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

March 17, 2026/by Admin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the learning environment became a barrier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Creating a safe, inclusive, and dignified learning space

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And for Riza, these changes mean more than comfort.

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

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

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

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

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

The Strengthening Health and Nutrition Service Delivery Capacities in Early Learning, Alternative Learning, and Community Health project is implemented by Action Against Hunger together with UNICEF, with funding support from the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

Read Riza’s story offline

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

Lighting the way for health: A midwife’s journey to bring safer health services to mothers and children in Mapayag

January 7, 2026/by Admin

DATU ANGGAL MIDTIMBANG, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — In Barangay Mapayag, where resources have long been scarce, midwife Zei has become a constant presence, ensuring mothers and children receive the care they need.

For more than a decade, Zei, 53, has walked the extra mile—literally and figuratively—for her community. A midwife at the health station in Barangay Mapayag, Zei travels two hours every day from her home in Sultan Kudarat just to open the small facility that caters to more than 3,700 residents.

In photo: Before assessing a child’s nutritional status, the Zei carefully gathers essential details such as medical history, appetite, and overall health condition.
Photo by Moner Dipatuan for Action Against Hunger

Her commitment to her work never wavered, yet the conditions she faced each day were far from ideal. For years, the barangay health station in Mapayag struggled without a reliable water supply. Maintaining basic sanitation and hygiene, which is a necessity in any health facility, became a constant uphill battle.

“I buy two big buckets from a water truck every week for fifty pesos. Sometimes, when it rains, we collect water just so we have something for cleaning.” – Zei, Midwife

Zei bore much of the cost herself, spending around fifty pesos a week from her modest salary to buy water from a truck, just to keep the health station clean. She claims, “mula pa noong 2013, wala pong sariling tubig ang BHS. Ang ginagawa ko, bumibili ako ng tubig mula sa water truck—dalawang malaking balde, bale fifty pesos iyon bawat linggo. Minsan kapag umuulan, nag-iipon din po kami para may magamit panglinis” (Since 2013, the BHS hasn’t had its own water supply. I buy two big buckets from a water truck every week for fifty pesos. Sometimes, when it rains, we collect water just so we have something for cleaning.)

n photo: A child’s weight, height, and MUAC are measured to
monitor nutritional status and check for signs of malnutrition.
Photo by Moner Dipatuan for Action Against Hunger

The strain was not hers alone to carry. Families who came to the health station also shared the burden, especially expectant mothers. Zei shares that “kapag may naganganak, pinapadala ko ang husband or kamag-anak nung manganganak ng dalawa hanggang tatlong timba ng tubig para may malinis na magamit” (Whenever someone is about to give birth, I would ask the husband or relatives to bring two to three buckets of water so we would have clean water to use.)

“Before, I had to close the BHS as early as 3PM. I worried about the lack of light, the lack of water, and my safety if I stayed longer. So when emergencies happened at night, people went straight to the hospital because the BHS was closed.”

By 2017, another challenge made the situation even more difficult: the health station lost electricity. Without power, the facility was plunged into darkness by late afternoon, forcing Zei to close as early as 3 PM.

The lack of lighting not only limited services but also raised safety concerns. Emergencies that occurred at night went unanswered, leaving families with no option but to travel far to the nearest hospital.

“Dati maaga pa lang, mga 3PM, nagko-close na po ako ng BHS. Concern ko talaga yung walang ilaw, walang tubig, iniisip ko rin ang safety ko if mag-stay dito. Kaya pag gabi na may emergencies, diretso na ang mga tao sa hospital kasi sarado ang BHS” (Before, I had to close the BHS as early as 3PM. I worried about the lack of light, the lack of water, and my safety if I stayed longer. So when emergencies happened at night, people went straight to the hospital because the BHS was closed,) she added.

Despite these hardships, Zei pressed on—often improvising with outdated or makeshift equipment, and carrying the weight of her community’s needs almost entirely on her own.

In 2025, UNICEF, together with Action Against Hunger, began formally working with the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through the project “Strengthening Health and Nutrition Service Delivery Capacities in Early Learning, Alternative Learning, and Community Health,” supported by funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The project seeks to enhance the capacity of Early Childhood Care and Development facilities to deliver essential health, nutrition, and water, sanitation & hygiene services. Through this initiative, the BHS in Mapayag started experiencing long-awaited improvements in its facilities and services.

“This project by Action Against Hunger and UNICEF has been such a huge help. First of all, we now have water both inside and outside the BHS. I no longer need to buy or fetch it myself.”

In Mapayag, one of the first major changes was access to water. A rainwater catchment system was installed and connected through piped water to the health station. Handwashing stations were also built—both inside and outside the facility—for the use of staff and patients alike. For the first time in more than a decade, Zei no longer had to buy or fetch water herself.

Families also felt the difference, as they no longer needed to bring buckets during childbirth. “Sa tulong po na ito, I hope na mas marami pa ang mga taong maserbisyuhan, makita nila ang kahalagahan ng kalusugan, lalo na sa mga bata” (Because of this support, I truly hope that more people will be served and that they will come to recognize the importance of health, especially for their children,) said Zei.

Another long-awaited change came with the installation of solar power.

The provision of a solar panel system, complete with battery and inverter, meant that the health station could finally function even after dark.

For Zei, this was a turning point—allowing her to stay at the BHS 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday. Emergencies at night could now be attended to within the community, rather than requiring long trips to distant hospitals.

She shares, “ngayon, kahit may manganak ng gabi o madaling araw, andito ako. Open po ang BHS” (Now, even if someone gives birth late at night or early in the morning, I’m here. The BHS is open.)

“Now, even if someone gives birth late at night or early in the morning, I’m here. The BHS is open [..] Since we were trained under PIMAM, I now know the proper way to check children. Even the barangay health workers and nutrition scholars are more confident now and I have more support.”

The project also addressed small but crucial details that affected daily health practices. Soap and cleaning materials were provided to help maintain hygiene standards. Drainage issues behind the facility, once a source of stagnant water and potential disease, were resolved through a proper soak pit system.

Patients visiting the BHS could now wash their hands easily, helping promote better hygiene behaviors such as frequent handwashing and safe waste disposal.

In photo: The rain water catchment system in the barangay health station of Mapayag. Hygiene advocacy materials were also placed near the handwashing station. Photo by Moner Dipatuan for Action Against Hunger

Equally important were the tools that made Zei and her colleagues’ work more accurate and effective.

For years, they had been using improvised equipment—bathroom scales meant for adults to weigh children, and torn paper charts taped to the wall as makeshift height boards. With new anthropometric tools such as height boards, weighing scales, and MUAC tapes, health workers could now properly monitor children’s growth and detect malnutrition early.

Training and capacity building completed the transformation. Barangay health workers (BHWs) and barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) received guidance that gave them more confidence in assisting Zei.

“Since we were trained under PIMAM, alam ko na po ang proper way ng pag-check sa bata. Kahit ang mga BHW at BNS ngayon, confident na sila. Hindi na ako lahat ang gumagawa gaya ng dati” (Since we were trained under PIMAM, I now know the proper way to check children. Even the barangay health workers and nutrition scholars are more confident now and I have more support,) Zei added.

In photo: Zei administers routine immunizations, conducted every Wednesday at the BHS. Photo by Moner Dipatuan for Action Against Hunger

The results are clear in the numbers: immunization rates in Mapayag rose from 39 in July to 76 percent by August 2025, while the number of consultations nearly doubled within the same period. Mothers who previously resisted bringing their children now come voluntarily.

Zei explains, “ngayon din po, ‘yong mga nanay ng mga batang mahirap papuntahin dito sa BHS at magpa immunize ng anak nila, ay pumupunta na po dito sa BHS at hindi na kailangan pilitin at balik-balikan. Siguro dahil narinig nila yung tulong na ginawa ng Action Against hunger at UNICEF, pati ang pagbabago dito sa BHS ay na-engganyo na silang pumunta dito na di na kailangan pilitin katulad dati” (These days, even mothers from farther side of the barangay, those we usually struggle to convince, are now coming to the barangay health station to have their children immunized. We no longer need to convince them or follow up repeatedly. I think it’s because they’ve heard about the support provided by Action Against Hunger and UNICEF, and they’ve seen the improvements made to the BHS. The changes have encouraged them to come voluntarily—unlike before, when it was a struggle to get them here.)

Her colleagues in other barangays have also taken notice. “Madalas sinasabi nila, blessed daw ako at ang BHS namin kasi kami ang napiling tulungan. Sana matulungan din ang ibang BHS na nangangailangan ng parehong support” (Other midwives often say how blessed I am, that our BHS was chosen to receive support. I hope other health stations in need will also be helped in the same way,) said Zei.

“We no longer need to convince them or follow up repeatedly. I think it’s because they’ve heard about the support provided by Action Against Hunger and UNICEF, and they’ve seen the improvements made to the BHS. The changes have encouraged them to come voluntarily—unlike before, when it was a struggle to get them here.”

For Zei, the transformation of the health station in Mapayag is more than just about infrastructure—it is about dignity, safety, and hope.

Families who once had to endure long travel for care now find reliable support close to home. And for the midwife who has walked this journey for over a decade, the changes have strengthened her resolve to keep serving.

*PIMAM – Philippine Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition

The “Strengthening Health and Nutrition Service Delivery Capacities in Early Learning, Alternative Learning, and Community Health” project is implemented by Action Against Hunger together with UNICEF, thanks to the funding support of the Korean government through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

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

April 7, 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

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

September 11, 2024/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.

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

June 3, 2024/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.

“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/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

Promoting inclusive household decision-making to empower rural women

October 15, 2021/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

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

September 4, 2021/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

USAID-funded DRR Project Strengthens Community Resilience by Empowering Women

June 20, 2021/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.

Action Against Hunger Unites Local Resilience Efforts with Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Agrarian Reform in BARMM

July 24, 2020/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