager, Ms. Juvilee “Juvi” Anne Ravanera, chose to challenge gender injustice in daily life and commits to reject sexist and racist attitudes and consider ways to support the promotion of women in arts, sciences, sports, politics, and other fields.

“As a leader, I help make the organization an inclusive place to work by hiring the best person available for every open position without having any assumptions or prejudices about it being a man or a woman’s job, train and compensate team members based on position and contribution regardless of gender, and implement policies that are fair enough, gender-sensitive and against any type of discrimination and harassment,” shares Juvi.

How about you, what do you #ChooseToChallenge?

In Celebration of International Women’s Day, Our REACH Head of Project #ChooseToChallenge People’s Thoughts That Are Less Important Than What You Feel For Yourself

March 8, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

In celebration of 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆, we asked some of our mission’s women leaders on what gender issue they #ChooseToChallenge, and how they use their voices to empower women around them.

Our REACH Head of Project, Ms. Sitti Mhuriza Mamasalagat, chose to challenge people’s thoughts that are less important than what you feel for yourself. “We are unique, we are all different, but we are all equal,” she says.

Ms. Sitti commits to continue educating people that despite of our own differences, we should respect one another and give a chance, for we all have our great contribution to make a better society.

As a leader, she empowers both women and men of her team to be listened to, to trust their inner strength and self-instinct in decision-making. She adds that “by these opportunities, in their failure and success, they have learned and respected every teammate.”

Beneficiaries of Basic Shelter Kits In The Municipalities of Madamba, Kapai, Balindong, Saguiaran in Lanao Del Sur, and Pantao Ragaat, Lanao Del Norte Have Been Able to Repair Their Homes

March 1, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Overtime, many of protractedly internally displaced persons (IDPs) in host-communities are living uncomfortably due to small spaces, some with less privacy and dilapidated shelters, and toilets outside their houses have no lighting especially at night.

Since November 2020, we have managed to provide basic shelter kits, sleeping and kitchen kits, and solar lamps to 600 hundred households in the municipalities of Madamba, Kapai, Balindong, Saguiaran in Lanao Del Sur, and Pantao Ragaat, Lanao Del Norte. The distributions were held in coordination with the local government for the deliveries and co-facilitating the activities.

Beneficiaries have since been able to repair their homes using the materials from the shelter kits.

This intervention is part of our 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗺𝗲𝘁 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁-𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼’ (𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛). The REACH project is funded by the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO and is implemented together with CARE Philippines, Oxfam Pilipinas, and their local partners.

Alleviating Hunger and Malnutrition In Isolated Rural Areas, Urban Poor Communities, and Evacuation Camps by Tackling Its Root Cause

February 26, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

In 2019, our programs on nutrition & health have reached more than 8.8 million people in need all over the world.

In the Philippines, we specifically work in isolated rural areas, urban poor communities, and evacuation camps – alleviating hunger and malnutrition by tackling its root cause.

To find out more about our nutrition programs and how you can help, go to: 𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿.𝗽𝗵

(Photo by Jasper Llanderal for Action Against Hunger)

Helping People Who Have Limited Access to Humanitarian Assistance is One of Our Priority

February 25, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

One of our priorities is providing necessary interventions to hard-to-reach communities who have limited access to humanitarian assistance.

With the support of our donors, our programs on nutrition & health; water, sanitation & hygiene; or food security and livelihood have helped countless of Filipinos throughout the years.

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲-𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.
𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations-typhoon-…/

Tatay Carlos stands outside what used to be the barangay hall of Brgy. Guinsaanan and is now his temporary home after Typhoon Rolly destroyed his house

Story from the Field: Making Ends Meet

February 24, 2021/in 2021 /by Admin

Sixty-seven-year-old Carlos Tesorero had one word in mind when asked how he felt when he saw what was left of his home – painful. Carlos, or “Tatay Carlos” as they called him, had a house along the shore of Barangay Guinsaanan in the Municipality of Baras, Catanduanes.

On the morning of November 2, 2020, a day after Typhoon Rolly made landfall, he, along with the other families living near the sea, returned and saw that the typhoon’s strong winds and heavy rains had completely destroyed their houses. “After the storm had passed, at around eight in the morning we went back to check our houses, and everything was gone… It was painful,” said Tatay Carlos. Hollow blocks, scraps of wood, metal, and scattered belongings were all that was left of their homes.

“After the storm had passed, at around eight in the morning we went back to check our houses and everything was gone… It was painful.”

In photo: Action Against Hunger staff visit the wreckage of houses in Barangay Guinsaanan where the houses of Carlos Tesorero and his neighbors once stood. It is now categorized as a ‘no-build zone’.

The residents of Barangay Guinsaanan were no strangers to such weather conditions, especially for those residing along the shore. In fact, in less than two weeks, the province had experienced the impacts of three typhoons – from Quinta to Rolly to Ulysses. Amongst the three, it was Super Typhoon Rolly that greatly affected their homes and livelihoods.

Tatay Carlos worked as a tour guide since 2015. He would accompany tourists to Binurong Point, one of the top tourist destinations in the province and about an hour’s hike from his barangay. Back then, he would get two visitors in a normal week, earning him 200 to 300 pesos. During summers, there would be more tourists and he would get twice the amount of visitors. This all changed when the lockdown was implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We were okay before. But when the pandemic happened, it was hard because I had absolutely no income,” Tatay Carlos shares.

Tatay Carlos and his fellow tour guides looked for alternative sources of income. He went on to extract and sell dried coconut meat taro leaves, papayas, or other crops, earning just enough to get by. Unfortunately, most of the crops and coconut trees were damaged after the consecutive typhoons. He then started to collect dried wood and would sell them for firewood. He would earn enough to buy his food for the day. Tatay Carlos said he tried to apply for manual labor jobs like construction but was unsuccessful. “No one was accepting me because I was old, unlike the others,” he lamented. “I guess this is how it is when you get older, it’s more difficult to get a job.”

In photo: Tatay Carlos happily smiles with his cat named ‘Jasper’ who is his current companion inside his temporary home.

In photo: Tatay Carlos happily smiles with his pet inside his temporary home.

After the typhoons, the sea level had risen significantly, making the land where his home once stood into a no-build zone. Like the other families who lived there, Tatay Carlos now has to start from scratch. Fortunately, he was allowed to reside in a small building that was previously used as a barangay hall for the meantime.

With all that he has been through, what saddens Tatay Carlos is going through these ordeals alone. His wife, daughter, and grandchild visited a relative in Bulacan last year, but because of travel restrictions and financial constraints, they have not been able to return to Catanduanes since then. “If there was no pandemic, they would want to go back here,” he said. He tries to keep in contact with them regularly, but their conversations are often limited due to weak cellular phone reception.

Despite living alone, he continues to be in good spirits by regularly talking to his neighbors. Tatay Carlos also enjoys the company of a white kitten which he keeps as a pet. He spends his day going to the sea to catch fish for his own consumption since these are usually too small to sell. Some days, he checks if there are any crops to be harvested and sold. Tatay Carlos’ daily food is augmented by relief packs from various organizations. Mineral water is sold in the barangay, but since he has no income, he would get drinking water from the deep well.

In photo: Inside Tatay Carlos’ temporary home, his beddings on one side and the relief goods he received on the other.

Tatay Carlos works hard each day in order to provide for himself and perhaps earn extra income to save. “What we really need is money,” he says with a weak laugh. “We received noodles and canned goods as relief, so food is all set. We got some soap too, but those ran out quickly. I have to admit, sometimes I loan items from the sari-sari store items like cooking oil or laundry soap, and I pay them back once I manage to sell some of the firewood I collect,” he adds further.

He was excited when he found out that he was selected to be a beneficiary for Action Against Hunger’s multipurpose cash assistance (MPCA). On January 27, Tatay Carlos was one of the 60 beneficiaries from Barangay Guinsaanan who received cash assistance amounting to 5,200 pesos. The MPCA was conducted as part of Action Against Hunger’s Emergency Assistance to Typhoon Affected Communities in Catanduanes and Albay, which is co-implemented by CARE Philippines. The project is made possible through the funding of the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA). The project is expected to reach a total of 14,500 people through MPCA alone. The goal of the program is to enable the most vulnerable households affected by Typhoon Rolly to meet immediate food and basic humanitarian needs.

“My number one dream is to have a house of our own again,”

With the assistance he received, Tatay Carlos remains hopeful and positive. “My number one dream is to have a house of my own again,” he shares. The makeshift house he is currently residing in is being sold at 30,000 pesos and he hopes to earn and save enough money so he can buy the lot someday. He also adds that one of his priorities as well as to have his daughter graduate as this was his dream for himself when he was younger. “Even though she now has a child of her own, I want my daughter to finish her studies,” he says.

In photo: Tatay Carlos at the Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) payout orientation at Barangay Guinsaanan, Baras. (Photo by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger)

Despite losing both his home and livelihood, Tatay Carlos smiles as he shares the many ways he tries to make ends meet on a daily basis. Knowing he has to start from nothing pains him but says he is thankful that there are people who are willing to extend kindness through various forms. He may have been through a lot the past year, but his family and the support from his community keep him going.

The Emergency Assistance to Typhoon Affected Communities in Catanduanes and Albay Province, Philippines is funded by by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines, and CARE Philippines.

Written by Joyce Sandajan; Edited by Dale Divinagracia

404 Beneficiaries of Cash Assistance from #TyphoonRollyEmergencyResponse in Catanduanes

February 22, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

404 beneficiaries from Barangays Salvacion, Guinsaanan (Baras), and Cabcab (San Andres) received 5,200 pesos (107.19 USD) during the payout of our Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) last January 27 and 28, 2021. These beneficiaries came from the most vulnerable families which were severely affected by #TyphoonRolly (Goni) in Catanduanes.

Until now, thousands of affected families are barely back on their feet as the typhoons have impacted economic activities and living conditions. This is why one of the main identified needs is cash for food and other basic items.

Through our #TyphoonRollyEmergencyResponse, we are expecting to reach a total of 14,150 beneficiaries with MPCA in hopes of enabling them to meet their immediate food and basic humanitarian needs during these trying times.

With funding from the USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, this 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 is implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines and CARE Philippines.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/super-typhoon-rolly-emergen…/

The Kits are a Big Help According to One of the 156 Household Who Received a Hygiene Kits Through our Typhoon Emergency Response

February 18, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

“The situation was really heavy for us, with COVID and then especially after the typhoons because we lost our house. We were worried about where to get money for our daily needs,” says Dominga Lora, whose family was one of the households in Barangay Danao, Baras, Catanduanes that were severely affected by #TyphoonRolly.

Her husband earns a living by fishing, while Dominga sells the fish, and sometimes gets laundry and cleaning jobs from neighbors. The consecutive typhoons damaged their home completely, but according to her, Typhoon Rolly made the biggest impact. Fortunately, with assistance from both the local government and financial support from their eldest child, they managed to rebuild their home little by little.

Not only that, the typhoon also affected the community’s water supply. For two weeks they had to get drinking water from the nearest creak which was a 30 minute to an hour’s walk from their area.

Aside from rebuilding their home, one of her concerns for the family is making sure their everyday supplies are sufficient, especially since she wants to make sure her family is safe from diseases like #COVID19.

“There are no COVID cases here in our area, but of course we take precaution because we never know who might be coming in and out of our barangay that may turn out to be sick. We wear masks and we are careful, especially now that there’s a new type of COVID,” she said. To address this, Dominga’s family was one of the 156 households in Danao who received hygiene kits last January 13, 2021 through our 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲.

“We’re grateful for the assistance that we received. Because of our situation, it’s hard to buy these items on our own so we will take care and use them for sure.” According to her, the kits are a big help for her four youngest children who regularly wash their hands.

The 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 is funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and is implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines and CARE Philippines.

Distribution of Hygiene Kits to 238 families in Codon As Part of Emergency Assistance to Typhoon Affected Communities

February 15, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Ever since Typhoon Quinta, the residents of Barangay Codon of San Andres, Catanduanes had a hard time getting clean water. Their barangay’s water supply is mainly pumped through electricity which has not been available since November. As a result, some families would get water for drinking and cleaning from the community’s deep well.

In times like these, especially now that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic, it is crucial to have access to clean and safe water for everyday use.

Last January 27, we distributed hygiene kits to 238 families in Codon. Included in these kits were materials for personal hygiene such as soaps, toothbrushes and toothpaste, sanitary pads for women, and more importantly, hyposol solutions which they can use for immediate water treatment.

In addition to the kits, our Hygiene Promotion Assistant, Abubakar Balabagan, held a hygiene promotion session and also talked about COVID safety reminders.

This activity is part of our 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲, which is funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and implemented together with CARE Philippines.

(Photos by Joyce Sandajan for Action Against Hunger)

After A Year Into The COVID Pandemic, The Need For A Reliable Water and Hygiene Facilities are More Crucial.

February 12, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Clean and potable water is not always easy to come by for communities affected by emergency situations like conflicts or natural disasters, especially those living in evacuation centers. This is why one of our initiatives is to ensure that the communities we work with have access to safe water for drinking and cleaning.

Now that we are a year into the COVID pandemic, the need for a reliable water and hygiene facilities are all the more crucial.

With your help, we can reach more communities and give them access to these needed facilities.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀.

𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

(Photo by Lys Arango for Action Against Hunger)

A Beneficiary of Our Cash Transfer Program Is Now Able to Prepare Quality Meals for Her Family

February 11, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

As the world’s leading hunger specialist, we prioritize vulnerable families and individuals who are more at risk to not only hunger and malnutrition, but are also susceptible to it’s causes—such as poverty, diseases, disasters or even conflicts. For example, most of our beneficiaries for cash-based interventions are identified through nutrition-focused targeting; like Sittie Palao –one of the beneficiaries for our Marawi Crisis response four years ago.

#ThrowbackThursday: 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗲 𝗔𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗼 is a mother of 3 from the Municipality of Buadiposo Buntong, Lanao del Sur which back in December 2017 was greatly affected by #TyphoonTembin. Their municipality is also host to internally displaced persons from the #MarawiSiege.

At the time, Sittie and her husband’s source of income was halted due to the impacts of the typhoon. To make matters more challenging for them, Sittie and two of her children were suffering from malnutrition.

Because of this, Action Against Hunger supported Sittie’s family in restoring their livelihoods through our cash transfer program. On February 2019, Sittie received cash assistance amounting to 7,000 pesos, in addition to 3 rounds of food aid. They were also referred to the regional health unit for treatment using the Ready-to-use Therapeutic and Supplementary Food (RUTF and RUSF).

A month after, Sittie shared that with the food aid given, she is now able to prepare quality meals for her family and that unlike before they no longer eat just once a day.

Through these types of interventions, we hope to empower more women like to take control of their health and nutrition, at the same time enabling them to provide for themselves and their families.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗲’𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/…/nutrition-focused-program…/

COVID-19 Emergency WASH Assistance for Conflict and Earthquake Affected in Mindanao

February 8, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Our efforts to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 continues as our field teams distributed hygiene and cleaning kits last January 18 to 21.

A total of 4,269 beneficiaries from evacuation centers and transitory sites across selected areas in Lanao del Sur and North Cotabato were reached.

With funding from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, the distributions were conducted as part of our COVID-19 Emergency WASH Assistance for conflict and earthquake affected families in Mindanao.

It’s been more than a year since the first COVID case in the Philippines was reported, and now the country is recorded to have more than 500,000 cases to date. We are continuously engaging communities to practice safety measures against the coronavirus through our hygiene promotion sessions, especially now that the new COVID variant is present in the country.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/consistency-key-to-fighting-…

There is No One-Size-Fits-All in Humanitarian Action for Families Recovering from Natural Disasters

February 8, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Families recovering from natural disasters have different needs. While most will need food and water, other essentials are shelter and livelihood recovery. There is no one-size-fits-all in humanitarian action.

Since 2013, we have been leading cash-based assistance to people affected by emergencies in the Philippines. Technically called Multi-purpose Cash Transfers (MPCT), our most recent Emergency Response projects for people affected by #TyphoonRolly and #TyphoonUlysses are using this assistance method to provide our beneficiaries choice and flexibility depending on their priorities.

Cash assistance has also the added benefit of supporting local markets and introducing people to financial institutions.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/what-we-do/

Stories from the Field: Francisco Arago

February 8, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Francisco Arago almost lost everything. His source of income is raising pigs and doing carpentry work but he was barely earning enough. Carpentry work only comes along about every 3 months and pig-raising can be hit or miss. On occasion, when work is scarce and the pig’s weight too low to sell, he asks for food from his siblings.

When #typhoonulyssesPH made landfall in his community in Solana, Cagayan on November 11, 2020, this brought about heavy flooding that destroyed his bed and greatly damaged his home.

To help recover what he lost, Francisco was given 5,200 pesos cash assistance through our Multi-purpose Cash Transfer program. This is part of our Humanitarian Assistance to #TyphoonVamco Affected Communities in Region II, which is supported by EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO and co-implemented with Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Multi-Purpose Cash Transfer (MPCT) program in Cagayan Valley

January 30, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

“Ever since the typhoon damaged my roof, whenever it rains, water seeps inside my house. The money will allow me to finally fix it.”

Jolibeth Maguay and her family was included in our Multi-purpose Cash transfer (MPCT) program that has benefited 4,673 households in Cagayan Valley affected by Typhoon Ulysses. For 2 months, she, her husband, and 8 children endured the leaking roof because the family had no extra income to have it repaired. Her husband, a farm laborer without a stable income source, and Jolibeth, a homemaker who does laundry whenever she can, were barely earning enough for their daily food and hygiene needs.

“I will buy a sack of rice as well because my family has experienced not eating regular meals before.”

Our efforts are made possible through support from EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO . This is a consortium project implemented with CARE Philippines, ACCORD Incorporated, and Plan International Philippines.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/

Rising from poverty: Action Against Hunger co-launches investment fair in Kidapawan City

January 25, 2021/in 2019, Articles /by Admin

ARAKAN VALLEY — Faced with the challenge of massive poverty, civil society organizations (CSOs) linked with the Arakan Valley Complex Project Management Office (AVC PMO), Action Against Hunger Philippines, and the Provincial Government of Cotabato in conducting a two-day investment fair, dubbed as the “Arakan Valley Complex and Tulunan Investment Fair” on September 19 and 20, 2019 in Kidapawan City.

Poverty incidence in North Cotabato, of which the Arakan Valley Complex and Tulunan are part, was recorded at 25.6 percent of the population, according to the Philippine Statistic Authority 2018 report.

The underlying factor of poverty in the valley is attributed to the low market price of farm produce, according to Van Cadungon, Provincial Administrator of North Cotabato. Cadungon was the keynote speaker during the opening of the investment fair.

“Farm productivity and market support programs are priority strategies that need to be implemented in the valley to address poverty,” Cadungon said.

“The investment fair resulted from a participatory planning done among the six municipalities where key development projects intended to spur economic growth in the Arakan valley were identified,” said Kerwin Jade Mallorca, the AVC PMO administrator. These projects are in the sectors of Good Governance, Agriculture, Environment, Health, Basic Social Services, Economic, Education, and Water-related Services, and Infrastructures.

The AVC Investment Fair is a two-day activity that is meant to attract social investors in the area of agriculture, trade and commerce, basic social services, and utilities into the Arakan Valley and Tulunan. The Fair incorporates project pitching, site tours, gallery display of investment opportunities, conversations, and cultural events that are intended to generate external interest in the opportunities present in the Arakan Valley and link local social entrepreneurs, governments, and people’s organizations with social investors.

“This is a breakthrough initiative because for the first time we are creating a venue for community leaders and social investors can come together and collaborate towards economic and social development,”

“This is a breakthrough initiative because for the first time we are creating a venue for community leaders and social investors can come together and collaborate towards economic and social development,” said Jules L. Benitez, Head of Project of “Reinforcing, Instituting, and Scaling Up Efficient CSO-LGU Interaction towards Enhanced Local Governance (RISE).”

Reinforcing, Instituting, and Scaling Up Efficient CSO-LGU Interaction towards Enhanced Local Governance (RISE) was funded by the European Union and implemented by Action Against Hunger.

Emergency Assistance to Typhoon Affected Communities in Catanduanes and Albay Province

January 18, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

We are off to a pretty good start this year. Last week, we held our first distributions of hygiene and water kits to 506 families in selected barangays in Baras and San Miguel, Catanduanes.

This is part of our 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲. We are hoping to reach a total of 900 families for our #TyphoonRolly Response in Catanduanes alone.

Our goal is to provide humanitarian support to 7,930 vulnerable families in Catanduanes and Albay which were affected by the typhoon. Our interventions will include emergency repairs and construction of water and sanitation facilities, more hygiene and water kits distributions, cash assistance, establishing community hand-washing stations, and hygiene promotions through community engagement.

This will be implemented together with our partner, CARE Philippines, with funding from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.

Year 2020 was Twice as Challenging for a 71-year-old

January 18, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

2020 was difficult for all of us, but it was twice as challenging for 71-year-old Merlyn Igaan.

Her community in Sitio Embassi, Barangay Perez in Kidapawan City was badly affected by the series of earthquakes that hit Mindanao in late 2019. Ever since then, she and her family have been living in an evacuation site. Late last year, they had to transfer to another site and build their tent anew because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Earning for a living as a senior citizen is becoming so difficult, especially since the earthquake. Aside from my old age, I am afraid to go back to the farm. I fear that an earthquake might occur again while I’m there,” she said.

Merlyn was one of the 1,200 families from the provinces of Davao Del Sur and North Cotabato had been given cash assistance through our #MindanaoEarthquake Emergency Response last year. This project was funded by EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO.

With your support, we can reach more families affected by disasters with our life-saving aid.
𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽:
htttp://actionagainsthunger.ph

Typhoon Rolly Response Kicks Off in Baras and San Miguel

January 18, 2021/in 2021 /by Admin

We are off to a pretty good start this year. On January 13-15, we held our first distributions of hygiene and water kits to 506 families in selected barangays in Baras and San Miguel, Catanduanes.

This is part of our 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲. We are hoping to reach a total of 900 families for our #TyphoonRolly Response in Catanduanes alone.

Our goal is to provide humanitarian support to 7,930 vulnerable families in Catanduanes and Albay which were affected by the typhoon. Our interventions will include emergency repairs and construction of water and sanitation facilities, more hygiene and water kits distributions, cash assistance, establishing community hand-washing stations, and hygiene promotions through community engagement.

This is implemented together with our partner, CARE Philippines, with funding from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.

#TogetherAgainstHunger #EndHungerPH #PHB2AK #COVID19PH #covid19 #emergencyresponse #TyphoonGoni #nonprofit #volunteer #help #education #giveback #ngo #support #community #fundraiser #children #fundraising #change #makeadifference #philanthropy #socialgood #causes

Around 13.4 million Filipino Families Considered Themselves Poor According to the 2019 SWS Survey

January 9, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Around 13.4 million Filipino families considered themselves poor, resulting to the highest self-rated poverty recorded in the last five years according to the 2019 SWS Survey. As poverty has direct effects to food insecurity, the hunger crisis in the Philippines can worsen because of the pandemic.

Now more than ever, we are maximizing our efforts to ensure coverage of the immediate needs of vulnerable families that do not have access to food. With your help. we can provide more food packs, cash distributions, and livelihood support or cash-for-work programs for the communities we are working with.

𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

Photo by Daniel Burgui for Action Against Hunger

Nutrition-sensitization Trainings For Our Local Government Partners and Health Volunteers

January 8, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Prior to the pandemic, the Philippines was already one of the top 10 countries worldwide with the highest number of stunted children. This is alarming since the risk of mortality among undernourished children, increases 15-fold if they develop pneumonia.

Because of this, we rolled out nutrition-sensitization trainings for our local government partners and health volunteers who are our allies in ensuring the health and safety of the communities we work with.

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵: https://actionagainsthunger.ph/what-we-do/…

Photo by Daniel Burgui for Action Against Hunger

Over 500 people are Able to Practice Proper Hygiene Habits Through New Hygiene Facility in Sitio Waterfalls

January 7, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Jessa Ampoy used to walk 500 meters to be able to get to the nearest comfort room in the evacuation site where water wasn’t always available. She and the rest of the evacuees at Bongolanon, Magpet also prefer to take a bath in the nearby stream. They would walk a few meters to get there, but it sure is nearer than the bathing area assigned for the evacuees’ use.

Jessa is one of the 560 people who are now able to practice proper hygiene habits because of the newly constructed hygiene facility in Sitio Waterfalls as part of our #MindanaoEarthquake response last year, together with CARE Philippines and ACCORD Incorporated, and funding from EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO.

It is very favorable for us. Where we get water is very far and steep that our backs hurt when we collect water…We are thankful for the new CR. It is very near. We no longer have to cram in the CR, because there are CRs installed per area. I will no longer be afraid to use the toilet at night,” said Jessa.

Distribution and Replenishing of Hygiene Kits, and Conducting Hygiene Promotion & Risk Awareness Sessions Throughout Conflict and Earthquake-affected Areas within Lanao del Sur and North Cotabato

January 4, 2021/in 2021, Articles /by Admin

Our presence in Mindanao go way back to our first humanitarian response in the Philippines during the year 2000. Two decades later, we continue to work with Mindanao communities, providing life-saving aid to the most vulnerable people in need. Specifically, we have scaled up our water, sanitation & hygiene interventions this year to help mitigate the risks of COVID-19.

We are continuously distributing and replenishing hygiene kits, and conducting hygiene promotion & risk awareness sessions throughout conflict and earthquake-affected areas within Lanao del Sur and North Cotabato. Additionally, we have been installing and maintaining touch-free handwashing stations in public places and health units.

This are a some of the notable work under our COVID-19 Emergency WASH Assistance funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and implemented together with CARE Philippines and PBSP.

To read more of our WASH interventions in the Philippines, go to:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/what-we-do/#water-sanitation

Help & Get a Chance to Win an #OoniPizzaOven from Ovendepot.ph

December 17, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

For a minimum of 300 pesos, not only will you be able to help fund Action Against Hunger Philippines‘ projects, but you’ll also get a chance to win an #OoniPizzaOven from ovendepot.ph!

𝗧𝗼 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻, 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/fight-hunger-be-a-winner/

The more you donate, the more chances you have to win.
𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!

The Invisible Monster Film has Won Jury Award for Best FIBABC Short Film and Best Actor Award for Aminodin Munder in the Ibero-American Short Film Festival abc.es 2020

December 15, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

We are proud to announce that The Invisible Monster Film has won Jury Award for Best FIBABC Short Film and Best Actor Award for Aminodin Munder in the Ibero-American Short Film Festival abc.es 2020!

The Ibero-American Short Film Festival ABC.es (FIBABC) is an online film festival characterized by being the most mediatic international short film competition.

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗺:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy0mohAZ3qc

Get a Chance to Win #OoniPizzaOvens For Every 300-peso Donation

December 14, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Action Against Hunger and ovendepot.ph are giving away exciting prizes to donors this holiday season! For every 300-peso donation, you’ll get a chance to win #OoniPizzaOvens and cook the best tasting pizza in the comforts of your home. The more you donate, the more chances you have to win!

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀, 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/fight-hunger-be-a-winner/

Proceeds of the raffle will be used to help fund Action Against Hunger Philippines’ life-saving projects to combat malnutrition in the country.

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆!

Congratulations to our Ten Lucky Winners & A Huge Thanks to All Who Participated in the Invisible Monster Giveaway

December 12, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Congratulations to our ten (10) lucky winners of The Invisible Monster Giveaway! Check out our Instagram post to see the list of winners.

A huge thanks to all those who participated the giveaway! Please continue to share and promote The Invisible Monster film.

𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗺:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy0mohAZ3qc

The online premiere is supported by Action Against Hunger Philippines ambassadors, Chef Lau and Chef Jac Laudico, and in collaboration with Spanish Chamber of Commerce in The Philippines – La Cámara, Our Awesome Planet, Nyxsys Philippines, Inc., Pitchworks Inc., Summit Outdoor Media, and Guevarra’s.

Department of Social Welfare and Development and MOVE UP consortium sign Memorandum of Understanding to promote disaster resilience

December 12, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Action Against Hunger Philippines

11 December 2020, Manila — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Moving Urban Poor Communities Towards Resilience (MOVE UP) project signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to jointly promote and strengthen resilience, disaster risk reduction and management, and climate change adaptation strategies in communities and all levels of governance.

Ceremonial Signing MOU with Move Up Consortium and MOA with NAPC
Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between DSWD and Move Up Consortium, and Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DSWD and NAPC, December 11, 2020, DSWD Auditorium Malasakit Building.
Maagap at Mapagkalingang Serbisyo!
#DSWDMayMalasakit
Posted by Department of Social Welfare and Development on Thursday, December 10, 2020

The MOVE UP project, funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (EU-ECHO), is an urban resilience project that aims to help in institutionalizing urban resilience and disaster preparedness mechanisms for urban poor communities across the Philippines. The project is implemented by a consortium of international non-government organizations lead by Action Against Hunger Philippines, with Plan International Philippines, and CARE Philippines, and its local partner ACCORD.

“Today’s signing of the Memorandum of Understanding or MOU between DSWD and the MOVE UP consortium on collaboration to promote and strengthen resilience, disaster risk reduction and management, and climate change adaptation is a testament of our commitment to support the most vulnerable especially during these trying times,” said DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista.

Specifically, the MOU will facilitate the partnership between the consortium and the DSWD- Sustainable Livelihood Program in developing disaster-resilient livelihoods and to DSWD – Disaster Response Management Bureau in developing Alternative Temporary Shelter (ATS) to safeguard the rights of the internally displaced population (IDP).

“While it is important to sustain resilience building in the LGUs, aligning with the programs of and building partnerships with key institutions is equally, if not, more important. Leading the way, of course, is the DSWD and Sustainable Livelihood Program and also the Disaster Response and Management Bureau,” said Suresh Murugesu, Action Against Hunger Philippines Deputy Country Director.

“From the start, we saw the potential for synergy — particularly in our shared vision on ensuring the protection of IDPs through Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM),” Sindhy Obias, ACCORD Executive Director, added.

Implementing since 2016, the MOVE UP project has already documented significant learnings in promoting disaster resilience in the communities, which has been vital in its efforts to contribute to the updating of national-level policies and plans.

“From lessons and successes with partner communities and LGUs, MOVE UP had the opportunity of contributing to the provisions in the recently updated National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (2020-2030),” said CARE Philippines Country Director David Gazashvili.

Through this partnership, the MOVE UP project hopes to reach more people and amplify its efforts in its goal to achieve urban resilience.

“We, in the civil society sector, are very much willing to extend our expertise in helping DSWD perform its mandate and achieve its vision. It’s our pleasure to work with you, co-create knowledge, and collaborate to strengthen our dedication to shared principles, and expand our ability to improve the lives of poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors,” said Chrisnobel Cruz, Plan International Philippines OIC-Country Program Manager.

Authored by:
Claudine Complativo
Communications and Advocacy Specialist
MOVE UP Project
Email: [email protected]

The Online Screening of The Invisible Monster film is Extended!

December 11, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

We’re excited to announce that we are extending the online screening of The Invisible Monster film until December 31, 2020!

Your overwhelming support has allowed us to reach more than 19,000 views on YouTube in just 2 weeks! We hope you continue to share the film and help us raise awareness on the hunger situation in the Philippines.

𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/the-invisible-monster

Our #InvisibleMonsterGiveaway will be running until 11:59pm (GMT+8) tonight, December 11, so make your entries now and get a chance to win a movie poster signed by directors Javier and Guillermo Fesser and gift certificates to Guevarra’s! Check out our Instagram Giveaway post to join.

The online premiere is supported by Action Against Hunger Philippines ambassadors Chefs Lau and Jac Laudico, and in collaboration with Spanish Chamber of Commerce in The Philippines – La Cámara, Our Awesome Planet, Nyxsys Philippines, Inc., Pitchworks Inc., Summit Outdoor Media and Guevarra’s.

In celebration of #HumanRightsDay, We Highlight Aminodin’s Mother in the Invisible Monster film as Everyone Else, Strive to Provide Food for their Children.

December 10, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

In The Invisible Monster film, we see how parents like Aminodin’s mother strive to make ends meet in order to provide food for the children. She and her family, like everyone else, have the right to adequate food as this is a fundamental human right and not a privilege.

This is why we constantly combat food insecurity and malnutrition in the communities where we work. We provide nutrition sensitization programs, livelihood cash assistance and trainings among many others. With your support, we can help more families fight hunger.

In celebration of #HumanRightsDay, raise awareness and stand up for human rights.
𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/the-invisible-monster

(Photo by Jairo Iglesias for Action Against Hunger)

The Invisible Monster Billboard Poster Spotted on EDSA!

December 8, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

The Invisible Monster spotted on EDSA! Thank you Nyxsys Philippines, Inc. for the feature!

If you happen to see our billboard posters, snap a photo and tag us! 🙂

Watch ‘The Invisible Monster’ film, now available for free via YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy0mohAZ3qc

Questions about The Invisible Monster? We’ll answer them for you!

November 28, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Admin

Have some questions about The Invisible Monster? We’ll answer them for you! 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁, 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘄: https://youtu.be/xy0mohAZ3qc

Read all the frequently asked questions on The Invisible Monster:
https://bit.ly/3mcivjJ

The online premiere is supported by Action Against Hunger ambassadors, Chefs Rolando and Jacqueline Laudico, and in collaboration with The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in The Philippines – La Cámara, Our Awesome Planet, Nyxsys Philippines, Inc., Pitchworks Inc., Summit Outdoor Media, and Guevarra’s.

Be inspired by Aminodin’s smile and watch The Invisible Monster

November 26, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗧𝘂𝗯𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟭: https://youtu.be/xy0mohAZ3qc

Aminodin’s father always smiles because he says that “happy people live longer.” That is why, at eight years old, Aminodin puts on his best smile while working at the Papandayan dumpsite, where he lives with his family.

Be inspired by Aminodin’s smile and watch 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, a short film directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Javier Fesser, and renowned writer and radio host Guillermo Fesser.

Join The Invisible Monster Giveaway:
https://bit.ly/2J9AI2Y

The online premiere is supported by Action Against Hunger Philippines ambassadors, Chefs Rolando and Jacqueline Laudico, with the collaboration of Spanish Chamber of Commerce in The Philippines – La Cámara, Our Awesome Planet, Nyxsys Philippines, Inc., Pitchworks Inc., Summit Outdoor Media, and Guevarra’s.

Only 4 days left before The Invisible Monster FREE Philippine Online Premiere!

November 23, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Only 4 days left before The Invisible Monster | FREE Philippine Online Premiere!

To make things more exciting, we are giving away one autographed movie poster (signed by Directors Javier and Guillermo Fesser); and two Guevarra’s Buffet Gift Certificates to 10 lucky winners!

To join the raffle, check out our Giveaway Instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/actionagainsthungerph/

The promo will run until the last day of screening on December 11. Good luck!

The online premiere of The Invisible Monster is supported by Action Against Hunger Philippines ambassadors, Chefs Rolando and Jacqueline Laudico, and in collaboration with Spanish Chamber of Commerce in The Philippines – La Cámara, Our Awesome Planet, Nyxsys Philippines, Inc., Pitchworks Inc., and Summit Outdoor Media.

Urgently Looking for the Following Positions for Emergency Response in Catanduanes

November 15, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Action Against Hunger is urgently looking for the following positions for Emergency Response in Catanduanes.

For further details on the positions and how to apply, 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁. To apply, you may check the links below:

1. Two (2) WASH Engineers (Filipino Nationals Only)
https://bit.ly/3luUMLf
https://bit.ly/3kDOLdU

2. Three (3) WASH Assistants (Filipino Nationals Only)
https://bit.ly/2Iv8nEd
https://bit.ly/38RFzk5
https://bit.ly/3f4q2hW

3. One (1) FSL Officer (Filipino Nationals Only)
https://bit.ly/3lyvdZS

4. Four (4) FSL Assistants (Filipino Nationals Only):
https://bit.ly/3f4q61a
https://bit.ly/2IIb1X0
https://bit.ly/2Kdg1DB
https://bit.ly/3luV1G9

Interested applicants meeting the requirements should:
☑️Click the link
☑️Read the details thoroughly
☑️Go to the bottom right corner of the page
☑️Click the “Apply for this Position” button

𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝟮𝟮 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬.

Action Against Hunger is a global humanitarian organization that takes decisive action against the causes and effects of hunger. We save the lives of malnourished children. We ensure everyone can access clean water, food, training and healthcare. We enable entire communities to be free from hunger.

Currently, 500 expats and more than 5,000 employees are working for Action Against Hunger in 51 countries working in projects concerning five areas of focus: Nutrition & Health; Food Security & Livelihoods; Water, Sanitation & Hygiene; Disaster Risk Reduction Management; and Advocacy & Good Governance.

We provide equal opportunities to candidates regardless of their origin, nationality, race, gender, regional and sexual orientation. This vision aims to integrate equal treatment and opportunities among women and men in all HR processes and policies within the organization.

We are also committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work such as but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity, and misconduct. We expect all staff, casual workers, consultants, interns and volunteers to share this commitment through endorsing our Code of Conduct and other related policies. Only those who share the same values and conduct will be recruited.

‘The Invisible Monster’ Film will be launching it’s Philippine Online Premier on November 27

November 14, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

‘The Invisible Monster’ is making its way to your online screens! We will be launching the Philippine online premiere of ‘The Invisible Monster’ film on November 27 and will be available until December 11.

This touching story is about the Filipino spirit finding hope and happiness amidst poverty, loss, war, and hunger and was shot in post-conflict Marawi City with actual residents starring as actors.

The online screening is free but viewers are encouraged to donate. All proceeds will go to Action Against Hunger’s ongoing projects against malnutrition in the Philippines.

To 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 and know more about the film, go to:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/the-invisible-monster

ACTION AGAINST HUNGER PREMIERES SHORT FILM ABOUT THE FILIPINO SPIRIT FINDING HOPE DESPITE HUNGER

November 9, 2020/in Miscellaneous /by Action Against Hunger Philippines

‘The Invisible Monster’ is a short film directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Javier Fesser and renowned writer and radio host Guillermo Fesser through collaboration with Action Against Hunger, a global humanitarian organization. The film is scheduled to have an online premiere in the Philippines on 27 November 2020.

The film is a story of the Filipino spirit finding hope and happiness amidst poverty, loss, war, and hunger. It features Aminodin and his cousin Aliman, narrating the lives of these two Maraonon children before and after the Marawi Siege in 2017. Through them, we see that both happiness and hunger are not always seen by the naked eye. The 32-minute film was shot in post-conflict Marawi City with actual residents starring as actors. It intends to mobilize people against the extreme form of hunger – malnutrition, a disease that affects 4 million Filipino children.

“In the world there are two types of stories, those that impress and those that move you…the Invisible Monster wants to move you, so that it may remain in your memory,” shares Guillermo Fesser. “It shows the reality for thousands of children in the Philippines,” adding that “hunger is much more than just a food problem.”

Guillermo elaborates on the creative process: “it began very simply. We observed and sat down to listen to people’s stories. With these little bits of reality, we added a narrative thread that includes touches of humor.” He continues, “The film is fiction, but stars real people.”

“Humor generates a lot of empathy,” Javier Fesser points out. “Despite the harshness of life in the dumpsite and in the refugee camp, I saw hundreds of kites flying in the Mindanao sky…happiness can be found where you least expect it.”

Photo caption: Aliman takes a stroll at the evacuation center

An estimated four (4) million Filipino children under 5 years old are suffering from chronic malnutrition, or what is commonly called stunting, according to the latest survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FNRI).

“We wanted to show everyone through the film the invisible reality for a lot Filipino children” states Dale Nelson Divinagracia, Fundraising and Resource Development Manager for Action Against Hunger. “The symptoms of stunting is not as evident as compared to acute malnutrition, but the effects are as severe: those affected may never attain their full possible height, have weaker immune systems, and their brains may never develop to their full cognitive potential. They will face learning difficulties in school and get sick more often. If not treated in the first 1,000 days of a person’s life, the effects of malnutrition are irreversible and will last that person’s whole life.”

On their collaboration with the humanitarian organization, Guillermo Fesser shares “we have realized that the invisible hunger, the chronic hunger, the constant and daily hunger is a social illness that is suffered in silence.” Javier agrees to this sentiment and adds, “we feel very privileged of being able to shout ‘action’, but against hunger, against injustice, against inequality.”

As the world’s hunger specialist for over 40 years, Action Against Hunger is in the frontline fighting malnutrition in nearly 50 countries providing life-saving aid focused on Nutrition & Health, Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene, Food Security & Livelihoods, and Emergency Response.

The film will premiere online in Action Against Hunger Philippines’ YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/ACFphilippines, and will be available until December 11. Moviegoers may register at Action Against Hunger Philippines’ website, www.actionagainsthunger.ph/the-invisible-monster, to receive reminders and more details about the film. Viewers are encouraged to donate to support Action Against Hunger’s projects in the Philippines.

The online premiere of The Invisible Monster is supported by Action Against Hunger ambassadors, Chefs Rolando and Jacqueline Laudico, and in collaboration with The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Nyxsys Philippines Inc., Pitchworks, and Summit Media Outdoor.

The Invisible Monster Synopsis

Aminodin’s father always smiles because he says that “happy people live longer.” That is why, at eight years old, Aminodin puts on his best smile while working at the Papandayan dumpsite, where he lives with his family.

His cousin Aliman, on the other hand, lost his smile when bombs fell from the sky in his hometown of Marawi City. As Aliman spends his days sad and crestfallen in a refugee camp, Aminodin devises a plan to make him smile again.

THE INVISIBLE MONSTER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

November 9, 2020/in Miscellaneous /by Action Against Hunger Philippines

Questions answered by Dale Nelson Divinagracia, Fundraising and Resource Development Manager of Action Against Hunger Philippines

What is The Invisible Monster film about?

The film is a story of the Filipino spirit finding hope and happiness amidst poverty, loss, war, and hunger. It stars two children: Aminodin who lives and works in a landfill; Aliman who lives in an evacuation camp. Through these two boys, we see that happiness and hunger cannot always be seen by the naked eye.

Directed in part by Oscar-nominated Director Javier Fesser, the 32-minute film was shot in Marawi City whose inhabitants are still experiencing the after-effects of the 5-month siege that transpired from May to October, 2017. All the “actors” in the film are not professional and are actual residents who lived through the siege. The film intends to mobilize people against the extreme form of hunger – malnutrition, a disease that affects 4 million Filipino children.

Film Sypnosis:

Aminodin’s father always smiles because he says that “happy people live longer.” That is why, at eight years old, Aminodin puts on his best smile while working at the Papandayan dumpsite, where he lives with his family.

His cousin Aliman, on the other hand, lost his smile when bombs fell from the sky in his hometown of Marawi City. As Aliman spends his days sad and crestfallen in a refugee camp, Aminodin devises a plan to make him smile again.

Who is behind The Invisible Monster?

The film was produced by Action Against Hunger, a global humanitarian organization that takes decisive action against the causes and effects of hunger. The organization is in the frontline in nearly 50 countries, helping to reach more children than ever with lifesaving treatment while developing long-term solutions to stop them from becoming malnourished in the first place.

The Directors are:

Javier Fesser – Winner of six Goya awards, Spain’s equivalent to the Oscars, the prestigious filmmakers works include The Miracle of P. Tinto, Camino, and Oscar-nominated Binta and the Great Idea. His 2018 film, Campeones (Champions), was the highest-grossing Spanish language film in Spain for that year. Committed to social issues, Javier has directed audio visual projects linked to non-profit organizations such as UNICEF and the Organization of Ibero-American States.

Guillermo Fesser – Well-known in Spain for his radio show Gomaespuma alongside Juan Luis Cano, Guillermo works as a writer and correspondent in the America. His multifaceted career includes the direction of the film Candida, a story based on his bestselling biography of a cleaning lady, and the publication of several innovative interactive books for children specifically for tablets and mobile phones.

Photo caption: (L-R) Guillermo and Javier Fesser (Directors) with Luis Manso (Producer) on set of the Invisible Monster Film.

Is the film free to watch online?

Yes. The film will premiere online in Action Against Hunger Philippines’ YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/ACFphilippines, on November 27 and will be available until December 11. Moviegoers may register at Action Against Hunger Philippines’ website, www.actionagainsthunger.ph, to receive reminders and more details about the film. Viewers are encouraged to donate to support Action Against Hunger Philippines’ fight against malnutrition, the extreme form of hunger.

How is hunger linked to the title of the film?

Stunting, also called Chronic Malnutrition refers to a child who is too short for his or her age. It is the result of poor nutrition during early childhood. Children suffering from stunting may never attain their full possible height and their brains may never develop to their full cognitive potential. Except for the height, which some may attribute to familial genes, these children look normal and have no visible symptoms. It is invisible to the naked eye.

The effects of the monster, i.e. stunting, to children are irreversible and can last a lifetime: they will face learning difficulties in school, get sick more often, and earn less as adults.

Are the actors in the film really people living in the dumpsite in Marawi City?

Yes, all the main characters either live in the dumpsite in Brgy. Papandayan, Caniogan, Marawi City or in one of the refugee camps for people affected by the Marawi Siege. We have been responding to the immediate needs of these vulnerable populations since the start of the Marawi Siege in 2017 through various projects that are still ongoing.

In the aftermath of the siege, when we were conducting proper hygiene and sanitation orientation to the residents of Brgy. Papandayan and giving them hygiene kits, community leaders voiced their concern: they had a problem with getting clean water. The nearest water source was in a low-lying area 700 meters away where people had to traverse steep and slippery terrain just to fetch water for their homes.

To address this, Action Against Hunger, with support from Guillermo Fesser’s Gomaespuma Foundation, constructed a water system that was nearer to people’s homes.

Why is it important to address malnutrition in the Philippines?

The Philippines is at a critical point with regards to stunting. Based on the latest survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology, more than 3.8 million or 33.4% of Filipino children are stunted. This number is up from 30.1% in 2015.

Stunting is something that we see every day, although it is invisible to the untrained eye. It is quite common to see children who we thought were only in Elementary only to find out that they’re already in High School. These kids are underdeveloped – not only physically, but cognitively as well. If not treated in the first 1,000 days of a person’s life (from 0 to 2 years old), the effects of stunting is irreversible and will last that person’s whole life.

Nutrition during pregnancy and in the first years of a child’s life provides the essential building blocks for brain development, healthy growth, and a strong immune system. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that the foundation of a person’s lifelong health are largely set during this 1,000-day window.

Action Against Hunger and the Institut de Relations Internationales et Strategiques (IRIS), an international think tank that focuses on geopolitical and strategic issues, released a study titled “Socio-economy of Chronic Malnutrition in the Philippines: A preliminary key trends analysis by 2030” in 2016 to support strategic action in fighting malnutrition in the Philippines. According to the study, the Philippines ranked 9th among countries with the highest number of stunted children.

Since Action Against Hunger is an international organization, does the donation go to other countries?

All donations raised during the campaign in the Philippines will only be used for projects in the Philippines.

What projects has Action Against Hunger done in the Philippines?

Action Against Hunger has been operating in the Philippines since the year 2000. We’ve responded to major emergency situations like Typhoon Ondoy in 2009, the Zamboanga Siege in 2013, Typhoon Yolanda in 2016, the Marawi Siege in 2017, and Taal Volcano Eruption in 2020. You can find more details of our projects in the past 20 years by visiting https://actionagainsthunger.ph/who-we-are.

Our most recent response was to curtail the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate the effects of lockdowns and quarantine measures to the most vulnerable populations. As of November 5, 2020, we have achieved the following:

Beneficiaries of Food Security & Livelihood Assistance: 49,971 Individuals
Beneficiaries of Health Sector Assistance: 121 Individuals
Beneficiaries of Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Assistance: 349,686 Individuals

You can find more details about our COVID-19 Response in the Flash Updates folder included in this kit.

How are your projects connected to Hunger?

Solving hunger is not just about giving food. We go to the causes of the problem to create lasting impact. We have identified the 4 main causes of hunger:

Poverty – 98% of those suffering from hunger are poor people in developing countries. Poverty and hunger create a vicious cycle, as malnourished children will have less of an ability to work on behalf of their countries in the future.

Diseases – The combination of disease and malnutrition weakens the metabolism creating a vicious cycle of infection and undernourishment, leading to vulnerability to illness. A leading cause for malnutrition in children under five years old is diarrhea caused by unsafe water and sanitation.

Conflicts – These lead to mass displacement. People leave their land & livelihood – losing access to water & food.

Natural Disasters – These have the greatest impact on the countries most threatened by hunger because they are exposed to and less prepared to deal with climate change. 95% of natural disaster victims live in developing countries.

To counter these causes, our interventions are centered on:

Nutrition & Health – Action Against Hunger’s expertise in preventing and treating undernutrition is internationally renowned, due to our more than 40 years of operational experience in parts of the world where hunger is most severe and entrenched. We have contributed to the development of revolutionary nutrition products and conducted field testing of treatment protocols that are now international best practice.

From isolated rural communities to overcrowded urban slums to refugee camps, Action Against Hunger works to prevent and treat undernutrition in nearly 50 countries around the world. We work in humanitarian emergencies and in more stable contexts to improve the health and survival of the most vulnerable children under the age of five, as well as pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene – Every day 1,000 children die from illnesses like diarrhea, dysentery, and cholera caused by dirty water and unhygienic living conditions. We can’t fight malnutrition without tackling the waterborne diseases that contribute to it. As part of our integrated approach to fighting hunger, we bring safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services to communities in need all over the world.

Food Security & Livelihood – Action Against Hunger’s food security and livelihoods programs tackle the root causes of hunger by addressing problems of production, access, and income. Encompassing a wide array of activities customized to meet a community’s specific needs, our programs are designed to bolster agricultural production, jumpstart local market activity, support micro-enterprise initiatives, and otherwise enhance a vulnerable community’s access to sustainable sources of food and income.

Emergency Response – Our rapid response capabilities reflect our commitment to emergency preparedness, and our global reach places us in forefront of disaster response.

With emergency teams on call 24 hours a day, and pre-positioned stocks of essential supplies ready for deployment, our internationally renowned rapid response capabilities ensure that life-saving assistance can be delivered anywhere in the world when needs arise.

Who else is supporting the online premiere of ‘The Invisible Monster?’

The online premiere of The Invisible Monster is supported by Action Against Hunger ambassadors, Chefs Rolando and Jacqueline Laudico, and in collaboration with The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Nyxsys Philippines Inc., Pitchworks, and Summit Media Outdoor.

Where can I get more details about ‘The Invisible Monster?’

Website: www.actionagainsthunger.ph

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ACFphilippines/videos

MOVE UP 4 joins Mindanao-wide Online Session about Response Strategy and Emergency Response

October 27, 2020/in 2020, Articles, Miscellaneous /by Admin

Mr. Lyndon Arbes (MOVE UP 4 DRR Officer) and Ms. Delilah Chua (Head of Cotabato Field Office) joined the Mindanao-wide 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗-𝟭𝟵 via zoom as resource persons.

With the theme, “CSO-LGU Bayanihan: Mga Aksyon sa Kalukuyang Panahon,” the online session was organized by the RESOURCEGov Project in partnership with DILG XI, XII, and XIII, and the RTF-COVID19 & RIATF-EID XII. The activity supports the Listong Ugnayan, COVIUD-19 ay Labanan Online Talakayan Series rolled out by the DILG Philippines through the Local Government Academy (LGA).

During the session, Mr. Arbes and Ms. Chua shared Action Against Hunger’s COVID-Response Strategy and MOVE UP COVID Response activities implemented along with other consortium partners in the cities of Marawi, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Surigao, and the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Surigao, and Cotabato.

Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 4) is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of partners consisting of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, or the consortium members. Neither the European Union nor any of the consortium members can be held responsible for them.

A Common Tool Used to Determine If a Child is Malnourished

October 25, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

A MUAC or “Mid-Upper Arm Circumference” tape is one common tool that we use to determine if a child is malnourished.

As the world’s hunger specialist, we are working in remote areas to provide children assistance that are focused on their nutrition and health. But aside from this, we also enlighten their families on their roles in ensuring the health of their children, and educating them on the many external factors that can cause malnutrition.

Together, we can reach more families with our nutrition and health programs.

𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿.

https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

(Photo by Maria Theresa Cortes for Action Against Hunger)

Trained to Train her Fellow Evacuees: Meet Soraya Camid, one of our #RealLifeHeroes

October 22, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

“So kapangunab sa lima na ipakalidas ko mga sakit (Proper handwashing helps a lot in preventing diseases.)”

This is Soraya Camid’s constant advice to her fellow evacuees. Soraya and her family were one of the many people who were displaced because of the Marawi Siege back in 2017. After being trained by Action Against Hunger on basic hygiene promotion, she now volunteers as a Community Hygiene Promoter (CHP) in Sugod, Madalum, Lanao del Sur.

Last October 15, Soraya, together with her fellow CHPs and our Iligan team, celebrated #GlobalHandwashingDay by raising awareness on the importance of handwashing in preventing disease transmission and saving lives. They conducted a hygiene promotion session in Madalum, wherein Soraya shares her gained knowledge on WASH with her community.

Despite the struggles she experienced, Soraya moves forward and works hard to influence her community positively, making her one of our Real-Life Heroes. (Photos by Lowelyn Sumayo for Action Against Hunger)

Written by Lowelyn Sumayo.

Maximizing Efforts to Ensure Coverage of the Immediate Needs of Vulnerable Families

October 18, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Around 13.4 million Filipino families considered themselves poor, resulting to the highest self-rated poverty recorded in the last five years according to the 2019 SWS Survey. As poverty has direct effects to food insecurity, the hunger crisis in the Philippines is expected to worsen because of the pandemic.

Now more than ever, we are maximizing our efforts to ensure coverage of the immediate needs of vulnerable families that do not have access to food. With your help, we can provide more food packs, cash distributions, and livelihood support or cash-for-work programs for the communities we are working with.

𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

(Photo by Alfons Rodriguez for Action Against Hunger)

Promoting #SafeHands and Spreading the Advocacy in Celebration of Global Handwashing Day 2020

October 15, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

We cannot emphasize enough the importance of having handwashing in keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe against infectious diseases like the coronavirus

So, in celebration of Global Handwashing Day 2020, promote #SafeHands and spread the advocacy!

Department of Health (Philippines) DepEd Philippines WASH Philippines

Preventing and Managing Risk in Communities that are Prone to Disaster and Strengthening Their Resilience to Future Shocks

October 13, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

The Philippines is ranked as the 8th most disaster-prone country all over the world in 2018.

At Action Against Hunger, we work to prevent and manage risk in communities that are prone to disaster and strengthen their resilience to future shocks. We help bolster local economies, improve infrastructure, and plan for long-term development.

We have been implementing community-based DRR projects over the last 10 years in the Philippines. Working alongside with the national government’s disaster risk reduction (DRR) law and climate change action plan, Action Against Hunger supports the local government units and local communities to be prepared, to mitigate and response to possible disaster events.

Between 2012-2017, we have supported 98,300 Filipinos through our DRR programs. 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲.

In the spirit of International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction, donate now. https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

(Photo by EJ Villafranca for Action Against Hunger)

FROM ONE EMPOWERED YOUNG WOMAN, CHANGE SPREADS

October 11, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

In our fight against hunger, we consider the different roles, needs and opportunities of men, women, boys and girls. Aside from conducting programs focused on life-saving humanitarian needs, we strive to improve these gaps, and make a lasting gender-responsive impact.

Part of this is acknowledging the roles of young girls as change-makers and future leaders, inspiring their peers to learn new skills and making an impact for their future endeavors.

However, we also recognize that in some communities, their voices are sometimes limited because of certain societal factors.

Help us implement gender transformative programs in the Philippines and expand the platforms for young girls all over the country to be the change they want to be.

𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄.

https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

(Photo by EJ Villafranca for Action Against Hunger)

Real Life Heroes: Nora Landas

October 8, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Last week, we sat down with Nora Landas, one of our Real-Life Heroes from Barangay Ilomavis, Kidapawan City. Nora shares the struggles of living in an evacuation site and the anxiety and stress that came along with them.

“It is never easy to live in tents. You’re not able to do the things you used to do, and it’s really a different feeling comparted to being in the comfort of your own home,” says Nora.

“How long are we going to be like this?” is a usual sentiment of mothers, young adults, and even children who are living in evacuation and transitory sites. Not only have their lives have changed due to the Mindanao earthquakes, the pandemic has worsened the situation ever since social activities in the sites have been limited.

(Photo by Debbie Olivo for Action Against Hunger)

It wasn’t until Nora and her fellow volunteers applied mental health and psychosocial (MHPSS) care practices that insights in the community started becoming more positive. “The PSS sessions conducted in our respective assigned areas rekindled the social involvement between members of the community.” People appreciated the things they’ve learned from the sessions while at the same time enjoying the company of other parents and adults.

(Photo by Debbie Olivo for Action Against Hunger)

Together with our Earthquake Response Team, volunteers also provided the participants with education and information on nutrition & health.

Nora and her fellow volunteers were trained on a series of community-based PSS Sessions conducted last February by Action Against Hunger Philippines and funded by the European Union. The activity aimed to give equal importance to mental and social health among internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Life-saving Humanitarian Assistance to People Affected by the Mindanao Earthquake is funded by the European Union, and implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Written by Debbie Olivo.

Celebrating Global Hand Washing Day

October 7, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

In celebration of 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 day on October 15, our teams presented their commitments to promote #CleanHandsforAll, spreading awareness on the importance of handwashing with soap to prevent diseases like COVID-19, and save lives. 💙💧🧼

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Providing Shelter Kits to 76 Households in Sayaban Transitory Sites, Barangay Ilomawis, Kidapawan City, North Cotobato

October 5, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Written by Joayra Gem Balagtas for Action Against Hunger

“I remember, we had to sleep on the floor with just sacks during our first nights in the tent. You will feel the cold mud beneath it, but it’s all we had at that time,” recalls 56 year-old evacuee, Josephine Barila.

To say that life in the evacuation site is not the most comfortable, is truly an understatement. Evacuees try their best to survive daily through the aid they receive, and whatever is left or saved from their properties.

Access to shelter is not only a basic need but also a human right, and because of the pandemic, having an adequate home that guarantees safety is more important now than ever. In order to address this, our Emergency Response Team provided shelter kits to 76 households in Sayaban Transitory Sites, Barangay Ilomawis, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato last September 11. The kits include materials that evacuees can use to build beds or platforms inside their evacuation tents. ‘Build Back Safer’ awareness sessions were also conducted.

Through this assistance, we hope to provide some comfort to the evacuees who have been displaced since the #MindanaoEarthquakes late last year.

This was made possible through the funding of the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO and support from our consortium partners from CARE Philippines and ACCORD Incorporated.

(Photos by Joayra Gem Balagtas for Action Against Hunger)

The Risk of COVID-19 to Undernourished People, Young Children, and Elders

October 4, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Undernourished people, especially young children, who contract COVID-19 could be at greater risk. While elderly people are deemed most at risk of COVID-19, the virus attacks the lungs, which is especially alarming for undernourished children whose risk of mortality increases 15-fold if they develop pneumonia.

To counter this, we need to support health facilities in their fight against the pandemic. In addition to this, we are working hard in maintaining the continuity of our maternal and child health programs.

You can help us strengthen and expand our activities focused on child malnutrition, support for women and psychosocial support.

𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗪:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

Strengthening our Risk Communication and Community Engagement Efforts to Prevent Spread of the Coronavirus

October 2, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Part of our initiatives in preventing the spread of the coronavirus is by strengthening our risk communication and community engagement efforts which have reached more than 200,000 people.

Wherever we work, we motivate families and communities to uphold proper hygiene and sanitation practices through our hygiene promotion sessions, allowing them to understand the value of hygiene in fighting infectious diseases, as well as hunger and malnutrition.

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

Life After The Mindanao Earthquake: 82 Year Old Man Living By Himself

October 1, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Written by Joayra Gem Balagtas for Action Against Hunger

82-year old Pedro Sanchez has been living alone in the evacuation site in Perez, Kidapawan ever since the Mindanao earthquakes last year. All three of his children now have families of their own. They would sometimes send him financial help, but it is usually not enough to support Pedro since their families have needs as well.

More than a year ago, Pedro was diagnosed with diabetes and suffered a stroke, and he hasn’t been able to walk ever since. He can hardly hear as well, which he says could probably be because of his old age.

Pedro relies on his good neighbors for assistance in taking care of himself. Whenever he has money, he asks his neighbors to buy him supplies and food. They also volunteer to do his laundry and other chores that he has trouble doing by himself. However, there are days where his neighbors aren’t around to help him, so no matter how challenging, he does these tasks on his own.

Last September 21, our 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 provided Pedro a wheelchair, to help him go through his daily activities with more ease. Teary-eyed, Pedro expressed his gratitude as he saw the wheelchair being pulled towards his tent.

Pedro is one of the 200 target beneficiaries to receive health and protection assistance as part of our 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲-𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 #𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗸𝗲 which is funded by the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO.

To find out more on our Emergency Responses in the Philippines, go to:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/what-we-do/…

Multi-Sectoral Assistance to Conflict-Affected Populations in Marawi City

September 28, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Admin

The economic downturn predicted for this year will have a direct impact on the food security of millions of people. According to the National Nutrition Council (Official), ensuring healthy diets is challenging during emergencies because of mobility restrictions to gain access to food supply.

One of our priorities is to cover the immediate needs of vulnerable populations that have limited access to food by providing food packs, cash distribution, and livelihood support or implementing cash-for-work programs.

Last September 2 to 4, more than 200 families in Marawi City received cash for food assistance as part of our 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁-𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗠, with the help of Task Force Bangon Marawi and City Government of Marawi. Funded by the Swedish International Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the food aid assistance aims to support a total of 1,900 beneficiaries overall.

Subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about our food security & livelihood programs: https://actionagainsthunger.ph/

(Photos by Levy Marcon and Albert Cuales for Action Against Hunger)

Sida – Styrelsen för Internationellt Utvecklingssamarbete

#TogetherAgainstHunger #EndHungerPH #COVID19PH #covid19 #donation #donate #charity #love #nonprofit #volunteer #help #education #giveback #ngo #support #community #fundraiser #children #fundraising #change #makeadifference #philanthropy #socialgood #causes #PHF7AK

A Helping Hand To All Our Filipino Citizen Who Were Affected By The COVID-19

September 27, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Anthony Reyes

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us, some more so than others.

The unemployment rate of 17.7% for April 2020 is the highest ever recorded. As of September 24, we have reached 454,125 Filipinos with our projects, providing families with essential goods and services. But, In the face of this unprecedented crisis, we need to act fast and do more to help those who need it the most. 𝗪𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽.

𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗪.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

Nutrition Sensitization Orientation in Rorogagus East Transitory Site, Marawi City

September 25, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

“How I can help maintain the health of my child?” asked one of the fathers at Rorogagus East Transitory Site in Marawi City yesterday during a Nutrition Sensitization Orientation conducted by our Iligan team.

Both mothers and fathers actively participated in the discussions. Since the facilitator highlighted men’s contribution and influence in ensuring the proper health of their children, the fathers volunteered to practice taking MUAC measurements of children and pregnant & lactating women (PLWs).

Funded by Sida – Styrelsen för Internationellt Utvecklingssamarbete, the activity focused on detecting malnutrition through the use of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tape. The attendees were enlightened of the fact that through this simple assessment, a child can be saved from the negative consequences of malnutrition through early detection.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/what-we-do/…

Continuous Livelihood Training For Our Fellow Filipinos

September 25, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Anthony Reyes

The future looks uncertain for 7.3 Million Filipinos who now find themselves without a job.

One vital part of our projects is livelihood training, making sure that our beneficiaries adapt to the situation and develop new skills to continue providing for their families.

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻.
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

Real Life Heroes – Aldin Beta-a

September 24, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Aldin Beta-A is more than a DRR Supervisor for our MOVE UP 3 Project, he is one of our Real-Life Heroes.

After spearheading the Resilient Livelihood Support turnover for 50 families in Marikina last September 18, he shares his experience as a humanitarian worker and working tirelessly to help others amidst the pandemic.

When did you start being involved in development work?
My initial employment was focused on ancestral domain management after I graduated back in 2000. After that, I was mostly involved in the agricultural field and was also part of an earthquake rehabilitation program. In 2006, I was deployed in Southern Luzon, in Aurora, for a community disaster risk reduction program. Thereafter, I was more involved on humanitarian responses during in 2013 until now.

What were your struggles as a humanitarian worker, especially now during the pandemic?
Well, the normal struggle is how to expedite the process given that time is limited, and especially now that transportation between areas have become challenging. The common way we communicate now is through non-face-to-face interactions which can be challenging when it comes to decision-making.

What motivates you to continue a career in humanitarian work?
As a humanitarian worker, it is common in our DNA to help others and doing no harm, so that motivates me to help others even if it needs more patience or innovative ways of getting things done.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
My hope for the future is for us to continuously adapt. I see that we constantly change as a society, even though we experience many hazards or risks. I see that as we can adapt to these different disasters and emergencies, and cope as human beings.

Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 3) is an urban disaster risk reduction (DRR) project which aims to build resilience among urban poor communities in Mindanao. With funding from the European Union, MOVE UP 3 is implemented by a consortium of partners consisting of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Awareness Training on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in the Community and Municipalities of Mindanao City

September 21, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Anthony Reyes

Humanitarian crises create devastating impacts to the communities affected, but what is most scarring is the psychological trauma and stress that these emergency situations leave behind.

We are steadfast in mitigating these impacts and work closely with several conflict-affected communities in Mindanao.

Thus, last August, we facilitated an 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 for 60 community volunteers, leaders and LGU health staff members from the municipalities of Saguiaran, Kapai, Balindong and Madamba in Lanao del Sur, and Municipality of Pantao Ragat in Lanao Del Sur.

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Funded by EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO, the training was part of our ‘Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Conflict-Affected Populations in Mindanao’ (REACH) Project in partnership with CARE Philippines and Oxfam Pilipinas.

Subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about our 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬: https://actionagainsthunger.ph/

The Cruciality of Safe Water Access in Infectious Diseases Prevention like COVID. Around 7 million Filipinos are dependent on unsafe and unsustainable water sources.

September 20, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗-𝟭𝟵. However, around 7 million Filipinos are dependent on unsafe and unsustainable water sources.

In fact, even before the pandemic, those residing in congested dwellings in informal settlements, transitory sites, and evacuation areas were already facing problems with inadequate water, poor sanitation and waste management, and limited access to health care facilities. Now, these vulnerable areas are more prone to widespread virus infection.

Photo by Jasper Llanderal for Action Against Hunger

We help these communities through our programs on 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, & 𝗵𝘆𝗴𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗲.

Learn more about our WASH programs

Providing Food Security and Livelihood assistance to Our Country

September 18, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

“I am more afraid that my family will suffer from hunger, than the actual virus,” is a sentiment shared by many Filipinos.

The country is facing an unprecedented hunger crisis as a result of the pandemic. Aside from the immediate impact on people’s health, COVID-19 could create more devastation to more than 13 million poor families in the Philippines.

Faced with this situation, we have provided 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 to 23,686 people as part of our COVID-19 response in the country.

To join our fight against hunger, go to: https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

Life After The Mindanao Earthquake: Wheels of Hope

September 17, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

“Mother, why are we different from other kids?” asks 6-year old John Rey to his mother, Janisa. John Rey and his two older brothers Christian and Gary Jr., have not been able to walk and run like other children because of a bone condition that started when each of them turned six years old.

Janisa looks at John Rey and finds it difficult to answer his question. Even the doctors that they consulted could not determine the reason why her sons’ bones in their lower bodies were shrinking. All the doctors could recommend was to conduct more medical examinations to determine the cause of the boys’ conditions and how to treat it.

The eldest, Gary Jr. who is now 13 years old, has trouble sitting down and usually spends days lying on the sleeping mat. The father, Gary Sr., earns just enough to get by their daily needs as an on-call carpenter. Janisa stays at home and takes care of the children. As much as they want to have their sons treated, they have limited financial capabilities to do so.

To make matters worse, their community in Balabag, Kidapawan was affected by the series of earthquakes that struck Mindanao during the last quarter of 2019. The disaster affected more than 300,000 people, almost half of them displaced, including Gary Sr. and Janisa’s family.

Despite their struggles, the Lopez family continues to move forward especially after our Earthquake Response Protection Team, together with the Integrated Provincial Health Office – IPHO and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), referred and assisted the Lopez brothers to Kidapawan City Public Hospital and other private hospitals in the area for more extensive check-ups and medical examinations. John Rey, Christian, and Gary Jr. each received wheelchairs courtesy of the IPHO, and the CSWD provided financial assistance for their family. Action Against Hunger continues to monitor the condition of the three children.

Prior to the referral, the Lopezes also received humanitarian support forms of multi-purpose cash transfer, hygiene and shelter kits. Inside their evacuation tent, Janisa watches her two youngest sons play, the eldest brother lies in his back beside them. The boys may not be able to use their legs like other children, but Janisa is hopeful that at least her sons will now be able to walk and run in their own special way with the help of their new wheelchairs.

Life-saving Humanitarian Assistance to People Affected by the Mindanao Earthquake is funded by the European Union, and implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Written by Joayra Gem Balagtas

Psychosocial Support, Gender Based Violence and Protection Training in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

September 14, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

A rise in cases of psychological distress and gender-based violence is one of the unfortunate impacts of humanitarian emergencies. This is why we are committed in building the capacities of our partners in the areas where we work.

One way of doing this is by training barangay health workers, community volunteers, camp managers and other frontliners on ”𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻,’ which was recently rolled out last September 3 and 4 in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

Funded by the 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 (𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗔), the training was implemented under our 𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁-𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗠.

By empowering our partners, these #RealLifeHeroes will continue to serve using their knowledge and experiences, even when we are no longer present in their communities.

To find out how you can help, visit our website:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

Sweden.se Sida – Styrelsen för Internationellt UtvecklingssamarbeteUtvecklingssamarbete

Ensuring the Health and Safety of the Communities We Work with Through Nutrition-sensitization Trainings

September 12, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Prior to the pandemic, the Philippines was already one of the top 10 countries worldwide with the highest number of stunted children. This is alarming since the risk of mortality among undernourished children, increases 15-fold if they develop pneumonia.

Because of this, we rolled out nutrition-sensitization trainings for our local government partners and health volunteers who are our allies in ensuring the health and safety of the communities we work with.

Learn more about our programs on nutrition & health: https://actionagainsthunger.ph/what-we-do/#nutrition-and-health

#TogetherAgainstCOVID19, #COVID19PH, #COVID19, #EndHungerPH,
#nutrition, #health, #malnutrition, #childhunger, #filipinochildren, #philippines, #developmentwork, #humanitarianwork, #frontliners

Life After The Mindanao Earthquake: Struggle of a 71 Year Old Farmer

September 10, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Written by Joayra Gem Balagtas for Action Against Hunger

Merlyn Igaan, 71 year-old, has had a rough year that most of us can only imagine.

Her community in Sitio Embassi, Barangay Perez in Kidapawan City was badly affected by the #MindanaoEarthquake. Ever since the disaster she and her family have been living in an evacuation site. Recently, they had to transfer to another site and build their tent anew because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Earning for a living as a senior citizen is becoming so difficult, especially since the earthquake. Aside from my old age, I am afraid to go back to the farm. I fear that an earthquake might occur again while I’m there,” she said.

To help her through these challenging times, we provided Merlyn with ₱4,560 cash assistance. Accompanied by her daughter, she received the money from our partner money transfer company on August 25 and immediately used it to buy medicine and food from the nearby market.

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This is part of our food security and livelihood activities funded by EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO for people affected by the Mindanao Earthquake. 𝗔 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝟭,𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 from the provinces of 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗗𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿 and 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗼 have been given cash assistance since December 26, 2016.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗯𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲:
https://actionagainsthunger.ph

3-prong Approach for Consistent Proper Hygiene and Sanitation Practices in the Fight Against COVID-19

September 7, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Proper hygiene and sanitation practices is vital in the fight against COVID-19. The key is for people to be consistent. Action Against Hunger follow a 3-prong approach to achieve this end:

SUPPLY: we distribute to families Hygiene Kits that include soap, jerrycans and other essential hygiene products. Touch-Free Handwashing Stations are installed in various public areas like evacuation centers, schools and markets. If a community does not have a consistent water supply, we put up water tanks and make sure that this is replenished regularly through water-trucking.

EDUCATE: we talk and discuss with community the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation.

REINFORCE: we resupply the community with cleaning materials to make sure that their sanitation facilities and water source are properly maintained and cleaned. We train volunteers from the community to be Hygiene Promoters and conduct house-to-house hygiene promotion.

These activities are part of our COVID-19 Emergency WASH Response Project funded by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and in partnership with CarePhilippines and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Intervention areas are Lanao Del Sur, Lanao Del Norte and North Cotabato.

To find out how you can help us, visit our website:

https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

(Photos by Muslimin Rias & Franz Hilario for Action Against Hunger)

Clean Water and Healthy Hygiene are Crucial as Ever For Poor Families Around the World due to COVID-19

September 5, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

COVID-19 is a stark reminder of the challenges that poor families face around the world, especially now that clean water and healthy hygiene are crucial as ever. Since the start of the pandemic, we have reached 𝟯𝟮𝟳,𝟭𝟲𝟵 𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘀 through our programs on water, sanitation,& hygiene.

This #InternationalDayofCharity, help us give more families access to clean water and hygiene materials by donating. 💙

Go to: https://actionagainsthunger.ph/call-for-donations/

Discussing our Advocacy on Precautionary Measures Related to COVID-19 on Bandera News

August 25, 2020/in 2020, Articles, Uncategorized /by Admin

Last August 15, the Department of Education Region XII invited our Cotabato team to mainstream our advocacy on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as part of preventive and precautionary measures related to COVID-19 during a live broadcast at DepEd Ngayon Program via Bandera News TV-Cotabato/ Radyo Bandera Cotabato.

Representing Action Against Hunger were Cotabato Field Office Head, Ms. Delilah Chua, and Head of Project for Earthquake Emergency Response, Ms. Esther Magdayo. This live radio broadcast is in line with DepEd’s commitment to ensure educational continuity amidst COVID-19 pandemic.

(Photos by J. Balagtas for Action Against Hunger)
DepEd Tayo soccsksargen DepEd Philippines

Mainstream of Advocacy in Preventive and Precautionary Measures Related to COVID-19

August 22, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Last August 15, the Department of Education Region XII invited our Cotabato team to mainstream our advocacy on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as part of preventive and precautionary measures related to COVID-19 during a live broadcast at DepEd Ngayon Program via Bandera News TV-Cotabato/ Radyo Bandera Cotabato.

Representing Action Against Hunger were Cotabato Field Office Head, Ms. Delilah Chua, and Head of Project for Earthquake Emergency Response, Ms. Esther Magdayo. This live radio broadcast is in line with DepEd’s commitment to ensure educational continuity amidst COVID-19 pandemic. #TogetherAgainstCOVID19 #TogetherAgainstHunger

(Photos by J. Balagtas for Action Against Hunger)

DepEd Tayo soccsksargen DepEd Philippines

Recognizing #RealLifeHeroes in Celebration of World Humanitarian Day 2020

August 20, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

“Where heroes are made not by magical abilities or costumes, but by being human. Stepping up to help time after time, after time, with grit and compassion, without superpowers at all. Because they’re not the heroes of some fictional world. They’re the real-life heroes of ours.”

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 #𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀.

United Nations OCHA Philippines

Celebrating and Honoring all Humanitarian Workers on World Humanitarian Day

August 19, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Today, on 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆, we celebrate & honor all humanitarian workers who provide life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable and at-risk communities, despite the odds.

This year we also pay a special tribute to frontliners because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we commemorate humanitarian workers killed and injured in the course of their work. They are #RealLifeHeroes.

In celebration of #WorldHumanitarianDay, meet one of our #RealLifeHeroes: Maricel Vina Menez

August 17, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Meet Maricel Vina Menez. As a Project Officer, she takes charge of our ProACT project in the Province of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur and Compostela Valley. In celebration of #WorldHumanitarianDay, we honor Vina as a humanitarian worker and one of the many #RealLifeHeroes by sharing her story.

Celebrating #WorldHumanitarianDay2020 with a story of a Real Life Hero: Maricel Vina Menez

August 16, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Meet 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗹 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘇. As a Project Officer, she takes charge in our ProACT project in the Province of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur and Compostela Valley.

𝗜𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 #𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗗𝗮𝘆𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬, 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 #𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆:

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Re-planning For Regular Programming Implementation Under The New Normal

August 16, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

A ‘𝗥𝗲-𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹’ activity last August 12-14 was conducted by our ProACT team in order to lay-down all project accomplishments and to determine points of collaboration for pending deliverables as way of transitioning to normal programming. The first stage is to consult the Municipal Technical Working Groups of the four covered municipalities in Davao de Oro.

ProACT is a consortium project implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines and Fundación CODESPA, with funding from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID Philippines).

(Photos by C. Erada & V. Menez for Action Against Hunger)

Celebrating #WorldHumanitarianDay2020 with a story of a Real Life Hero: Noel Biadnes

August 15, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Meet 𝗡𝗼𝗲𝗹 𝗕𝗶𝗮𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀. He is leading our COVID-19 Emergency WASH Assistance to Conflict Affected Communities in Mindanao as the Head of Project.

𝗜𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 #𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗗𝗮𝘆𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬, 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 #𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆:

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Capping Off #WorldMaskWeek

August 14, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

As we cap off #WorldMaskWeek, we are reminding everyone to continue wearing face masks as a vital safety measure against COVID-19. By doing so, we are not only protecting ourselves but also other people we interact with during our daily #newnormal activities.

To know when and how to properly #WearAMask, go to this link.

Celebrating #WorldHumanitarianDay2020 with a story of a Real Life Hero: Carla Delos Santos

August 14, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Meet 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘀. She works as a WASH Engineer for our water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives under our Life-saving Humanitarian Assistance to People Affected by the Mindanao Earthquake.

𝗜𝗻 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 #𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗗𝗮𝘆𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬, 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗮 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 #𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆:

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#𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀 #WorldHumanitarianDay2020

August 13, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

In anticipation of #WorldHumanitarianDay2020 on August 19, we will be sharing stories of humanitarians who have selflessly dedicated themselves in helping other people amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 #𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀.

Inspiring People to Wear Masks to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 in the spirit of #𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤

August 12, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 #𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤, 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗-𝟭𝟵!

Wearing masks is a vital safety measure particularly in our line of work. Our teams in the field take all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to the communities we serve while ensuring the continuity of our life-saving programs. Many of these measures are designed to protect health workers in communities & facilities, and are in line with the World Health Organization and UN guidelines. Thus, as part of our preparedness measures, we make sure that our teams wear masks to ensure not only their own safety, but also the safety of the people we work with.

Find out more about #WorldMaskWeek: https://pandemicactionnetwork.org/world-mask-week/

Celebrating #WorldMaskWeek with our Kidapawan and Cotabato Field Team

August 12, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Our Cotabato and Kidapawan Field Teams took on the #WearAMask challenge in celebration of #WorldMaskWeek!

Wearing masks is a vital safety measure particularly in our line of work. Our teams in the field take all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to the communities we serve while ensuring the continuity of our life-saving programs.

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𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 #𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤, 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗-𝟭𝟵!

Find out more about #WorldMaskWeek: https://pandemicactionnetwork.org/world-mask-week/

Promoting Hygiene Practices and Safety Measures against COVID in Lanao Del Sur and North Cotabato

August 11, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝘆𝗴𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸.

Hygiene kits were provided to a total of 1,718 beneficiaries in Barangay Binidayan in Lanao Del Sur, and Barangay Malabuan and Malungon in North Cotabato last August 5 – 7. The distribution was conducted as part of our 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗 𝟭𝟵- 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗪𝗔𝗦𝗛 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼.

With funding from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, our COVID-19 Emergency Wash Project is implemented together with our partners from CARE Philippines and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

Educating Iligan City on the Benefits of Breastfeeding in Celebration of World Breastfeeding Week

August 7, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Idalia Beruar was expecting her third child when she truly realized the value of breastmilk for her children after attending a seminar on breastfeeding and infant & children care practices back in September 2017.

While she had always breastfed her children because they did not like the milk formula, in the seminar she learned that breast milk is still the most nutritious food for babies. The Breastfeeding & IYCF seminar was organized by Action Against Hunger and funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID Philippines).

“I was amazed that the mothers who trained us brought their babies to the seminar, breastfed them, bathe them and changed their diapers for all of us to see,” Idalia said.

When she delivered her baby Princess on November 2, 2017, Idalia applied what she learned in the seminar and breastfed her baby. She made it a habit to keep herself hydrated with water and vegetable soup. She also maintained taking ferrous sulfate and Vitamin A to keep herself strong and healthy.

Idalia and her family were one of the 350,000 people who were forced to evacuate from their home after conflict broke out in Marawi City between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and rebel groups on May 23, 2017. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗜𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://actionagainsthunger.ph/articles/a-mothers-milk/

A Series of Orientations for Disaster Preparedness and Resilience Building in Barangay Ilomavis, Kidapawan City

August 6, 2020/in 2020, Miscellaneous /by Admin

A series of orientations was conducted in Barangay Ilomavis, Kidapawan City last July 29 and 30, 2020. The participants were members of 64 vulnerable households who were displaced due to the November 2019 earthquake and are currently more at risk because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo by Lyndon Arbes for Action Against Hunger

The activity was launched to help raise awareness on the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience building, learning from the recent series of actual disasters and the effects of the pandemic that they experienced which had negatively affected their livelihoods and living condition. The activity was conducted in partnership with the City Government of Kidapawan City Agricultural Office, and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation Office in Kidapawan City.

Photo by Lyndon Arbes for Action Against Hunger

Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 4) is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of partners consisting of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Written by Joyce Sandajan
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, or the consortium members. Neither the European Union nor any of the consortium members can be held responsible for them.

A Training on Open Data Kit to help LGUs of Magpet and Tulunan

August 5, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Our RISE-CSO-LGU team launched a training on Open Data Kit to help LGUs of Magpet and Tulunan last July 28 to 30, to teach them business tax mapping in their areas which will lead towards increase revenue collection.

In addition to this, a series of civil service organization (CSO) activities were also conducted which includes the approval of the 200,000 pesos LGU allocation to CSO Day implementation in all barangays and the turn-over of the training flipchart on Bridging Leadership for Participatory Governance to CSO Desk officer at Arakan.

These activities were implemented under our ‘Reinforcing, Instituting and Scaling Up Efficient CSO-LGU interaction towards Enhanced Local Governance’ (RISE CSO-LGU) Project together with PBSP, Mahintana Foundation, Inc., and the local government units of President Roxas, Antipas, Magpet, Arakan, & Tulunan, with funding from the European Union in the Philippines.

No More Long and Dark Walks to the Bathroom for Magpet Beneficiaries

August 4, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Written by Joayra Gem Balagtas for Action Against Hunger

Jessa Ampoy used to walk 500 meters to go to the nearest comfort room in the evacuation site which is dark and water wasn’t always available. Because of this, she and her fellow evacuees prefer to take a bath in the nearby stream instead.

Jessa is one of the 560 people who are now able to practice proper hygiene habits because of the newly constructed hygiene facilities in Sitio Waterfalls at Bongolanon, Magpet as part of our ‘𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗸𝗲’ together with CARE Philippines and ACCORD Incorporated, and funding from EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO.

“𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘶𝘴. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳… 𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘳. 𝘞𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘣𝘪𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢. 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵,” said Jessa.

(Photos by Joayra Gem Balagtas for Action Against Hunger)

Moving Urban Poor in Mindanao Towards Resilience (MOVE UP 4) Project in Kidapawan, North Cotabato

August 1, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Our MOVE UP 4 Team conducted a household survey as part of the Community Risk Assessment (CRA) activity from July 20 – 31, 2021 in Kidapawan, North Cotabato. The survey aims to assess disaster awareness and preparedness, access to government social protection program,s and resilient livelihoods among others.

Photo by Lyndon Arbes / Louie Bullanday for Action Against Hunger

The information gathered will be used in designing appropriate urban DRR resilient intervention of the project in the city as well as will serve as the project baseline for impact evaluation at the end of the project.

Photo by Lyndon Arbes / Louie Bullanday for Action Against Hunger

Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP 4) is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of partners consisting of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD Incorporated.

Action Against Hunger Unites Local Resilience Efforts with Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Agrarian Reform in BARMM

July 24, 2020/in 2020, Articles, DRR /by Admin

Photo courtesy of MAFAR-BARMM

Action Against Hunger Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM) on July 23, 2020, at the MAFAR Regional Office in Cotabato City, Maguindanao. The objective of the collaboration is to unite efforts in strengthening local resilience and within areas in the region that are greatly susceptible to natural hazards.

“Action Against Hunger’s mandate is to fight and to address food insecurity and nutrition insecurity, so I do believe that this MOU with MAFAR is key for us to jointly address issues that are affecting the most vulnerable in the BARMM Region in a collaborative and coordinated manner”

– Thierry Laurent-Badin, Action Against Hunger Philippines Country Director

During the online ceremonial signing, Thierry Laurent-Badin, Country Director of Action Against Hunger Philippines, talked about the importance of the established partnership in promoting the organization’s advocacy. “Action Against Hunger’s mandate is to fight and to address food insecurity and nutrition insecurity, so I do believe that this MOU with MAFAR is key for us to jointly address issues that are affecting the most vulnerable in the BARMM Region in a collaborative and coordinated manner,” said the country director.

Dr. Mohammad S. Yacob, Minister of MAFAR-BARMM, on the other hand, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating “I am happy to see this partnership, for me, it is a process of long engagement in the community and I am very grateful to continue the aspirations. I express my thanks to Action Against Hunger and we hope and pray that this is the beginning of a fruitful partnership.”

“I am happy to see this partnership, for me it is a process of long engagement in the community and I am very grateful to continue the aspirations. I express my thanks to Action Against Hunger and we hope and pray that this is the beginning of a fruitful partnership.” – Dr. Mohammad S. Yacob, Minister of MAFAR-BARMM

Delilah Chua (Head of Cotabato Base) hosted the ceremony alongside Genaro Sanchez (Head of Project) and Gay Marie Aban (Human Resources Officer). Virtually present to witness the signing were Melinda Buensuceso (Operations Coordinator) and Jasper Llanderal (Head of Iligan Base).

Photo by Rhea Poliquin for Action Against Hunger

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

STALLED BUSINESS MODEL TRANSFORMED INTO RESILIENT GROWTH

July 16, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Annemette Thogerson

In 2015, MATATAG, a 98-member women-led community savings group Cluster Level Association (CLA) in Hugom, San Jose, Batangas started a mushroom production business after attending a Mushroom Production Training conducted by the Southern Tagalog Integrated Agricultural Research Center (STIARC) and the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of San Juan, Batangas. Full of eagerness, they were able to start their first mushroom house using light materials. The former barangay captain lent them a space where they constructed the grow house. They started with 250 fruiting bags producing weekly harvest of at least seven kilos of fresh oyster mushrooms. Even with minimal produce, they were eager to introduce their products to the barangay.

By 2016, they needed to relocate and construct a new mushroom house in Sitio Biga since the owner needed the original space lent to them. Here, they were able to produce 800 grow bags in 6 months. In February 2016, STIARC introduced four varieties of oyster mushrooms and provided additional 2000 fruiting bags as assistance to the group. The following year, another 1,500 fruiting bags were provided. STIARC continued to support the group until 2018, providing materials that were unable in San Juan, in addition to technical assistance.

In November 2018, MATATAG began constructing a new mushroom house with their share of ₱50,000 and a grant amounting to ₱456,000 from STIARC. The house was finished in February 2019 and they were able to grow 5,000 fruiting bags but only 3,000 were harvested due to the hot temperature inside the house. In the original building plan from STIARC, the mushroom house did not include the needed insulation system which caused low production. Because of this, the business slowed down and was no longer growing. The low revenue, profit, and remuneration for working members of the group took its toll and manifested in the members’ low morale, lack of motivation to put more hours in the business, and lesser cooperation among each other.

By September 2019, the CLA participated in Action Against Hunger’s Resilient Livelihood Workshop, a component of the ‘Improving Resilience of the KNH NGO Partners to Natural Disasters Phase 2’ (I-Respond 2). The workshop proved to be the turning point for the group. They learned how to improve their business to become resilient amidst existing risks and impending hazards. They saw that all is not lost in the business that they started four years prior. The workshop further strengthened the connection between the disasters and livelihood in the context of resilience. Disaster and business were not new to the organization, as workshops were conducted prior to the livelihood workshop; however, the knowledge how to make their business more resilient towards disasters was the missing link. The realization that the negative effects of disasters especially on their livelihood are primarily due to human choices, the lack of understanding of their risks, and the lack of preparedness fueled their motivation to integrate resilience strategies in their business plan. The knowledge and tools they acquired from the training have therefore been used to implement different mitigation efforts to enhance their resilience.

Furthermore, the Resilient Livelihood Training allowed them to analyze their business and manage it efficiently. This made them realize the potential of their business, and if effectively managed, can provide a livelihood for all the members. The training also made the women members aware of the importance of working together and in the process increase the level of motivation amongst them. Experiencing the training had the working members stepping up and putting more effort into making the business flourish again as manifested by the members more active participation in the governance and operations of the business after the training

The CLA members were excited about the newly regained growth of the mushroom production business, which now allows them to start paying salaries for the 30 members working in the production of the mushrooms. The additional seed capital of ₱50,000 received from Action Against Hunger helped exponentially in regaining their growth by enabling them to buy essential to the business inputs and supporting administrative and labor costs.

Now, the CLA is motivated towards creating a more resilient and sustainable livelihood. Through the mushroom business, the CLA is optimistic that it will be able to provide support to the needs of its 98 women strong membership in the following years. They planned to expand from fresh mushrooms production to other product derivatives and they now understand that the increase in supply and demand in mushroom and its derivatives are key in doing so. The then CLA started to expand their production capacity by advocating mushroom as a viable livelihood option and teaching other barangays how to grow mushrooms. They continued this as an effort to involve more communities in their journey to create a resilient livelihood and better life for all.
The group was able to restart with 2,500 fruiting bags and started to expand their mushroom products to crispy mushroom chicharron with different flavors. By March 2020, they harvested 65 kilos with 1,200 bags worth ₱20,000.

Rowena Villarin, the Treasurer of MATATAG, in reflection to their group’s experiences shared, “when handling a business, you have to be focused and be prepared for any struggles that may come along. Never give up.”

GENERATION NUTRITION: ACTION AGAINST HUNGER JOINS THE NATION IN MAKING SURE ALL CITIZENS OF OUR NATION HAVE THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES TO BE HEALTHY AND SAFE

July 16, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Rosa Mae Maitem

Every year, the Philippines commemorates National ‪‎Nutrition Month and National ‪‎Disaster Consciousness Month in August under the auspices of Department of Health’s National Nutrition Council and the National Risk Reduction and Management Council’s Office of Civil Defense respectively.‬‬
On this occasion, Action Against Hunger joins the nation in making sure individuals, communities, and all citizens of our nation have the same opportunities to be healthy and safe from external shocks through resilience and nutrition security approaches.
The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world, ranking third among countries most prone to calamities, according to the 2015 World Risk Index report. While the level of child malnutrition in the Philippines is declining due to significant nutrition initiatives, malnutrition remains an important public health concern among children aged 0-5. In the 2016 Global Nutrition Report, the Philippines tops the countries in Southeast Asian region with the prevalence of wasted children (underweight) at 7.9% and critical levels of stunting (short for their age) at 30.3%.
Following a disaster, the poor, marginalized and disadvantaged groups, particularly the women and young children, are the most vulnerable social groups to the impacts of hazard events including climate change. Action Against Hunger Philippines believes that it is crucial to build the resilience of the Filipino people, by supporting initiatives that ensure food security and livelihoods through programs, which aim to increase people’s resilience to food crises and prevent undernutrition during and after emergency interventions. Action Against Hunger Philippines’ nutrition and health interventions contribute to reducing the vulnerability to climate related hazards. Children with good food, health and nutritional status are better equipped to face climate-related hazards compared to undernourished children.
Action Against Hunger Philippines implements programs in increasing the resiliency of the vulnerable communities in different parts of the country, providing life-saving interventions to the poorest communities through risk reduction (emergency preparedness and response planning); support adaptation strategies (resilient livelihoods approach); mitigation (social protection mechanism; cash transfer and promoting micro-insurances); and boost community and household capacities through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs; capacity-building; disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation planning and advocacy.
The increasing impact and threats of climate change and natural disasters calls for concerted efforts now. The expected increase in natural hazards related to climate change will further amplify the vulnerabilities of millions of Filipinos, especially the most vulnerable groups. Action Against Hunger Philippines calls on President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration to prioritize a multiple-track approach:
• Address the drivers of climate change though climate change mitigation and adaptation in order to minimize the extent of future negative and potentially disastrous impacts induced by climate change.
• Scale-up coverage of and increase access to interventions to treat and prevent malnutrition adopting a multi-sectoral approach.
• Mainstream climate sensitive nutrition initiatives and nutrition objectives into national and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Plans.
• Secure dedicated funds from both the local government unit development fund and local DRRM fund to ensure institutionalization of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to effectively address wasting and stunting among Filipino children.

ACTION AGAINST HUNGER STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE KIDNAPPING OF ITS EMPLOYEE ISHAIKU YAKUBU AND CALLS FOR HIS IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 16, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Response

Last June, Ishaiku Yakubu was abducted along with 4 other aid workers from different organizations by a non-state armed group.

Action Against Hunger is extremely concerned and fully mobilized so that the hostage can quickly find his family, safe and sound.

Action Against Hunger provides neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian aid in the state of Borno by providing basic services to the most vulnerable, in particular women and children.

Action Against Hunger asks the public and journalists to respect the dignity and privacy of the person by refraining from sharing images or videos that may circulate on the Internet.

Action Against Hunger has no further comments at this stage.

STORIES FROM THE FIELD: A WOMAN’S INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT FELLOW EVACUEES

July 16, 2020/in 2020, Articles /by Admin

Malou Mendoza-Mamerto is an evacuee residing in the improvised evacuation center at Barangay Poblacion in Talisay, Batangas. She stepped up and volunteered to manage the 150 families staying in their camp. As a volunteer camp manager, Malou posted a call for help on social media to raise awareness on their current situation to potential donors. Because of her initiative, their camp received several donations and even temporary shelters built to house pregnant and lactating women, children, senior citizens, and differently-abled individuals. As the camp leader, Malou takes initiative in referring her fellow evacuees to nearby health centers and clinics in case they need medical assistance.

Malou used to live in Pulo, Talisay, Batangas with her husband and three kids prior to the eruption of the Taal Volcano. She worked as a vendor and often made a living out of the thriving tourism in the area. Now, they are living in an improvised evacuation center in Poblacion, Talisay, Batangas with no stable source of income. She mentions that their current situation in the camp is quite difficult especially for the women in terms of privacy in sanitation facilities, but she says that everyone eventually helps each other out.

As a mother, Malou also worries that she cannot give the same amount of time and attention she gives to her children prior their evacuation especially since the situation has urged Malou to have two of her children stay with their relatives for the mean time. “As much as I would like to look for a job so that we can have some income and I could provide my children’s needs, it’s hard,” she said, explaining that the entire camp’s needs have kept her preoccupied.

Malou’s family is one of the 2,697 families who received emergency humanitarian WASH assistance from Action Against Hunger through the funding of the Spanish Agency for International Development (AECID). Food packs and hygiene kits were also provided to 801 individuals through the support of Grab Philippines.

The Taal Volcano is the second most active volcano in the Philippines. On the afternoon of January 12, 2020, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) detected increasing activity of the Taal Volcano causing heavy ashfall, volcanic tremors and lightning, and lava fountains. This affected approximately 468,000 people. Our Mission Emergency Response Team (MERT) was immediately on the ground on January 15 to conduct an assessment in Batangas province to assess the immediate needs of evacuees.

MOVE UP HEADSTRAINING FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS

June 12, 2020/in 2018, Articles /by Philipp Danao

QUEZON CITY – Resilience through Financial Freedom and Preparedness: The Moving Urban Poor Communities towards Resilience Project (MOVE UP) holds its Training of Trainers on Financial Literacy and Community Savings Groups, Torre Venezia, Quezon City, March 6-9, 2018. Attended by around 60 participants representing barangays from MOVE UP target cities Malabon, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Caloocan and Navotas, the training aims to boost the understanding and skills of target communities on financial planning, insurance and investments while linking it to disaster risk reduction and management.

As an outcome, a pool of trainers is formed to deliver financial literacy sessions and form community savings groups in barangays.

The training is one of the series of projects of MOVE UP which seeks to demonstrate systems and models of Alternative Temporary Shelter, resilient livelihoods and risk transfer modalities to improve the disaster risk reduction and management in MOVE UP target cities in Metro Manila. Funded by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) under its Humanitarian Action Plan for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, MOVE UP is an urban disaster risk reduction project implemented by a consortium composed of Action Against Hunger Philippines, Plan International Philippines and CARE Nederland with its local partner, ACCORD Inc. ●

Turning struggles into opportunities: A community’s response to the damaging effects of flood water and access to life-sustaining potable water

February 2, 2020/in 2020 /by Admin

The community of Barangay Caimpugan in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur sits along the Gibong River—a source of irrigation for some 6,000 hectares of rice fields in three municipalities of the province. Because of its close proximity to the river, its residents often experience floods during the rainy season, especially with heavy rains induced by tropical storms causing the river to overflow.

This particular characteristic makes the community reliant on agriculture, the majority of their arable lands are dedicated to rice farming. The river provides water for their crops and sustains the irrigation even in dry months. Although this also poses a threat of flooding when the river overflows damaging crops that are not yet harvested. Those who do not have lands to till are earning as farmhands s, mostly the men, being paid a daily wage. Others find work in nearby palm oil tree plantations. The earnings would always almost barely suffice for the family’s needs attributable to the impacts of the floods on their crops. Hence, they already learned to live with it and coping with the insufficiency.

Despite being a low-lying land, clean and safe drinking water source is a recurring challenge. The barangay is not covered by the public water utility services of San Francisco. Rainwater is collected and used by households for cooking, washing their dirty dishes and clothes, and even for drinking. Others buy drinking water from small business owners retailing water in limited quantities or from refilling stations in Barangay Lapinigan.

For the Caimpugan Women for Strength (CAWOFS) Cluster Level Association, a federation of 6 self-help groups (SHGs) composed of women, this reality does not deter them from aspiring for a better future.

What they needed was a sustainable source of livelihood to be able to contribute to their families’ income while striving to learn more about the ways they can reduce the impacts of flooding to their community.

An opportunity came with the contingency planning and resilient livelihood workshop through the I-RESPOND 2, a project funded by Kindernothilfe (KNH) and implemented by Action Against Hunger aimed at improving the capacities of partner barangays on disaster preparedness and resiliency. CAWOFS actively shared their ideas and together with their barangay, local government unit (BLGU) leaders learned how they can best prepare for and mitigate the impacts of disasters. The Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRMC) was strengthened with the inclusion of the officers and members of the CLA into the different committees. Together with the BLGU, they were able to develop a contingency plan on floods.

The Resilient Livelihood discussion also helped them craft a plan to provide earning opportunities for their members while helping to solve one of the community’s problems – clean water supply. They developed a business plan around the distribution of safe drinking water to households. Their business will sell water in 20-liter containers supplied by a partner water refilling station from Barangay Bayugan, roughly 9 kilometers away from their barangay. Based on the contingency plan and working on the scenario of recurring flooding, the CLA will utilize the early warning system they installed to ensure that the water will be potable and not contaminated. These efforts are complemented by the BLGUs commitment to provide them a space to use as their store and the Municipal LGU contribution for the construction of a building. This would serve as the group’s warehouse to stock water containers, and distribution point.

On January 28, 2020, the group received the seed capital worth fifty thousand pesos (PhP50,000.00) from the I-Respond 2 through a local KNH NGO partner, the Foundation for the Development of Agusanons, Inc. (FDAI) based in San Francisco. With the seed capital, the CLA leaders conducted preparatory activities including promotion and orientations to the Self Help Groups about the business venture. Originally, the plan was for the CLA to manage the business. But as discussions went on, they decided that Volunteer SHG, one of the self-help groups of the CLA, will handle the business with the supervision of the CLA and FDAI. A profit-sharing approach was identified and agreed to remunerate efforts at both levels. Volunteer SHG will then assign its store manager and storekeeper as laid out in the business operation plan for its operation.

“This business will help us a lot. Everyday people need clean drinking water. And every day is a challenge for most households. We know that the rainwater is not as clean anymore. But we have no choice but to use it”, said Lilibeth Lalangan, the CAWOFS President.

Now, with the operation of the water refilling business, members of the Volunteer SHG will have another source of income while providing access to clean drinking water for the community.

“With the increased knowledge of the CLA officers and members, combined with that of the BLGU leaders, Caimpugan is now more prepared to minimize or prevent the disastrous effect of flooding in our barangay”, said Barangay Councilor Annabelle Semana.

For Barangay Councilor Vilma Malinao who is also a CLA leader, “the water refilling business is CAWOFS’ way to help the community have access to safe drinking water at an affordable price. Water can sustain us even when flooding occurs. This also means additional income for our members. We are thankful for the I Respond 2 Project, to KNH, Action Against Hunger and FDAI”.

Written by Genaro Sanchez for Action Against Hunger. Edited by Joyce Sandajan.

TRAILBLAZING WASH IN ARAKAN

July 1, 2019/in 2019, Articles /by Regina Paypa

Arakan, a first-class municipality in the province of North Cotabato and home to many indigenous people in Mindanao. Despite the diversity of its culture, Arakan is faced with daily struggles as poverty and impacts of natural disaster and conflict are day to day realities of the population. People struggle with limited income opportunities and scarce food production. More importantly, insufficient access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation materials and facilities plays a crucial problem in the area.

Since 2012, Action Against Hunger and the United Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have been working together to provide necessary interventions in Arakan, giving people a chance to hope for change and transformation in the community despite the many challenges they are dealing with. While change is a gradual and cumulative process, Action Against Hunger and UNICEF cannot solve everything with their programs alone. Strong leadership in the community must propel change as a personal statement to allow hope to break through the hearts and minds of the people.

One man has become a champion for change and is trailblazing the work on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). Elmer S. Montales works as the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator of Arakan. In early 2010, he had a personal experience which forever changed the way he deals with WASH issues.

His team was in Kulaman Valley, a remote mountainous area the Matigsalog tribe called home, conducting a standard Barangay survey. A desperate mother approached them for medicines since her child was not recuperating from diarrhea. “We only had emergency medicine for simple stomach bugs,” he recounted, “early the next morning, we found out that the child died due to dehydration.” It was a tragic experience that led Elmer to rethink his work.

“It is a complicated situation. The local health office reported that water-borne diseases, like diarrhea, are caused by poor sanitation and hygiene practices – some leading to death,” he explained. “Malnutrition is another outcome when people don’t have access to clean water and sanitation. The children become wasted and stunted during a critical moment of growth whose effects will last a lifetime.”

In his resolve, he could not do it alone. Elmer needed to influence local leaders of the realities of children dying of diarrhea and that the solution would not come easy. The goal of reversing health outcomes of several barangays seemed daunting and ambitious, but Elmer welcomed the challenge.

Without wasting time, Elmer immediately worked and coordinated with Action Against Hunger and UNICEF to spearhead activities in Arakan by facilitating policy and technical work to ensure that WASH is prioritized in the executive and legislative agenda of the government and included in the Barangay Development Plan.

The journey towards change has not been easy for Elmer. Municipal and barangay officials were indifferent at first, but this changed when the Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) program was implemented and health outcomes began to improve. Cases of Diarrhea and malnutrition have drastically dropped from a prevalence rate of 18% in 2013 to 4.7% in 2018. In 2015, Arakan was able to achieve municipal-wide ZOD out of 11 LGUs in the Philippines, a model that is being followed by other LGUs in North Cotabato and neighboring provinces. Elmer realized that, as a result of his experience, the journey towards a new reality was slowly taking shape and is impacting the lives of the people.

“The backbone of success is hard work, determination, good planning and perseverance,” Elmer quotes famous soccer icon Mia Hamm, “institutionalizing WASH as a way of life is best realized at the grassroots level of every family, purok and sitio, especially among Indigenous People and far-flung marginalized communities.” He continues to dream big for his town to improve the lives of the people through the WASH program, to bring in fresh ideas and new ways of working. From the perspective of a planner, contexts are always changing and the quest for new knowledge and experience is constantly evolving.

A WASH CHAMPION’S STORY

Kinawayan is a remote barangay situated in the mountainous area of Arakan Valley. 70% of the 238 households living in the barangay are from the Manobo group. Grace Fordan-Rivera was stationed in Barangay Kinawayan from 2010 to 2015 as midwife, under the supervision of the municipal health officer. She championed Action Against Hunger and UNICEF’s WASH programs in the area that emphasized Zero Open Defecation (ZOD).

Why did you personally choose to be a champion for WASH?

As a community health worker, seeing young children suffering and dying because of diarrhea is frustrating. I want to help the community, and finding solutions for their problems in WASH is one way.

What were the challenges that you experienced in trying to change social norms in terms of sanitation and hygiene?

Most of the people lacked awareness on proper hygiene practices. Changing the behavior of the community, especially in an indigenous people’s (IP) community, was very challenging.

What did you do to address this?

To gain their trust and support, I did regular home visits, sometimes walking for 10 kilometers to reach the farthest household to ensure that no one gets left behind. Until now, I constantly meet their community leaders and promote the importance of WASH.

What was the situation regarding hygiene in your barangay before the program began?

Prior to Action Against Hunger’s interventions, only 103 out of 238 households were using toilets; the remaining were practicing open defecation. People collected their drinking water from the open spring. Kinawayan has 23.80% malnutrition prevalence rate (MPR), recurring diarrheal cases (12 cases a month), and 2 cases of child death due to diarrhea or dehydration in 2011. They were unaware of the importance of handwashing with soap during critical times.

What were the changes that occurred after the program was implemented?

Now, with the WASH intervention, there is a sudden decrease of health-related diseases. Most importantly, from 2013 to current, no child has died because of diarrhea and MPR was reduced to 4.06%. I want Kinawayan to be the role model for other IPs in Arakan to follow.

3 SCHOOLS GEAR UP FOR RACE AGAINST HUNGER FOR THE THIRD TIME

July 1, 2019/in 2019, Articles /by Dale Nelson Divinagracia

Muntinlupa School for Child Development (MSCD), Nord Anglia International School Manila (NAIS) and Philippine Cultural College – Main Campus (PCC-Main), have committed to organize the Race Against Hunger in their respective campuses for the school year 2018–2019. This would be the third consecutive year that these schools are empowering their students to help Filipino families suffering from hunger.

“We’ve been doing a lot of fundraising here in the school through the years, especially during the Christmas season. The way we did charity was usually through giving,” said Ms. Winsdy Marcos of PCC-Main. “When I first heard about the Race Against Hunger and how

it works, it was something special because it was fun and challenging at the same time. For our students, they have to break their own limits and try to run as many laps as they can, while at the same time convince their family and friends to pledge an amount for every lap they finish. It’s not just a dole out, because they really work for it in a fun way.”

“This year we hope to beat last year’s total,” stated David Kirkham, NAIS’ principal. “It is important that schools raising funds for any charity to directly impact the local community, so that the young people can see the real impact of their efforts.”

“We’ve included the race in the student handbook which makes our commitment to helping official. The students were so excited to see that—it’s an activity that they look forward to,” said Renier Correa of MSCD. “As long as the campaign continues to exist, MSCD will continue to support it.”

The Race Against Hunger is an international campaign held in 26 countries that aims to create awareness of the problem of malnutrition to young people and raise funds for Action Against Hunger’s projects. In the Philippine edition, all funds raised will be used to help projects in the country.

MIKKEL, THE FUNDRAISING MARVEL!

Meet Mikkel Cruz, the 5 year-old student from University of Asia and the Pacific – Child Development and Education Center who was able to raise ₱50,730 during UAP’s Race Against Hunger last January 26, 2019.

Interview with Mommy Patricia Eliza “Pia” Cruz:

At home, how did you motivate Mikkel to get pledges for the campaign.

He was already interested in the race part itself because his older siblings already had an experience with fun runs but this was the first time that our family engaged in a fundraising activity. I thought of reading [the newsletter] to him, and read to him the story of the one-year-old child whom Action Against Hunger helped. I guess that’s what made the difference for him because as a child he is already shows great empathy. Rather than randomly asking our relatives for pledges, he thought of making a short invitational video explaining what the race was all about. I took a chance of posting it in our family groups and sharing with friends, I wasn’t expecting it but I was surprised that the pledges kept coming in.

How many sponsors did Mikkel get?

We used up 5 booklets, so we got around 45 people.

How many laps did Mikkel finish?

He did around 25 rounds/laps. In total he ran for about 3 kilometers. I was asking him, “what made you run?” and he would say, “because I want to help children.”

How was he able to do it?

He was very excited because he was with his friends, classmates and even the morning of the race, pledges were still coming in so that added to his excitement. He was so full of energy because the next day after the race, he joined dad to go jogging.

What advice can you give to parents who would like to motivate their children to give back to the community?

I think it would help a lot if you have the children see how the situation is for the other kids who are not as privileged. What helped Mikkel was when I shared the stories and showed him pictures of the child that you featured in your newsletter. I just told him that not everyone lives the same kind of life that you do, that there are a lot of people there that have nothing to eat. Just let that sink in and also how to make them realize that even if they’re just little kids, they can do something about it. No one is too young to help!. ●

MAKING FOOD GOOD IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

July 1, 2019/in 2019, Articles /by Melinda Marie Buensuceso

Food establishments and food lovers will once again unite to take action against malnutrition through Love Food Give Food, the campaign that aims to create awareness and raise funds for Action Against Hunger’s projects in the Philippines.

From October 1 to December 1, the campaign encourages any food establishment—from independent restaurants, restaurant groups or chains, bakeries, cafés, cafeterias and even online food sellers—to fundraise in two ways: 1) select 1 or more special items and for every order, a portion of the profits is donated, or 2) encourage their customers to voluntarily donate.

“Running the campaign is really simple, which is why a lot of the food establishments that joined since we started in 2016 continue to support us,” said Dale Nelson Divinagracia, Fundraising Manager for Action Against Hunger. “We know how busy running a business is, especially food service. We send participants all they need in one handy kit that contains all they need to run the campaign: posters, table-cards, menu inserts, guide for staff, donation envelopes and boxes.”

172 food establishments joined in 2018, raising ₱697,557. The campaign was previously known as Restaurants Against Hunger. “We rebranded this year to Love Food Give Food because we wanted any type of food establishment, be it a milk tea kiosk or a carinderia have the opportunity to help out – to make their food good in more ways than one,” continues Mr. Divinagracia.

INTERVIEW WITH MARIO “LUIGI” GUITERREZ

Mario “Luigi” Guiterrez, proud father of 2 boys and 1 daughter, is the Branch Manager of Café Mediterranean Powerplant Mall branch. Luigi has been with the restaurant chain for 9 years. First starting as a server in the Greenbelt branch, he has risen through the ranks in several capacities: Service Trainer, Branch Supervisor, and now Branch Manager.

Café Mediterranean has been participating in Restaurants Against Hunger (Love Food Give Food) ever since it started in the Philippines in 2016, how has this been received by your customers?

The reception was great! Having the table cards in each table really makes our customers curious about the campaign. They ask the waiters more about Restaurants Against Hunger and we tell them that just by ordering their favorite appetizers, they are donating to Action Against Hunger’s projects for families and their children in the Philippines.

Is the campaign easy to implement?

Very easy! Again, the materials you send (the tabletops, posters) makes it easier for us to explain the campaign to our customers.

Does joining this campaign affect the tips that waiters receive?

Not at all. When customers donate, they know that the tip for the waiter is different. This does not affect any

What do you do to motivate your servers to be proactive in promoting the DISHES THAT FEED MORE?

Our boss Marla (Café Mediterranean Owner Ms. Marla Moran) is very supportive of the campaign and we as front liners feel that, just by endorsing the DISHES THAT FEED MORE to our customers, we are also helping our less fortunate countrymen.

How does it make you feel – that the company you work for is actively taking action in ending child hunger in the Philippines?

Really proud! I and all of the servers are at an economic level where we really see the effects of hunger. We would like to help as well. By promoting the campaign, we really feel that we are donating. By promoting the Charity Dishes to our customers, the servers and staff feel that we are also helping our less fortunate countrymen. ●

Nutrition-focused Programming

June 25, 2019/in 2019 /by Admin

SITTIE AINA PALAO, 25, is a mother of 3, residing in the Municipality of Buadiposo Buntong, Lanao del Sur which was greatly affected by Typhoon Tembin when it hit the Philippines in December of 2017. Typhoon Tembin or locally known as Typhoon Vinta, is considered as the deadliest tropical cyclone to strike the Mindanao area since Typhoon Bopha in 2012. Her municipality is also host to internally displaced persons from the Marawi Siege, a 5 month-long armed conflict which started in May 2017.

Sittie’s husband works at a farm while she manages their small sarisari store or neighborhood variety store. Both were damaged during the typhoon which resulted in their dependence on humanitarian assistance, being unable to restore their small enterprise.

In addition to their family’s economic insecurity, Sittie is a lactating mother with Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurement of 20.7cms on initial nutritional screening, which means she is identified as having severe acute malnutrition (SAM). One of her children was also detected to be severely stunted wherein height is inappropriate to age, another was detected to be severely wasted, while the baby below 6 months on exclusive breastfeeding was also identified to have SAM.

With this economic, health and nutrition status, Action Against Hunger provided Sittie support to restore their livelihoods through cash transfer program where she received Php7,000 last 8 February 2019, in addition to 3 rounds of food aid. Since they are malnourished, Action Against Hunger referred them to RHU for management and treatment using the Ready-to-use Therapeutic and Supplementary Food (RUTF and RUSF).

Aside from these, Sittie also participated in awareness sessions on IYCF and hygiene promotion. After a month, Sittie shared that with the food aid given, she is now able to prepare quality meals for her family and that unlike before they no longer eat just once a day. She further shared that the startup capital now provides them an income of at least Php500 per day. “I will really work hard so my store will become big. I am also saving so I can buy a washing machine,” says Sittie of her plans. Further, Sittie narrates that the project helped her to understand nutrition risk to children and PLW. This motivates her to ensure that the regular checkup schedules are followed. Sittie added that the nutritional status of her children has improved because of the joint support of Action Against Hunger and Rural Health Unit of Buadiposo Buntong. She is also happy on the health services provided by the RHU.

In Photo: Sittie and her child during a check-up at the Rural Health Center

Sittie is just one of the many vulnerable women identified by Action Against Hunger through its nutrition-focused targeting for cash-based interventions. Action Against Hunger provides cash transfer to mothers like Sittie to enable them to buy food and/ or other urgent basic needs and/ or restore income generating activities while helping to support local markets. It empowers them to take control of their health and nutrition, enables them to provide for themselves and their family, and allows them to see their children grow up strong.

(Written by Menchie Lacson for Action Against Hunger)

OMPONG LEAVES TRAIL OF DEVASTATION

May 1, 2019/in 2019, Articles /by Admin

In the morning of September 15, Sinamar’s home in Barangay Camp 3 of Tuba, Benguet was caught in a landslide due to Typhoon Ompong. Sinamar, her husband Dennis, their 6-year-old son and other relatives managed to safely evacuate the area. Unfortunately, they also lost a family member as Dennis’ aunt was initially trapped under the eroded soil that buried her home. Four months after their ordeal, Sinamar and her family were left without a home and had to temporarily reside in the evacuation center located at their Barangay’s elementary school. “We couldn’t pass through the main road because it was already eroded by then, so we climbed through the mountain despite the landslide. When we got to the hospital, we stayed there for a week because the children were traumatized,” recalled Sinamar.

Fifty-five-year-old Editha had a similar experience as she, her husband Philip, and their 3 youngest children had to leave their home after the typhoon left damages to their area. They, along with several other families, were no longer allowed to return to their home in Barangay Gumatdang, Itogon, Benguet after it was categorized as part of the danger zone. This left them no choice but to rent a house nearby at ₱3,000 per month. Before Ompong, Philip used to have a stable income by working in the mines. Since the mines needed to be closed for safety purposes, for the time being he creates soft reed brooms which Editha sells in the city. Editha also takes laundry and cleaning jobs as added income. “I hope there won’t be another typhoon like Ompong. Right now, I just wish we’ll be able to go back to our old home so that we won’t have to pay monthly rent,” said Editha.

Editha shares her story how they had to evacuate from their home after a landslide occurred in their neighborhood due to Ompong.

Typhoon Ompong, internationally referred to as Mangkhut, made landfall on September 15, 2018 as a category 4 typhoon with sustained wind speeds of over 200 km/h and gusts of up to over 300 km/h. The large diameter of the typhoon, close to 900 km, affected Regions I, II, III, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), IV-A, IV-B and Metro Manila. Damages to infrastructure and agricultural resulted to an estimated 33.9 Billion Pesos – the 4th costliest typhoon in Philippine history.

The families of Sinamar and Editha including more than 2.14 Million individuals were affected by the typhoon. The landslides proved fatal for families in Benguet, with a total of 71 deaths and 50 injuries confirmed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Action Against Hunger’s Mission Emergency Response Team were on the ground immediately after Typhoon Ompong made landfall and assessed the humanitarian needs of the affected communities in Benguet from September 15 to 20 and have since provided necessary interventions thereafter since provided necessary interventions. Sinamar and Editha’s families were some of the beneficiaries that were given hygiene kits and financial aid as part of Action Against Hunger’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and food security, & livelihood (FSL) projects funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), European Union – Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). ●

I-RESPOND PHASE 2: STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY-BASED AND MULTI-STAKEHOLDER APPROACH TO DISASTER RISK GOVERNANCE

May 1, 2019/in 2019, Articles /by Louielyn Morada

No matter the magnitude and scale of a disaster, the people in the community are always the first to deal with its impact. Thus, it is imperative for people in the community to be well-equipped, not only to respond to, but more so to prepare for disaster risks that they face in their communities. While it is the primary responsibility of government and state actors to uphold people’s right to life and safety and to be protected from any forms of threat, may it be natural or human-induced, people in the community also have the right to develop their capacities to contribute to the process of community resilience building.

The second phase of the I-RESPOND project, implemented by the Action Against Hunger and in partnership with the Kindernothilfe (KNH), seeks to contribute towards this process of resilience building by enabling community-based and multi-stakeholder approach to disaster risk governance. Building on the gains of I-RESPOND Phase 1, wherein 25 Civil Society Organization (CSO) partners of KNH were capacitated to conduct Participatory Capacity and Vulnerability Assessment (PCVA) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Planning in their covered barangays in the Philippines, I-RESPOND Phase 2 seeks to raise the stakes among different DRRM actors in the community to engage in participatory and inclusive risk governance.

Participants of the Training on Good Governance in DRRM of Brgy. Dualing, Aleosan, N.
Cotabato learn about the basic concepts in DRRM. (Photos by Louielyn Morada)

In partnership with 7 out of 25 CSOs from Phase 1, namely Balay Rehabilitation Center, Inc., BULAK Kabataan, Inc., Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse (CPTCSA), Foundation for the Development of Agusanons, Inc. (FDAI), Lakas ng mga Ina, Kabataan, at Sambayanan (LIKAS) Federation, Inc., Self-Help Approach and Rights-based Environment, Inc. (SHARE), and the Tribal Leaders Development Foundation, Inc. (TLDFI), I-RESPOND Phase 2 will focus on capacitating community-based organizations such as Self-Help Groups (SheGs), and Cluster Level Associations (CLAs) in 7 areas in Mindanao and Luzon to collaborate with and influence their respective local government units in disaster risk governance processes. This affirms the fact that members of at-risk communities, including the most vulnerable groups, must be able to participate in decision-making processes and collective action in DRRM through their organizations. Upholding the provisions of the Philippine DRRM Act of 2010 (R.A. 10121), CSO’s must have an enabling space within the local DRRM councils/committees in order to represent their sectors and communities in assessing disaster risks, formulating, budgeting for and implementing DRRM plans, as well as in setting in place mechanisms for accountability.

The Philippines have seen significant developments in policies and practice in DRRM in the past decade. It is similarly so at the international level, with the advent of post-2015 agenda such as the Sendai Framework for DRR, the Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Agreement, and the World Humanitarian Summit. With these in mind, project partners also hope for I-RESPOND 2 to enable the process of reflecting on these developments using the experiences at the local level. Because more than the question of whether these contributed positively on the lives of people in the communities, is the question of how we worked together towards a safe and resilient community. ●

CLASHES CAUSE MORE THAN 46,000 DISPLACED IN MAGUINDANAO

May 1, 2019/in 2019, Articles /by Dale Nelson Divinagracia

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 46,360 people have been displaced in Maguindanao since March 2019 because of the renewed armed conflict between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and a faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the interior areas of the SPMS box (Salibu, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Shariff Aguak).

The SPMS box and the surrounding municipalities have seen continuous hostilities between government forces and rebel groups in the past several years, causing repeated displacement of the same communities in the area.

(Photo by Mhods Suga for Action Against Hunger)

17% of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) live with relatives while 83% are staying in evacuation centers scattered across the area.

“Living conditions are difficult for those in evacuation centers due to inadequate sleeping quarters that offer limited protection from the elements, inefficient cooking areas, limited access to water and sanitary facilities,” said William Baang, former Head of Base for Action Against Hunger’s office in Cotabato. “These variables increase the likelihood of diseases spreading, so it is important that people are given the necessary tools and training to stay hygienic.”

Action Against Hunger conducted hygiene and sanitary promotion sessions along with providing emergency nonfood items and hygiene kits to 600 households in Datu Salibu and Shariff Saydona Mustapha. ●

LIFE AFTER THE SIEGE – MARAWI EMERGENCY RESPONSE

May 1, 2019/in 2019, Articles /by Menchi Lacson

Rohaima & Usman Bungkas had a general merchandise store in the commercial district of Marawi. After being displaced for almost a year following the Marawi siege, the family came back to find their store destroyed. With four teenage children to take care of, the couple needed an income source.

The Palaso family had similar struggles. Fatima Palaso, her husband Arman, and 5 children found refuge from the violence in the nearby town of Balindong. Her family’s only source of income was Arman’s livelihood as a driver-for-hire – not enough for the household. With only a thousand-peso-capital, Fatima decided to open a small store to augment their income.

As part of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Livelihood Restoration Project implemented by Action Against Hunger, Fatima, Rohaima and Usman were some of the beneficiaries who attended a series of financial management orientations and received a cash grant of ₱10,000.

Rohaima and Usman opened a small eatery in Barangay Luksadato which now earns ₱11,500 per month. “I am very happy for the support I received to put up my eatery. If not for this, my family would not have any income at all. I am very grateful,” said Rohaima.

Rohaima and Usman hapilly accommodate a customer buying a meal from their eatery

Fatima on the other hand used the grant as additional capital. Her store now earns ₱ 8,000 net income monthly. “The cash grant is a big help for my family because my store is getting bigger. I now have money for the daily school expenses of my children.” She is positive that her store’s success helped them overcome the initial hardships they endured when they fled Marawi. ●

CONSTANT DISPLACEMENT – MAGUINDANAO EMERGENCY RESPONSE

May 1, 2019/in 2019, Articles /by Admin

Kautin Bano, his wife and children, had to leave their home in Barangay Pandi, Datu Salibo on March 11, 2019, Maguindanao due to the airstrikes that occurred in Barangay Inaladan, Shariff Saydona.

“We were all panicking and we didn’t know what to do at the time that airstrikes started,” recalled Kautin. “We left around 6 in the morning and evacuated to the nearest health center. When we got there, we had no choice but to wait and observe.”

This was not the first time that Kautin and his family were forced to leave their home. During the 1980s, they had to evacuate several times due to a conflict that started with a personal grudge between powerful families. In 2000, they went through a long evacuation process because of the all-out-war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Mindanao. Eight years after, Kautin’s family were part of the 390,000 people displaced when the renewed fighting took place in October 2008 after the drafting of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD).

This time around, Kautin’s family face the same challenges they experienced as frequent evacuees. He explained how difficult their situation was due to the limited supply of clean water. They had to wait for a month until the barangay was able to provide them access to potable water. As a farmer and a fisherman, Kautin’s source of income was put on hold. “We couldn’t go back to our livelihoods because of the conflict in the area,” he explained.

Kautin and his family have experienced the struggle of leaving their home ang setting aside their livelihood for the past three decades. Until this day, he still worries and fears for that time that they would be forced to evacuate again due to another conflict.

Kautin’s family was one of the six hundred families that received non-food items (NFI) and hygiene kits and received training on hygiene and sanitation from Action Against Hunger’s emergency response funded by the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) of United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID). ●

STORIES OF CHANGE: INFLUENCING HEALTH CARE SEEKING BEHAVIOR THROUGH NUTRITION-SENSITIVE PROGRAMMING

May 1, 2019/in 2019, Articles /by Menchi Lacson

A young family from Pendolunan Marawi City fled to Malabang, Lanao del Sur when Marawi siege happened in 2017. This is the family of Sohairen Bangon. Sohairen is an 18 months old boy and 2nd child of Acmad Bangon and Juhaina Marohomsar. Their 1st son is also an under 5 years old boy. But life was difficult in Malabang, so they decided that Juhaina and her two children would better stay in Tuca, Madamba Lanao del Sur with her father. While Acmad will work as a tricycle driver in Malabang and sometimes he would visit his family in Tuca.

Juhaina, 22 years old, is a young mother who lacks guidance on how to take care of her children. Her son Sohairen was nutritionally screened by the Rural Health Unit (RHU) staffs and found out that this child has Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) earlier of year 2019. Prior to this screening, Sohairen was hospitalized due to Pneumonia. RHU Staff enrolled this child to treatment but became a defaulter. This is because Juhaina was non-compliant to the treatment of her son Sohairen. Whenever they were given Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) supplies, she gives portion of it to her 1st child. So Sohairen was not receiving the required nutrients pack in the treatment. Their poverty situation all the more aggravated the situation affecting the whole family with the head of the family not having a sustainable job and income enough to provide their basic needs.

Through the project “REACH: Response to the Unmet Humanitarian Needs of the Most Vulnerable Conflict-Affected Populations in Mindanao”, Juhaina attended sessions on hygiene promotion, received hygiene kits and hyposol, and participated in nutrition education and psychosocial support. The REACH team organized a nutrition screening and nutrition education activity in Madamba last December 2019 in which Juhaina’s son, Sohairen, underwent nutrition screening and was still identified with SAM condition. To fully access the project’s health support, Juhaina supported her son on SAM nutrition management and treatment. In coordination with the Municipal Health Office, Sohairen was referred to RHU and started taking RUTF in December 18, 2019.

Since Juhaina’s family was found to be food insecure, she also accessed the project’s cash assistance for food amounting to Php4,320.00. The support enabled her to provide for her family’s food needs for a month, meeting each member’s required daily nutritional needs.

Sohairen’s condition was regularly monitored by the project team from the time he was enrolled in SAM treatment and finally in February 5, 2020, he transitioned to Ready-to-Use Supplemental Feeding (RUSF). “Tumaba na po ang anak ko (My son has gained weight),” Juhaina happily shared during one of the monitoring visits. This improvement was validated by the RHU Nurse saying, “Nag-improve na po ang weight ni Sohairen. Ngayon po itatransition na siya to RUSF (The weight of Sohairen has improved. He will now be transitioned to RUSF).”

This is just one of the stories of hope in saving children like Sohairen and his brother at the same time allowing the mother to eat well and be healthy in preparation for her 3rd baby delivery anytime soon, through the integrated humanitarian assistance provided by the REACH Project.

The Project “REACH” is funded by ECHO and implemented by the consortium Action Against Hunger, Oxfam, ACCORD, with CARE as lead. It aimed to address the unmet humanitarian needs of conflict-affected populations in Mindanao. The project provided support in Food Security and Nutrition, WASH, and access to health services (Primary health care, nutrition and psychosocial support).●

TUKLAS INNOVATORS CONVERGE IN PASUNDAYAG NATIONAL FAIR

March 30, 2019/in 2019, Articles /by Admin

The Pasundayag National Innovation Fair was held last March 29, 2019 at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, Pasig City in celebration of the different innovations on disaster resiliency that were crafted and honed for the entire year under the Tuklas project. This marks as the culminating event for the project as several Pasundayag Fairs were held across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Dennis O’Brien of Plan International Philippines, Kei Valmoria of the Citizens’ Disaster Response Center (CDRC), Suresanathan Murugesu of Action Against Hunger, and Tim Bishop of CARE USA formally opened the national fair through a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event was graced by the presence of various innovators, agencies, non-government organizations, investors, and both local and international stakeholders and supporters.

In his closing remarks, Deputy Country Director of Action Against Hunger Philippines Mission, Mr. Suresanathan Murugesu, left the participating innovators an inspiring reminder to keep working hard and continuously improve disaster preparedness strategies through their crafts. “Help us bring these ideas to the communities for replication,” said Mr. Murugesu.

Action Against Hunger, together with Plan International, CARE Philippines, and Citizens’ Disaster Response Center put great efforts and focus on implementing the Mindanao Lab. The Tuklas Innovation Labs was supported by UK Aid, Start Network, and CDAC Network. ●

RACE AGAINST HUNGER KICKS OFF IN THE PHILIPPINES

August 1, 2018/in 2018, Articles /by Khristine Arellano

The school year 2017-2018 was made a lot more exciting for students in the Philippines with the launch of the Race Against Hunger. Promoted by Action Against Hunger and present in 28 countries, the campaign aims to create awareness on the problem of malnutrition to young people and empower them to help families suffering from hunger.

The campaign has three key moments. First is the awareness-raising session where an Action Against Hunger staff goes to the school to discuss the problem of hunger and malnutrition in the Philippines. Second, the students look for sponsors who will be willing to pledge an amount for each lap they would finish during the race. Students will collect this after the race. Lastly, the school puts up a race where students run for as many laps as they can.

“An important part of the campaign is creating awareness among the young people about the problem of hunger,” said Suresh Murugesu, Technical Coordinator of Action Against Hunger, “through them, they will spread our advocacy to their immediate family – parents, cousins, aunts, uncles, even friends. Such engagement will eventually lead to commitments from concerned citizens to support our projects in fighting hunger all throughout the Philippines.”

Five schools in Manila initiated the Race Against Hunger in their campuses: Muntinlupa School for Child Development, Philippine Cultural College – Tondo, The King’s School Manila, Philippine Cultural College – Caloocan, and the United Campus of Mahatma Ghandi and Australian International School.

For Elizabeth Carandang, Principal of MSCD, the race was a great opportunity for their faculty members and students to extend their help to other communities. “We were excited because we are not only reaching the barangays near to us but we are reaching out to other barangays who need our help. The children are excited to learn that they can also help little children by just participating in this race,” said Carandang.

A RUNNER’S PROFILE:

She is not your average runner.

That is the best way to describe Katrina Candice “KC” Veran, a Grade 5 student from Muntinlupa School for Child Development (MSCD) where the first Race Against Hunger in the Philippines was held in July 15, 2017. KC is the 10-year old record holder for the highest amount a student was able to raise in sponsorship amounting to Php16,500.00 in pledges. Action Against Hunger interviewed her on how she did it.

What was your motivation in getting a lot of sponsors to pledge?

The reason I was motivated was because I really wanted to help the children who were hungry, who did not have food and who have a

lot of needs.

Who were your sponsors?

My Lolo, my Titas, my cousins, and my mommy & daddy. I would tell them that by sponsoring me, they will be helping people who do not have food.

How many laps did you finish?

12 laps I think… No, it was 14 laps.

14 laps! Wow that is great! How did you feel after the race?

This is the first time I’ve joined a charity event and I felt happy because I knew that I would be helping people in need.

We will be having other Race Against Hunger events in 2018. What tips can you offer other children in getting sponsors?

Whenever a relative visits the house, I would immediately ask them to sponsor me on how many laps I can finish. Just go and find sponsors – anybody can be a sponsor!

237,000 PEOPLE STILL DISPLACED FROM MARAWI

August 1, 2018/in 2018, Articles /by Dale Nelson Divinagracia

One year after the Siege of Marawi started on May 23, 2017, an estimated 237,000 people are still displaced. While an estimated 164,000 people have returned to the city, “ground zero” or the site where the intense fighting occurred still remains closed.

The displaced population, many of which are suffering from psychological stress, are hardly receiving support from the international community. “We are talking about an intense unprecedented siege in the country that lasted five months that turned Marawi into a ghost town,” said Javad Amoozegar, former Country Director of Action Against Hunger Philippines, who led the emergency response projects when the armed conflict started. “Although the battle officially ended on October 23, 2017, seven months later the level of destruction made it impossible to return to ground zero and 237,000 displaced persons (an estimated 360,000 people initially left the city) still live in settlements or in host communities that can barely cover their basic needs: they depend on food aid and water purchased from private suppliers or supplied in tankers,” explained Benedetta Lettera, Desk Officer for Action Against Hunger Philippines.

“The delicate situation was further exacerbated when Tropical Storm Vinta made landfall in the areas where the evacuees were staying on December 22, affecting 175,000 people,” added Amoozegar. Lettera also mentioned that many farmers or people with peri-urban orchards were displaced, losing their livelihoods and source of food. “The siege completely broke the market dynamics: Marawi was the main commercial center and supplier of goods to the river communities of Lake Lanao. The economic impact of the armed conflict was that it completely destroyed trade,” she explained. Amoozegar warns of the risk of radicalization among the young people: “In the context of extreme poverty, they will find that joining jihadist groups to be an easy option. What happened in Marawi could resurface at any time or anywhere in the island of Mindanao. ●

10 TUKLAS INNOVATIONS GET UNDERWAY IN MINDANAO

August 1, 2018/in 2018, Articles /by Avegail Agata Escano

After a series of reviews done by the Tungo sa Kahandaan ng Pilipinas (TUKLAS) Innovation Lab, 40 out of 72 innovations were chosen for the final review. The final 40 and their ideas are now being supported as TUKLAS Innovators and Innovation Teams.

10 of these 40 innovations are now in the stage of developing its prototype in some Mindanao communities. These prototypes are: 1) DisP(ner) Bag, a weather-proof emergency bag that can be used for multiple purposes, such as a floater or tent; 2) Popularizing Indigenous Early Warning Systems, a system of documenting and popularizing indigenous knowledge on early warning for disaster risk reduction; 3) Bamboo River Embankment, a bamboo dike embankment to mitigate the impact of frequent flooding and soil erosion; 4) Matigam Kaw Iso: Mandaya Children’s Active Participation, an innovation on encouraging participation of children from hazard-prone, indigenous people communities in disaster risk management through a child-to-child approach; 5) Formulating Innovative Resiliency reduction program and manual; 6) Disaster Resiliency Fund, a community- managed, savings program for disaster preparedness activities of coastal communities; 7) People’s Initiative and Involvement in the Development of Technology (PINDOT), an offline mobile application for emergency reporting, and mapping of vulnerable families; 8) Promoting Cultural Innovation for Increased Resilience of Children, a facilitation of peace modules and cultural exchange to support the recovery of children affected by armed-conflict; 9) Growing Food, Saving Lives, use of urban gardening as an approach to community building and coping with post-disaster trauma among internally displaced persons from Marawi City; and 10) Early-Warning and Early Response Mechanisms for Armed-Conflict, a community-based mechanism to prevent and mitigate impact of armed-conflict and other human-induced disasters. In Filipino, ‘tuklas’ means ‘discover’, thus the TUKLAS Innovation Lab aims to identify innovative ideas and entrepreneurs across the country.

Hosted by Plan International and in partnership with Action Against Hunger, CARE, and the Citizens Disaster Response Centre (CDRC) which is a local civil society organization (CSO), TUKLAS has a collective experience of 174 years working from within the communities in the Philippines to improve emergency preparedness and response.

The TUKLAS Innovation Lab reaches out through networks of CSOs, community groups and leaders, businesses, academics, inventors and inspired youth to identify, test, and refine innovative ideas and methods to strengthen communities’ response and preparedness to disaster across the country, taking a bottom-up or user-centered approach to nurture, test, and scale promising models that will address gaps to improve emergency preparedness in the disaster prone country. ●

TASK FORCE BANGON MARAWI AWARDS ACTION AGAINST HUNGER

August 1, 2018/in 2018, Articles /by Dale Nelson Divinagracia

MARAWI CITY – Action Against Hunger Philippine Mission’s humanitarian efforts in response to the Marawi Siege was recognized during the closing ceremonies of Marawi Week of Peace, a week-long commemoration of heroism and unity during the conflict initiated on May 24, 2018 by Task Force Bangon Marawi, its member line agencies, and local government units.

The Iligan Base Team, headed by Ivan Ledesma, received a plaque of appreciation from Retired Maj. Gen. Delfin Lorenzana, Secretary of National Defense, and Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr., AFP Chief of Staff. Action Against Hunger was the only International Non-Government Organization to receive the Task Force Bangon Marawi award. ●

RESTAURANTS AGAINST HUNGER: DISHES THAT FEED MORE

June 1, 2018/in 2018, Articles /by Khristine Arellano

Chefs, restauranteurs, and foodies will once again get the chance to fight hunger this 2018 through Restaurants Against Hunger, a campaign that aims to create awareness and raise funds for projects fighting hunger in the Philippines.

The mechanics of the campaign is simple: from October 1 to December 1, participating restaurants offer dishes from their menu which are tagged as ‘dishes that feed more.’ Every time a customer orders a special dish, a portion of the profit goes to Action Against Hunger projects in various areas in the Philippines.

“Restaurants Against Hunger makes me realize that our craft goes beyond mere cooking, it also transforms into a stronger cause that enables us to have a chance to make someone’s future healthy,” stated Chef Roland “Lau” Laudico, the campaign’s ambassador in the Philippines. This international movement started during the World Food Day in France in 1998. Because of the success of the campaign, this was later launched in the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain and the United States. As of writing, 13 countries around the world, including Italy, France, Colombia, Bolivia, India, Germany, Guatemala and the Philippines, are implementing it.

“The campaign is now on its 3rd year in the Philippines,” said Dale Nelson Divinagracia, Fundraising Manager for Action Against Hunger. “We initially launched it in 2016 coinciding with the burgeoning Manila food scene. Amidst the growth, we knew that chefs and restaurant owners were looking for ways to help stop hunger in the country. The campaign was the perfect avenue for them to

extend their reach.”

In 2017, a total of 103 restaurants joined the campaign and raised Php 683,737.00. The previous edition was supported by LTB Chef’s Association and sponsored by McCormick Culinary Philippines. Collaborators were Zomato and Spin Manila, Inc. “I’m on board for Restaurants Against Hunger, I hope that you will come on board too!” said Marla Moran, owner of Café Mediterranean and Wild Ginger. ●

VALUING PWD’S CAPACITIES IN MANAGING RESILIENT LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES

May 1, 2018/in 2018, Articles /by Vina Menez

Epitacio, 53 years old and a father of three, has been living with optimism despite his physical deformities. He is a polio survivor, a disease that attacks the nervous system leading to paralysis. Despite his condition, Epitacio was determined to live like a normal person and strived hard to provide food and other basic needs to his family. He is an elected councilor of Barangay Balete and the federation president of Bayabas Special Persons Organization (BASPO).

“My husband is a good provider because he accepts carpentry works, shoe repair and did hair cutting just to provide our needs. Even both of us are working, still it is difficult to catch up the needs of our children,” says Morninggrace, wife of Epitacio.

As voice of persons-with-disabilities, he started the lobbying for an income generating project for BASPO years ago. He talked with

government agencies and private organizations about the condition of his members and their hopes to have an extra source of income. But because of limited funds, his requests were denied. Action Against Hunger introduced the concept of resilient livelihood under the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – Climate Change Adaptation (DRRM-CCA) project funded by Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). BASPO was chosen based on their identified needs, existing capacities, availability of managed projects and recommendations of the Local Chief Executive.

“It was our first time to be involved in discussion like this asking about our needs, views and opinions on our desired livelihood. We

appreciate consultations and sharing like these as we realized that we are part of the community also, not as hopeless people but capable individuals that can contribute in any community undertakings,” explains Rene Dumanhog, treasurer of BASPO. After exploring various livelihood options suitable for persons-with-disabilities, a community-based mushroom production was chosen and formally started last April 19, 2018. As pilot, 30 members and immediate family members of BASPO were trained on tissue culture, spawn making, substrate making, bagging, monitoring and harvesting.

To date, an aggregate volume of 13 kilos have been harvested out of the 390 fruiting bags and gained about Php 2,600.00. Members

including Epitacio are appreciative of their efforts because they are beginning to savour the fruits of their labor. Initial profit was used for motorcycle maintenance that has been mobilized for rice straw gathering and other operational expenses like replenishment of fruiting bags.

To ensure resiliency during emergencies, a Community-Managed Savings and Credit Association (CoMSCA) was adopted to encourage the culture of savings among members. Part of the savings mechanism is to establish a social fund that will be pulled out in times of need aside from the individual savings. Epitacio further says that “I am hopeful that this livelihood project will help us augment our income to and to increase our participation as vulnerable group in disaster risk reduction activities of the municipality.”

Action Against Hunger is working closely with the Municipal Mayor’s Office, Municipal Agriculture Office and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) to expand the production facility particularly the construction of laboratory, incubation and sterilization areas. Trainings on financial management, product development and roll-out of savings mechanism are also pipelined to be implemented by month of May 2018 aside from marketing and product development activities. ●

KEEPING THE SCHOOL CLEAN

January 1, 2018/in 2018, Articles /by Maria Therese Norbe

On May 23, 2017, conflict broke out in Marawi City between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and armed fighters from two ISIL-affiliated groups – Abu Sayyaf and the Maute. This led to a 5-month siege that destroyed most of the city’s central commercial district and forced 350,000 people to evacuate their homes. 5% of the evacuees stayed in evacuation centers while 95% choose to stay with relatives and friends in nearby communities.
The host communities where the evacuees stayed were caught unprepared with the massive influx of people. Food, health, water, sanitation and other basic services for the displaced population were severely compromised. Action Against Hunger personnel were on the ground two days after the conflict started to assess the situation and determine the urgent humanitarian needs of the affected population. Emergency Response projects in Food & Nutrition, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), Food Security and Livelihoods, and Shelter started on June 1, 2017 and continues to this day.
These are the voices of the people who endured the Siege of Marawi through resilience and determination.

Built in 1965 for the education of children of farming families from the remote areas of Pantao Ragat, the Aloon Elementary School’s problems on water, sanitation and hygiene were as old as the school.

Norphia M. Ombawa, 33, was a student from the school and now teaches there. She observed that her pupils are experiencing the same situation she had as an elementary student before. There were no water facilities in the campus because the water tank for rainwater storage was already rotting in rust with age. They were using plastic containers to catch water when it rains. During the dry season, they had to fetch water from a spring which was a distance from their school.

“Our toilet which was made of wood collapsed a few years back so we didn’t have one to use. Our pupils would go under the trees at the back of the school to urinate and sometimes, to defecate”, she said.

With the line of trees just a few meters from their classroom, sometimes the smell of feces would go through their windows and distract their classes. Some of her pupils would also smell bad throughout the day because of being improperly washed. She worried that their exposure to germs would get them sick.

The local government responded to the water concern by connecting the school’s pipes to the water storage facility in the Mosque across the street. But, the lack of a toilet for the students to use was still a problem and open defecation continued.

This situation became more difficult when several families displaced due to the Marawi Conflict took refuge in their village on May 2017. The number of pupils spiked up with children from the displaced population enrolling at the school. They went back to having less water, if none at all because the Mosque’s water tank was also shared with the refugees.

So when the Action Against Hunger tracked the displacement of children in the village, they also heard the concerns of the teachers on the school’s lack of toilet and their own water access facilities.

Action Against Hunger’s mobile team was already working in the area answering the needs of the displaced population and got word of the school’s concern. With the funding from the United Nations Children’s Fund and the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund, the organization built a tap stand for handwashing, tooth brushing and drinking water. A two-door concrete toilet was also constructed within the school grounds.

Action Against Hunger personnel held a series of hygiene promotion sessions to the students, teaching them the importance of proper sanitation & hygiene to avoid the spread of diseases. These sessions also trained them on the proper way to hand wash and brush their teeth. After these sessions, each student was given a hygiene kit that contained soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste and towels that they could use every day in school and at home.

Norphia integrated the messages and techniques from these sessions in her classes and continues to remind them about the importance of being clean and keeping the surroundings clean as well.

“They became conscious on their hygiene and the cleanliness of the school. Their parents also told me that they brought this practice at home”, she shared. ●

VINTA’S AFTERMARTH

January 1, 2018/in 2018, Articles /by Response

The rain brought by tropical storm Vinta started to trickle over the village of Lininding in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur on the morning of December 23, 2017. Casan Panggaga, 41, hurried to get the rice grains that he laid to dry outside their house. It was when he was putting them in a sack that he heard the sound of heavy rain and raging water coming from a distance.

“I turned around and saw the water from the farthest part of the river swelled and was rushing towards our village. I ran back to the house while shouting for my wife to get the children out,” Casan shared.

He, his wife and two children took to the hills just as the water swallowed some of the houses along the riverside. From their elevated area, they saw their house slowly being uprooted by the strong currents until it finally drifted downstream towards the river. All of their belongings were swept away including the sacks of rice they recently harvested. Water overflowed from the dikes and filled their rice fields.

When the rain and the flood subsided, Casan saw the damage the typhoon caused to his livelihood: eroded sand, soil, rocks and debris buried the dikes and rice fields.

“It would take months of hard work to make it suitable for farming again. But I couldn’t start working because all my tools were lost to the flood,” he said.

Farming was not only his source of income, it also provided them their daily sustenance. All the harvested rice that would get them through the planting season was gone. They mostly relied on relief from the government during the aftermath of the tragedy.

Action Against Hunger mobile teams were on the ground conducting an assessment of the needs of the population affected by the typhoon within 24 hours. With funding support from START FUND, the organization assisted Casan and other families from his community through the distribution of Temporary Shelter Kits for use in repairing and even rebuilding their houses. A kit contains construction materials for temporary shelter: tarpaulin, tie wire, rope, and nails. It also comes along with construction tools: a hammer, a shovel & a saw.

Immediately after rebuilding their house, Casan and his son worked on their farm using the shovels to dig up and clear the mud from the rice fields. As soon as the mud is cleared, they will be working with other farmers to rebuild the dikes so that they could get water flowing from the river to their fields.

“We still need new plows to prepare the soil for planting. But, it’s not too difficult to start farming again because we have new tools now”, he shared.●

NORTH COTABATO LEVEL UP IN ZOD

January 1, 2018/in 2018, Articles /by Adrienne Cabalinan

COTABATO CITY– Seven municipalities in the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato are declared as Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) in January 15, 2018.

The municipalities of Arakan, President Roxas, Paglat, South Upi, Upi, General Salipada K. Pendatun, and Datu Abdullah Sangki are declared as ZOD because 100% of the households in each of its barangays now have access to sanitary toilets, clean water and soap for hand washing. All of the barangays in each municipalities contributed to the total of 184 barangays in Maguindanao and North Cotabato earlier declared as open-defecation free.

“The ZOD declaration is one of the greatest achievements we’ve ever had. For us health workers, it is one of the greatest contributions we can offer to decrease communicable diseases, diarrhea cases and other environmental sanitation problems,” said Rebecca Tenorio who serves as a nurse in the Rural Health Unit of South Upi, Maguindanao for 14 years.

The ZOD program is one of the flagship programs of the Department of Health that aims to declare the entire Philippines as ZOD in 2022. Action Against Hunger has been supporting the implementation of the ZOD program since 2012 through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)-funded project called Scaling up Sustainable and Resilient Basic Sanitation, Safe Water, and Improved Hygiene Behaviour.

The project aims to deliver clean water and improve practices on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene to households, schools and day care centers that make use of the Community Led Total Sanitation, a participatory strategy that facilitates the community’s desire to stop open defecation. The campaign has been gathering households and using “shock, shame, and disgust” to raise awareness on the negative effects of open defecation, especially among children, and create a demand for hygienic toilet facilities. “Action Against Hunger and UNICEF gave us confidence in advocating our campaign with the knowledge and learning they imparted to us. Truly, we believe we can do it on our own way,” added Tenorio.

As of writing, Action Against Hunger continues stop open defecation in more barangays within Maguindanao and North Cotabato to achieve 100% ZOD. ●

A FRESH START

January 1, 2018/in 2018, Articles /by Maria Therese Norbe

On May 23, 2017, conflict broke out in Marawi City between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and armed fighters from two ISIL-affiliated groups – Abu Sayyaf and the Maute. This led to a 5-month siege that destroyed most of the city’s central commercial district and forced 350,000 people to evacuate their homes. 5% of the evacuees stayed in evacuation centers while 95% choose to stay with relatives and friends in nearby communities.
The host communities where the evacuees stayed were caught unprepared with the massive influx of people. Food, health, water, sanitation and other basic services for the displaced population were severely compromised. Action Against Hunger personnel were on the ground two days after the conflict started to assess the situation and determine the urgent humaniarian needs of the affected population. Emergency Response projects in Food & Nutrition, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), Food Security and Livelihoods, and Shelter started on June 1, 2017 and continues to this day.

These are the voices of the people who endured the Siege of Marawi through resilience and determination.

On May 24, 2017, the morning after the conflict started in Marawi City, Noraida Ombar and her family left their home in Brgy. Lilod Madaya. With no means of transportation, she, her husband, and her 11 children walked for more than two hours to Brgy. Alinun, Saguiaran where her brother waited.

“My children almost fainted because of the heat and the exhaustion. We were so scared that we didn’t notice how hungry we were until we arrived here,” she said.

Her brother Macalayo welcomed them to his house where other displaced relatives also took refuge. She noticed that the sack of rice her brother gave to all the visitors was soon empty as more displaced relatives came in the succeeding days.

Knowing that their hosts also have their own families’ needs to take care of, she and her family relied mostly on the food aid that the government and other humanitarian organizations were giving.

However, the distance of Brgy. Alinun from the town center made delivery of the food aid inconsistent. And when government food aid did come, it was not enough for her large family. The week’s supply of food only lasted for a few days.

This food insufficiency was noted by the Action Against Hunger mobile team when they passed Brgy Alinunin on September 2017. The organization was doing an assessment of the needs of the displaced families who choose not to live in evacuation centers. According to data from UNOCHA, 94% of the 360,000 people who were forced to flee opted to stay with relatives.

With funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Action Against Hunger distributed food aid kits enough for a month’s food supply for each family in the Barangay. When Noraida opened her family’s kit, she was pleased to find dried fish, eggs, cooking oil, biscuits, mung beans, fruits and vegetables.

“We had been eating so much canned food that having fresh food we can cook was a relief for us,”, she said

The first meal that she cooked and shared with her family reminded her how good wholesome fresh and nutritious food was for them. Before long, she and her husband were cultivating rice substitutes like cassava, taro and sweet potatoes on a patch of land that her brother lent them. However, backyard farming with only a few tools they borrowed from their new neighbors was tedious.

Action Against Hunger engineers were building a communal toilet and installing a water reservoir in her community at this time. Noraida asked if she could have the construction tools to use for farming once construction was done. When the structures were completed, they gave her a shovel, a rake, a trowel, shears, a hoe, gloves and a wheelbarrow.

Farming was more efficient with these tools, so much so that Noraida added more variety and planted tomatoes, spring onions, okra, eggplant, bell peppers and other vegetables.

“We can’t go on relying on food aid or be a burden to our relatives. At least, with this garden, we could grow some nutritious food for our everyday consumption,”, she said.

When they harvested some of their crops for the first time, their fellow refugees were encouraged to follow their example. Noraida lent them the tools and they also started their own backyard farms. They are now planning to ask the barangay to use some of the idle lands to start a communal vegetable garden●

A MOTHER’S MILK

January 1, 2018/in 2018, Articles /by Maria Therese Norbe

On May 23, 2017, conflict broke out in Marawi City between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and armed fighters from two ISIL-affiliated groups – Abu Sayyaf and the Maute. This led to a 5-month siege that destroyed most of the city’s central commercial district and forced 350,000 people to evacuate their homes. 5% of the evacuees stayed in evacuation centers while 95% choose to stay with relatives and friends in nearby communities.
The host communities where the evacuees stayed were caught unprepared with the massive influx of people. Food, health, water, sanitation and other basic services for the displaced population were severely compromised. Action Against Hunger personnel were on the ground two days after the conflict started to assess the situation and determine the urgent humanitarian needs of the affected population. Emergency Response projects in Food & Nutrition, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), Food Security and Livelihoods, and Shelter started on June 1, 2017 and continues to this day.
These are the voices of the people who endured the Siege of Marawi through resilience and determination.

Idalia Beruar, 33, nursed her 2-month old daughter Queenie while her husband Ibrahim fed their two boys in one of the makeshift living quarters at the gymnasium-turned-evacuation center in Barangay Sta. Elena, Iligan City. After all they had been through, she was glad that all four of them were alive and well.

She was four months pregnant when they fled the armed conflict from Marawi City. They took the route which passed through the forest because gunshots were heard from the highways. The road was rough with rocks and slippery with mud. It took them hours to trek it with one child on her husband’s back and the other one on his arms. The heat and the tedious hike soon made them thirsty. Having brought no water with them, they resorted to drinking from any water source they could find along the path.

It was when they were walking through the municipality of Tagoloan when their 2-year old son Delmar got sick. “He was so pale and he kept on throwing up and had loose bowels. We stopped a car and asked the owner to take us to a hospital because I feared that our son might not last the journey,” she said.

At the Iligan City hospital, the doctor who attended to Delmar saved him from severe dehydration. He was discharged a few days later and joined his family at the evacuation center where they found a space to live in. The experience made Idalia careful on what her children ate and drank.

Fortunately, their first month in the evacuation center fell on the celebration of the holy Ramadan. Cooked food and purified drinking water were donated by their fellow Muslims who were not displaced by the armed conflict.

After that month, they relied mainly on the relief goods from government agencies and other organizations responding to the crisis. However, the food donations were mostly canned goods and instant noodles. Idalia was concerned that, with her being pregnant and her children still less than five years old, they were not getting the right nutrition they needed.

“I suffered from urinary tract infection. Maybe it was because of too much salt intake from the canned goods. My children also got thinner as the days went by,” she shared.

Starting September 2017, Action Against Hunger, with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), brought food aid kits for pregnant women, lactating mothers and families with children aged less than five years old. Idalia remembered the sack of good quality rice, mung beans, dried fish, fruits and vegetables included among the many items in the food aid kit they received.

“I cooked the mung beans with the dried fish and moringa leaves. My children ate it well with the delicious rice they gave us,” she shared.

She and other pregnant women and lactating mothers were also encouraged by Action Against Hunger personnel to attend a seminar on breastfeeding and infant and children care practices funded by the Spanish Cooperation for International Development (AECID). Idalia pointed out that she had always breastfed her children because they did not like the formula she prepared for them. But in the seminar, she learned that breastmilk is still the most nutritious food for the baby. She and her co-participants were also taught to massage their breasts to produce more milk when the baby is suckling from them.

“I was amazed also that the mothers who trained us brought their babies to the seminar, breastfed them, bathe them and changed their diapers for all of us to see,” Idalia said.

When she delivered her baby Princess on November 2, 2017, Idalia applied what she learned in the seminar and breastfed her baby. She also made it a habit to hydrate with water and vegetable soup. She also maintained taking ferrous sulfate and Vitamin A to keep herself strong and healthy. Today, at two months, Princess weighs six kilos and is always at her mother’s side.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority were conducting skills training for livelihood at the evacuation center Idalia’s family was situated. Even though she was taking care of two boys and a newborn, Idalia grabbed the opportunity to sign-up for these courses for livelihood opportunities while they were indefinitely staying at the evacuation center. Having seen the mothers who trained them during the child-care seminar bringing their babies while working, she brought Princess along with her when she attended the training classes.

“At first, it was difficult because she’s already heavy. But I wanted her to nurse her any time she needed to.” ●

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

January 1, 2018/in 2018, Articles /by Maria Therese Norbe

On May 23, 2017, conflict broke out in Marawi City between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and armed fighters from two ISIL-affiliated groups – Abu Sayyaf and the Maute. This led to a 5-month siege that destroyed most of the city’s central commercial district and forced 350,000 people to evacuate their homes. 5% of the evacuees stayed in evacuation centers while 95% choose to stay with relatives and friends in nearby communities.
The host communities where the evacuees stayed were caught unprepared with the massive influx of people. Food, health, water, sanitation and other basic services for the displaced population were severely compromised. Action Against Hunger personnel were on the ground two days after the conflict started to assess the situation and determine the urgent humaniarian needs of the affected population. Emergency Response projects in Food & Nutrition, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH), Food Security and Livelihoods, and Shelter started on June 1, 2017 and continues to this day.
These are the voices of the people who endured the Siege of Marawi through resilience and determination.

The village of Paling in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur was among one of the communities where hundreds of people displaced due to the Marawi Conflict sought refuge. Being one of the poorest in the municipality, its local government headed by Barangay Chairman Dimalumping Matanog was caught unprepared to address the problems that came with hosting the displaced families. “They needed help and it is in our culture as Maranaos to come together as a village to help them in their time of need,” Chairman Matanog said.

However, their distance from the town center hindered the delivery of relief goods when they were badly needed. Evacuees who chose to stay with their relatives than in the evacuation centers felt left out from receiving aid. They soon became weak with hunger and sick with diarrhea.

“Our water here was contaminated and we already had problems with diarrhea amongst the residents, even before the arrival of the bakwits (evacuees). The nearest health center is 2 KM from

here,” he said.

Action Against Hunger Team assessed the situation and found out that the swell in population exacerbated a fragile sanitation infrastructure: the well where the community sourced its water needed to be rehabilitated; only a few households had their own toilets, and if they did, these were open pit latrines that could possibly contaminate the groundwater. The lack of toilets meant that a lot of people defecated in the open – a practice that would easily spread diseases.

With funding from the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), Action Against Hunger launched a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project to address the concerns of the host community and the evacuees.

Action Against Hunger WASH Engineers launched the project by rehabilitating the community’s exposed water source and covering it

to stop contamination. The engineers trained the barangay officials proper maintenance of the water source to ensure the availability of clean water for the residents.

Paling is a rural barangay composed of sitios that are far from the village center with consultation with the barangay officials, the engineers identified 3 areas where a 2-door toilet facility with a water tap stand and its own water reservoir would be built. Having these WASH facilities in several areas would make access more convenient for the community.

As their counterpart in the project, the barangay officials organized a group from the residents and the evacuees to provide labor. Guided by Action Against Hunger WASH Engineers, the laborers finished construction on March 6, 2018.

One WASH facility was built near the village’s mosque. “The worshippers would use the water from the tap stands for their

ablution,” Chairman Matanog Said “We also have events here in the barangay and many people who attend could now use the toilets. Families whose house are nearby that don’t have toilets could now use what we built. Even transients who passed by our roads could use the toilet or drink from our tap stand.”

An important component of the project was promoting good hygiene and sanitation practices in the community. “There is this concept of Positive Deviance that aims for behavioral changes within the community,“ WASH Project head Samera Monib explains “We do this by identifying and recruiting individuals – mothers, fathers or any members of the community who has expressed understanding and commitment to change the WASH situation in their respective communities – and have them pass on their good practices to other families. They were actively participating in their community activities and were recommended by the Barangay Leaders and the Rural Health Unit. We call them Community Health Promoters and give them training on WASH participatory approach on hygiene promotion.”

Junaidah Matanog, one of the twelve Community Health Promoters, was encouraged to volunteer because she saw how some of the children in the village became vulnerable to skin diseases, diarrhea and even dengue due to poor hygiene. “We try to promote these to our neighbors but in casual conversations only so that it doesn’t come as offensive to them. Most of the volunteers are young mothers so it gets awkward for us to lecture older people,” she said.

She and her fellow health promoters taught the children to make proper hygiene a habit. They coached the children on the proper way to wash their hands, brush their teeth, and cut their fingernails. They also instructed them to bathe regularly. In addition, the promoters also spearheaded clean-up drives involving the whole community to prevent mosquito production that could spread bacteria. ●

Typhoon Yolanda Emergency Response strengthens humanitarian support following oil spill in Estancia, Iloilo

December 3, 2013/in Articles /by Admin

The huge oil spill from a wrecked barge in the shoreline of Estancia, Iloilo after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) poses health risks to disaster survivors.

ACF International is in Estancia and San Dionisio in the province of Iloilo and the towns of Pilar, Pontevedra, Batad and Concepcion in the province of Capiz, building latrines and installing water storage units (water bladder) for the disaster survivors.

After the first phase of emergency response across typhoon-ravaged areas in Leyte, Panay, and Samar islands, ACF will work on rehabilitating water networks, protecting livelihoods such as rice farming, and recovering productive resources.

Funds are still urgently needed. Together with other NGOs, UN agencies, and the international community, ACF is encouraging citizens and corporations to make donations without delay.