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Manila, Philippines (July 23, 2023)- CARE and its local partners prepare for Severe tropical storm Egay (international name “Doksuri”) as it has further intensified while moving west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea and is forecasted to reach typhoon category within 24 hours and may become a super typhoon on Tuesday.
In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin on July 23 the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecasted STS Egay to bring heavy rainfall in Catanduanes, Cagayan, the eastern section of Isabela, Polilio Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Albay. The forecasted rainfall is generally higher in elevated or mountainous areas. And under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities that experienced considerable amounts of rainfall for the past several days.
In the next three days, STS Egay may also enhance the Southwest Monsoon, bringing occasional rains and gustiness over several areas in the country.
CARE and its partners, Leyte Center for Development and Tarabang para Bicol (TABI) prepare and are ready to respond to the combined effects of STS Egay and the Southwest monsoon and the needs of vulnerable communities that would be affected in Catanduanes, Eastern Visayas, and Bicol Region respectively.
“We have a field office in Catanduanes and ongoing humanitarian programs with our partners in the areas that would be potentially affected by STS Egay. We are ready to activate assessment and quick response mechanisms in coordination with our partner organizations and local government units on the ground”, said Jerome Lanit, CARE Philippines’ Emergency Coordinator.
CARE has been working in the Philippines since 1949, helping communities prepare for disasters, and providing emergency relief and recovery when disaster strikes. It has responded to major disasters such as typhoons and super typhoons, conflicts, and seismologic and health emergencies with focus on the needs of women and girls.
The Women Lead in Emergencies (WLiE) is a Research Project of CARE Philippines, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and the National Society of Informal Workers in the Philippines (PATAMABA) that will last six months from May to November 2023.
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Mothers line up to get goto for their family to eat at the San Jose National High School evacuation center in Brgy. San Roque, Malilipot, Albay.
A total of 4,726 evacuees temporarily staying at eight evacuation centers in Camalig and Malilipot, Albay enjoyed the comfort that hot goto or organic rice with meat porridge provides on June 17, 18, 25 and 26.
The Tarabang para sa Bicol (TABI), with support from CARE Philippines, mobilized the members of the Tarabang Youth volunteers (TYVs), Sining Banwa, Disaster Preparedness Committees, barangay officials, private individuals, and some evacuees in preparing, cooking, and distributing the hot meals.
The evacuees who hailed from 6 barangays have been displaced from their communities since the start of the volcano’s magmatic unrest early in June. TABI observed that the affected population struggles to cook for their daily sustenance and survives on canned food. Meals like goto made with organic rice and protein provide nutrition and a break from the usual canned or instant meals they receive.
“Cooking together also helps them, especially, the mothers, ensure that their children will have something delicious and healthy to eat”, shared Arlo Brizuela, TABI’s Office-in-Charge.
In these feeding activities, their group observed how the displaced endured the uncomfortable spaces, tents, and classrooms, especially with the intense heat brought by the hot weather. Water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities are also lacking which brings various concerns on the safety of drinking water, and the possibility of related diseases.
Jocelyn Naga, a member of the Disaster Preparedness Committee in Brgy. Tumpa, Camalig, and an evacuee staying at Taladong Elementary School mentioned that some people are already getting sick, especially the children, due to their current living conditions.
The situation remains uncertain. On July 4, the DOST-PHIVOLCS reiterated that Alert Level 3 (increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption) still currently prevails over Mayon Volcano. It is strongly recommended that the areas inside the 6-kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone remain evacuated and that communities within the 7 and 8-kilometer radius be prepared in case the volcanic activity worsens.
Several of the evacuated rely on farming as their source of livelihood. They fear that they will not be able to go back immediately to tilling and providing their families with the necessities to recover because of the losses that their displacement brought about.
TABI staff and volunteers after a successful feeding activity at Malilipot Central School, Malilipot, Albay
CARE Philippines and TABI work together to come up with a more comprehensive humanitarian response to address the immediate needs of the most vulnerable affected population. Food, water, sanitation and hygiene, health, and non-food items such as kitchen and sleeping kits are some of the basic essentials that evacuees aspire to make their living conditions inside the evacuation centers tolerable.
“We plan to source support from our global partners for a humanitarian response that is also geared towards recovery, especially, of those who will have the most difficult time to bounce back and resume their livelihood”, said Jerome Lanit, CARE Philippines Emergency Coordinator.
Jemalin and her husband Mark were all smiles after reinforcing their house with Build Back Safer techniques. (Photo: CORDIS RDS)
“It is important to make our house stronger and well-built so that if ever an earthquake or typhoon strikes, it will be sturdy due to its good foundation. It is also crucial for a house to have good bracings and blockings so that it will be secure against quakes and strong winds”.
This was what 36-year-old Jemalin shared. Her family’s house was damaged by the magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Tayum, Abra in July last year.
Their house was made of semi-concrete materials with a poor foundation. So, when they felt the first tremors of the quake, she immediately grabbed her children and moved out of the house. The earthquake cracked their house’s walls and rendered it unsafe to live in.
The NDRRMC reported a total of 574,367 individuals or 155,911 families were affected by the earthquake. A total of 12,802 damaged houses were reported: 12,645 partially damaged and 157 fully damaged. And many of the affected stayed in open areas exposed to the monsoon rains, in evacuation centers, or with host families as their houses were not habitable or were in unsafe areas.
A makeshift shelter made from GI sheets replaced the damaged house of a family in Tayum, Abra after the 7.2 magnitude earthquake. (Photo: MNorbe, CARE Philippines)
For Jemalin and her family, the greatest impact on their lives was the loss of income of her husband because construction works stopped for months and the main irrigation canal for their fields was destroyed so all rice fields were not planted for one cropping period. Much more, it was planting time during the occurrence of the earthquake, so all the preparation done was wasted.
She is a Barangay Health Worker (BHW) earning Php 700 in a month. Aside from being a housekeeper, she raises pigs and do farm works to add to their family income. She is married to Mark, 42 years old, a farmer and laborer for construction works. They have three children ages 15, 13 and 9. They are studying in a nearby school, yet they have to spend daily for their fare.
When the team of CARE Philippines and its local partner, the Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services (CORDIS RDS) arrived in their barangay through the REACH 3 project, she volunteered to join the team after a courtesy meeting with barangay officials. Together with other two barangay health worker, rain or shine they assisted the project team roam the barangay for damage assessment and interviews up to late afternoon. She was thankful that her house was also visited and interviewed. Her family was qualified as a beneficiary.
During beneficiary meetings to prepare for the actual construction, she helped in mobilizing other beneficiaries to attend. Being a Barangay Health Worker, she was able to provide necessary information and shared the situations of the other families in her barangay. She got more inclined during the discussions of the core shelter design and Build Back Safer Orientation. She studied the core shelter design and frequently asked questions on behalf of other beneficiaries who were timid to ask, she became the spokesperson of other beneficiaries.
During the implementation, Roving Shelter Teams (SRT) were organized to help the staff, especially in mobilization and ensuring that theBuild Back Safer (BBS) techniques are observed. She was chosen as a member of the SRT and she was glad to do her assignments and always visited the ongoing construction works. She frequently argued with the carpenters who were not following the BBS techniques. She persistently provided updates and feedback to the project team especially the problems that needed to be addressed. As a member of the SRT, she listened to the troubles of the beneficiaries concerning their houses.
To be chosen as an SRT member, she earned the trust of other beneficiaries and gained knowledge on building a simple yet durable house that she would share with her family and other community members. Through her efforts and the persistence of the SRT, 30 units of core shelter with BBS techniques were built in her barangay.
Being a core shelter beneficiary, her family is starting to regain courage and is more hopeful to recover and face the challenges of life. For now, she feels protected and happy that her family is together in their new house.
With support from EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid, the #REACH3 Project through provided Build Back Safer and Better Shelter training and support to build core shelters to families whose houses were totally damaged by the #AbraEarthquake.
This 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 implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services, Community Organizers Multiversity – CO Multiversity, IDEALS, Inc., Nisa Ul Haqq Fi Bangsamoro, Oxfam Pilipinas and United Youth of the Philippines-Women; and funded by the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid.
The project, WoMen Adding Value to the Economy in Siargao: Building Resilient Livelihoods for Typhoon Odette Affected People in Community-Based Tourism Value Chain aims to assist typhoon-affected families of Siargao in community-based tourism value chain recover their livelihoods and increase their resilience within 2 years.
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Community members together with barangay local government officials, Taft Municipal Mayor Gina Alzate-Ty and Vice Mayor Maria Concepcion Adalim-Hilario, Political Counsellor Iain Cox of the British Embassy Manila and representatives of LCDE, CARE Philippines, and ACCORD in a group photo with the BBS model house after conducting an FGD. (Photo: L.Fuentes/CARE Philippines)
by Leigh Ginette Fuentes
In the Philippines, it was identified that hydrometeorological hazards are the most underfunded disaster events that the country faces, based on a study by the UP Resilience Institute. Consequently, in a survey conducted by Start Network among its members, it was identified that the major hazard in the country was tropical cyclones followed thirdly by flooding. The country has seen the onslaught of several strong, destructive typhoons in recent years, including Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013 and Typhoon Goni (Rolly) in 2020. Due to the effects of climate change, hazards such as these could intensify and become more frequent, posing a threat to local populations, their lives, property, and livelihoods.
Disaster Risk Financing (DRF) is a program of Start Network that allows members to create their own DRF Systems – a structured way to model and plan for risks. The Start Philippines Disaster Risk Finance system is majorly governed and implemented by Start Network members in-country, together with local NGO partners and scientific experts. The locally led consortium acknowledges the needs of local communities and comes up with data-driven actions to mitigate the impact of disasters and prevent the loss of lives and properties.
Last February 5, Political Counsellor Iain Cox and other key representatives of the British Embassy Manila visited Barangay Nato in Taft, Eastern Samar to learn more about Start DRF and the impact the programming implemented by the Eastern Samar DRF consortium, composed of CARE Philippines, the Leyte Center for Development, Inc. (LCDE), and Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development, Inc. (ACCORD, Inc.) on community members, particularly of those vulnerable to the adverse effects of typhoons. These also included members of the barangay local government units from Can-Avid, Eastern Samar which is also a programmatic area.
An introduction to the Alternative Temporary Shelter (ATS) System was followed by an orientation on Build Back Safer (BBS) practices through visual aids and a model house, the same used in an orientation earlier that day with community members from Taft and Can-Avid. Community members and implementing organizations then engaged in a focus group discussion to learn more and delve into the experiences of community members in relation to typhoons, the recent continuous flooding, and the gaps they still see in the community’s ability to prepare for and respond to different disasters.
Among the participants was Lita Fe, 42, who is also member of the Women Collective in Barangay Nato, Taft, Eastern Samar. “Because of the skills and learnings from the capacity building sessions, we are now equipped to do pre-emptive evacuations during emergencies,” shared Lita Fe during a focus group discussion with Barangay representatives, members of the Shelter Roving Team, and other members of the Women’s Collective.
“Women have an important role during emergencies,” she adds, “and the skills we gained allow us to act even before a calamity hits the community.”
Photo: Teacher Evangeline Montemayor is a volunteer teacher for slow learners and readers in Tibgao. The school has been provided with a kit, such as paper, printers, and laptops. While teachers like Evangeline were given training and reading materials such as story books and flashcards so that all students in the village can have access to education.
In the remote village of Tigbao, Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands, families have been dealing with the direct effects of the pandemic and the super typhoon that hit last December 2021. Children suffered the most- homes, livelihoods, and public infrastructures like schools were severely damaged after the storm.
The pandemic made it challenging for children to learn their modules without the personal presence of their teachers. When Typhoon Odette destroyed the solitary school in Tigbao, children like Kesha Ferol, 7 already struggled to read. But through the educational materials, school kits, and training for teachers and learning aids provided by the European Union Humanitarian Aid, CARE, and ACCORD — Kesha and her classmates have learned to read, write and count, making way for a better chance in life.
Erlyn Ferol teaches her daughter Kesha, 7, to read in their quaint home in Tibgao, Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands. The ongoing pandemic and last year’s Typhoon Odette have directly impacted education in their region.
Kesha is a slow reader; however, various reading materials have helped her to read better. When at home, Kesha tries to sound out each syllable and then words, using the photos as a guide to proper mouth position.
“All our belongings were washed out, even our home. There were no classes for quite some time,” Erlyn recalls.
Kesha prepares to go to school up a hill from her home. She brings a student kit which is placed neatly inside a plastic envelope. “We no longer buy anything, the supplies are already complete,” Erlyn says. School materials provided by the European Union Humanitarian Aid were provided to families directly affected by Typhoon Odette.
Erlyn walks Kesha and her youngest daughter Atalya to school.
Kesha is on the way to the Child-Friendly Space at her school which also serves as a makeshift reading and learning area. “She has improved and is no longer shy, she mingles with her classmates,” her mother Erlyn says.
A Marungko Flip Chart was used during a study session in the CFS. The reading method uses the modern Filipino alphabet and introduces letters based on their sound — making it easier for learners to recognize and remember them.
“It is important for me to help children learn how to read. I have encouraged Kesha so that she can achieve her goals and ambition in life,” teacher Evangeline says.
Kesha waits for her term as her classmate recites the words on the reading chart.
“I go to school to learn to read and write,” Kesha says.
“After one week of attending classes under the new program, Kesha learned to read. When I ask her to read at home, she can already read properly,” says her mother, Erlyn.
The school materials used by the Ferol family and the children of Tibgao were provided by the European Union Humanitarian Aid and ACCORD after Typhoon Odette hit Dinagat shores last December 2021. A student kit consists of art paper, a drawing book, a music writing book, crayons, an eraser, a writing notebook, a composition notebook, a plastic envelope, a pencil, a ruler, and scissors.
Kesha and her classmates go home after the reading session in the Child-Friendly Space. These learning activities may be simple, but they ease the burden of families recovering from Typhoon Odette and also help schools and teachers ensure that children have access to a better learning experience.
The Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai (Odette) is funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid 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.
Cherry prepares the ingredients for her barbeque marinade. To make ends meet, she sells grilled meats each afternoon in her neighborhood of Barangay Poblacion, Araceli, Palawan.
Story and Photos by Shirin Bandari
Cherry Cuberos, 50, is a leader of a livelihood group for women in Purok 2, Barangay Poblacion, Araceli, Dumaran Island, Palawan. The remote village suffered immensely when Typhoon Odette (Rai) devastated homes, roads, and public infrastructures in December 2021. Close to a year after the storm, the European Union Humanitarian Aid together with ACCORD Philippines provided crucial support through shelter repair, and cash assistance, and intervened in a project designed to engage and encourage participation and leadership among women.
Cherry is a working mother of four. She takes on multiple jobs to be able to feed her family. Her town suffered immensely when Typhoon Odette (Rai) made landfall in December 2021.
The European Union Humanitarian Aid, CARE, and ACCORD provided cash assistance and livelihood programs to those affected by Typhoon Odette (Rai). Through this, the Women’s Association in Barangay Poblacion, Araceli set up a compact general store to provide for the needs of the community at affordable prices.
Women and girls who survive disasters face overwhelming risks and immediate consequences such as displacement, trauma, sexual violence and exploitation, health services disruption, and financial instability, which can lead to devastating short- and long-term effects.
Cherry works part-time at the General Store run by women. She assists in the inventory of stocks and balances the daily sales ledger. The island’s remote location makes it difficult for supplies to reach the area. The newly opened General Store comes as a welcome relief to the community.
“When Typhoon Odette came, it was hard to move on from what happened to my home and family. My livelihood and earnings were affected. But through the help of the European Union Humanitarian Aid and ACCORD, we are very thankful that our Women’s Association was able to set up a General Store that sells groceries at affordable prices.” Cherry adds. “This General Store is part of the livelihood program which has become an invaluable addition to the community, the women who work with us are able to get enough for their daily expenses. It also provides groceries on loan for women in our area who are struggling to feed or put their children through school.” Cherry Cuberos explains.
“Some women in our association are single mothers and are unable to support their families. At the same time, others make rice cakes or have opened small carinderias. We allow them to take goods on loan from the General Store, in case they are short on supplies. They repay us once the food is sold. This way we support other small businesses to grow and see a return on investment”
Through Cherry’s devotion to her women’s association and volunteerism, she is able to provide for her family and serve as an inspiration, by encouraging others to band together to rebuild what was lost and be contributing members of their community.
A mother with her infant visits the local barangay health center where Cherry has volunteered her time for the past 20 years.
Cherry meets with the Women’s Association at the Barangay Hall to discuss new ideas on ways to improve their livelihood. She encourages others to join them so more can benefit from the program “They just need to trust us to have a good relationship. We are here to help them and the community.”
Cherry monitors an infant’s temperature. She has proven to be a devoted member of the Araceli community.
Essential health services were abruptly put on hold when Typhoon Odette hit the shores of Araceli. Today, Cherry is able to assist the local nurses and doctors to tend to local patients.
Tuberculosis remains a pressing issue in the islands of Palawan. Cherry has been trained to test swab samples of patients so they may know their current health status.
“It is my dream that my children can finish their studies. I invite others to keep our barangay clean. I hope that I can continue to help the people in my community.”
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Written by Shirin Bandari
Rizaldo prepares his clothes for the boat ride ahead. A medium-sized plastic container is by his side as he sits crossed-legged on the floor. An array of papers and personal items are laid out before him as he decides what to pack for the journey. In rough waters, it sometimes takes him four hours to travel from his hometown of Araceli, Palawan to the isolated island of Kalandagan. The large waves make it harder for him to traverse the sea in his wooden boat. The island is only accessible by boat and becomes incommunicado during the monsoon season.
Left: A blue plastic container rests next to Rizaldo as he sits at home and organizes items that he will bring for his journey to Maducang Elementary School in Barangay Kalandagan. This prevents it from getting wet in the rough seas he must traverse to reach the island. | Shirin Bandari
Below: Rizaldo’s personal items that he packs on each trip to Kalandagan. | Shirin Bandari
Rizaldo Gandola has been a teacher for the past five years at Maducang Elementary School in Barangay Kalandagan.
“It can be risky. But even if it is hard, when I’m not on the island, I miss the children. I want to be with them every day,“ Rizaldo says.
His love for teaching and dedication to his students motivate him to push through the dangerous commute. He spends weekends with his family in Araceli and uses the time in town to file his reports because of the weak internet signal, and stocks up on food due to the limited supplies on the island. In his free time, he goes out to sea to fish for added income so he can afford the gasoline for his boat. But for the rest of the week after each class, Rizaldo lives alone in a quaint hut near the school. He has grown used to the routine and enjoys the tranquility around him.
The coastal towns of Palawan reaped the devastating effects of Typhoon Odette (Rai) which made landfall in December 2021. The super typhoon ravaged homes, roads, and public facilities including Rizaldo’s school in Maducang. “This is the first time it has happened, a typhoon so strong, it destroyed close to 80% of the homes.” All four classrooms in the elementary school were shattered, metal roofs ripped and crumpled like paper. Tables, computers, and books were ruined by the gale-force winds and rain.
Fishing, the main source of livelihood on the islands, was affected with boats wrecked, the island was cut off from essential aid and supplies until the weather improved so outside help could reach the locals.
Nearly a year after the devastating super typhoon, the people of Barangay Landagan are steadily rebuilding their lives through the support of the European Union Humanitarian Aid, CARE, ACCORD, and dedicated teachers like Rizaldo.
“At the time there was no evacuation area except for the school, but even that was impossible. The locals went to the top of a mountain instead to spend the night and take refuge,” Rizaldo says.
“Project leaders from ACCORD saw our situation and immediately provided hygiene kits, signal boosters so people could contact their loved ones, and invaluable solar panels that were our only source of light and energy,” Rizaldo adds.
Rizaldo stands in a classroom where he usually does the needed paperwork and other school-related documents whenever he goes home from the village of Kalandagan. | Shirin Bandari
The pandemic prevented face-to-face classes and for the past two years, Rizaldo’s students struggled to learn at home using modules. By the time classes resumed, only 70% could read efficiently. The devastation brought by Typhoon Odette (Rai) further amplified the situation and the children in the community were in dire need of help. CARE and ACCORD assisted in laying the groundwork to bring in volunteer teachers to focus on the children who needed more attention in learning how to read, write and count, easing the pressure on Rizaldo and the rest of the three teachers on the island.
“It has been a tremendous help to receive learning kits, training materials, and storybooks, which were crucial in improving the standard of education in Maducang, where children face limited opportunities,” Rizaldo says. “In the years I have been teaching on the island, families are too poor to buy new bags, shoes, and uniforms. “
In times of disaster — food, water, and shelter are urgent concerns, but as the community recovers, continued access to education is equally important.
Rizaldo is often asked by family and friends why he chooses to teach under such difficult circumstances. “The people of Maducang have been good to me, I do not want to leave the school because I have come to love the children”.
“It is my dream to help them finish their education. May they learn something from me, so they can have a chance to experience a better life.”
The Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai (Odette) is funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid 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.
An idyllic town in Gomez, Dinagat is steadily recovering from the aftereffects of Typhoon Odette (Rai) that ripped through its shores last December 2021. Its remote geographical location made it challenging for lifesaving aid to reach the island.
Longtime resident Zenaida Andantiga, 67, recalls the day. “The typhoon was powerful. We took shelter under a large tree so we would not be hit by debris and metal sheets.” Their quaint wooden home was built along a cliff, facing the clear waters of Dinagat.
“Nothing was left of my home,” Zenaida adds. Her children and grandchildren are now helping her rebuild what was lost.
Despite the circumstances, Zenaida volunteered her time at the local barangay hall. She has been doing so for the past 20 years. “We were told by our barangay chairman to survey the places that were damaged. There were many houses by the coast. We helped people go to the school, which was used as an evacuation center.” Zenaida says.
The European Union Humanitarian Aid, CARE, and ACCORD provided cash assistance and livelihood programs to those affected by Typhoon Odette (Rai). Through this, the Women’s Association in Gomez, Dinagat, set up a compact general store to provide for the needs of the community at affordable prices. Zenaida picks up a few food items from the community store before walking home. | Shirin Bandari
Children and senior citizens are the most vulnerable in a time of disaster. The old have a greater prevalence of chronic conditions due to their unique physical, psychological and medical concerns. Barangay Health workers of Gomez segregated the seniors from the children in the evacuation center.
“Being a member of the barangay, we have to help one another and those in need. We may not be financially ready to provide support, but we offered our invaluable service as volunteers.” Zenaida adds.
The European Union Humanitarian Aid, CARE, and ACCORD responded with hygiene kits, cash for livelihood assistance, and shelter repair kits to help the community of Gomez rise from the rubble. But it is through the dedication and commitment of volunteers like Zenaida- regardless of her age, saw the proper implementation of the recovery projects laid out for the town. The rehabilitation of Gomez, Dinagat was successful through the joint effort and participation of its barangay.
“We are thankful for all the support received from the European Humanitarian Aid and ACCORD. The members of a community need to have unity and help one another. But even as a senior, I will try my best to volunteer while I am in good health.” Zenaida adds.
Photo: Shirin Bandari
Today Zenaida continues to attend barangay hall meetings with other staff members and volunteers. They think and discuss ways to improve the quality of life for others in their town and encourage people to attend gatherings to have a better understanding of the current issues of Gomez.
“I always pray that God keeps us stronger regardless of our ages and situations, if I can still be of help to others, I will do it, for as long as I can,” Zenaida smiles.
Zenaida diligently records and reports the activities from her volunteer work. She is proud to contribute according to her abilities, especially for the safety and benefit of her community. | Photos: Shirin Bandari
This story is part of the Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai (Odette), funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid 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.
