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.
How a change in circumstances forced fire survivors to rebuild their lives and build a supportive community in the process
The bustle of the transactions made at the Pagbangon Sari-sari (Rising Retail Shop) break the usual tranquil atmosphere at the Pamalihi transitory shelter site in Barangay Pagatpat, Cagayan de Oro City. Michelle Lagudas, 29, one of the storekeepers, carefully arranged the grocery items that were delivered by their supplier while her fellow storekeeper, Aida Ayunan, 29, tended to a customer buying firewood outside. They had been doing this thoroughly since their organization, the Pagbangon Community Savings Group (CSG) established the store on November 30, 2021. Pagbangon, in the local language, means to rise again after a downfall.
The group started with only 24,000 pesos (480 euros) of capital that the 20 members pooled in from the livelihood assistance they received in 2021 from the MOVE UP project. After a series of financial literacy and business management training, the group decided to put up the business, and eventually, develop into a thriving enterprise.
“It’s a tedious task, more so these past few months when the store has grown bigger and we have more customers to attend to”, Michelle shared.
Michelle with her daughter and Aida on storekeeping duty at the Pagbangon Sari Sari Store | Photo: Mary Therese Norbe/CARE
Most of the members were not new to enterprising. They had small businesses before a huge fire razed their village at Binunuan Creek, Brgy. Carmen on June 21, 2020. Michelle and her 47-year-old mother, Jeanylyn, managed a store near the creek and a stall at the Cogon market. The store’s bookkeeper, Jessica Lugsanay, 41, had a fruit stall at the Agora market and a flourishing side hustle as a hairstylist. The CSG’s President, Paul Michael Cinco, 43, had a successful business of making and consigning rice cakes and cassava rolls to malls, school cafeterias, and markets. All these were gone in an instant when their houses, properties, and valuables were consumed by the fire.
Paul Michael recalled how he attempted to carry the machine he uses to make cassava rolls as his neighbors clamor to get to safety. When he heard the cries for help, he left the machine and hurried to destroy the locked gate that was their only exit. The gate was locked because of COVID-19 restrictions at that time and the keykeeper couldn’t find the key due to panic.
“We had to kick the gate with all our strength because we could already feel the heat of the fire around us. We had to save ourselves and our families first”, Paul Michael shared about his experience.
Forty-nine (49) households in their community lost everything to the fire and were temporarily sheltered at the covered court of Carmen National High School. Many of them found that the first few days at the evacuation shelter were unbearable. All survivors had to share the same space and privacy became a huge concern, especially for women and girls.
The European Union Humanitarian Aid-funded Moving Urban Poor Communities towards Resilience (MOVE UP) had been working with the Barangay Carmen officials in developing an alternative temporary shelter (ATS) that fits the need and context of the highly-urbanized barangay. A total of 48 ATS units have been deployed to ensure that fire survivors are safe and protected, especially women, children, and the elderly. Women find it more comfortable to live in a space where their privacy is observed, albeit temporarily, and families were kept together.
On September 11, 2020, the school petitioned the city government for the relocation of the evacuees because of the opening of classes. The survivor families were brought to the Pamalihi transitory shelter site while their permanent relocation was being processed. They had to endure yet another difficult situation there as the site, which was still in its last phase of construction, didn’t have electricity and water supply. They relied on a spring for water (even if it is untested for safety) and lighting from candles. The site was about 30 minutes away from the city center, and the cost of travel caused additional burden for they had no source of income.
Through the project, 20 survivor families grouped together as the Pagbangon CSG, a year after their relocation, on September 11, 2022. True to its meaning, Pagbangon, the group is determined to rise from their situation and become more resilient using their shared knowledge, skills, and experience.
The Pagbangon Community Savings Group officers with their savings passbook and community savings box. | Photo: Mary Therese Norbe/CARE
Their social fund had already assisted four people when they needed money for hospitalization. Their store has grown so fast that it is estimated to bring in net sales of 80,000 pesos (1,600 euros) by the end of 2022. They were also able to donate for their community’s annual gathering from their store’s profit. They have saved a total of 50,000 pesos (849 euros) and opened a bank account where their profit amounting to 60,000 pesos (1,017 euros) was deposited. The officers didn’t have any experience in opening a bank account, so the CSWD social workers helped them in securing necessary documents to file and also assured the bank of the organization’s legitimacy.
The CSWD’s support has been instrumental in the ongoing recovery of the CSG members. The department has dedicated a staff to monitor and support the existing 14 CSGs organized through MOVE UP. This provides legitimacy to CSGs as they were registered as local civil society organizations supported by the City. Aside from resilient livelihood capacity development, parent effectiveness and other protection-oriented training were also provided to the CSGs. MOVE UP is also providing a camp coordination and camp management training for CSWD staff integrating ATS strategies to better ensure inclusion, protection, and anti-gender-based violence practices in their evacuation plans.
Farhana Acmad, 26, is one of the CSWD social workers whose focus is on organizing, developing and sustaining the 14 established CSGs in the city. She shared that it was a learning and motivating experience for her and colleagues to be more effective in their work.
“We had to change our perspective of support because the CSG model is not a charity. It is an empowering model where communities are taking charge and are mutually supporting each other in their recovery and development”, she shared.
This was true to how the Pagbangon CSG’s business has grown successfully because of the conscious efforts of its members to be a model of change in their community. Their business paved the way for them to support their members in times of emergencies. It also brought income not only to their group but also to neighboring indigenous communities who supply their store with firewood, bananas, coconuts, and vegetables. The same communities buy from their store some items that they need. Through this, they were able to make food and other necessities accessible to their community and to others.
The impact of the CSG model has also been felt at the household level, especially during times of need. Janice Cantiveros, 31, was about to give birth but their temporary housing unit didn’t have electricity. She requested a loan of 8,000 pesos (136 euros) to purchase a solar lamp, anticipating the difficulty of taking care of a newborn without lighting. It also made her feel safe and secure. Through this loan, her husband was also able to apply for a driving license and find work as a driver. They now have a source of income that has been more than helpful in raising their child.
“Our plan for next year is to put a part of our profits into the social fund so that we’ll be assured that in times of great need, our members will have money to use”, said a determined Jeanylyn, one of the Pagbangon CSG officers. With their grit and tenacity, the CSG members know they can make it happen.
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (LDRRMOs) and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation practitioners shared their experiences at the frontline during emergencies such as typhoons and tropical storms.
September 30, 2022 – The European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid-funded Moving Urban Poor Communities Towards Resilience (MOVE UP) Project and the Department of the Interior and Local Government Local Government Academy (DILG-LGA) successfully conducted a dialogue with around 80 Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (LDRRMOs) and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM) practitioners today in Hive Hotel and Convention Place, Quezon City.
The event is the final installment of the three-leg dialogue and consultation with local DRRMOs in the Philippines, which aimed to gather experiences in the recent occurrence of typhoons and tropical storms. Gathered information will be used to assess their capacity-building needs and recalibrate national policies in disaster preparedness.
The first two legs were participated by around 200 LDRRMOs and CCAM practitioners from Mindanao, NCR, and Visayas clusters and were held in May and June, respectively.
“The crucial work of building resilience rests heavily on local governments. Because it is at their level that policies are implemented, it is only apt that we draw from their rich experience in improving our programs and policies,” said John Kien Develos, Head of LGA’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Climate Resilience Section.
The event was held in connection with the training and orientation on the newly –developed Disaster Preparedness Manual for Localized Weather Disturbances and was participated by DILG Regional Offices’ DRR-CCA Focal Persons (and Alternate), representatives from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Local Resource Institute (LRI), and Provincial / City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (P/CDRRMOs).
“The MOVE UP Project & LGA are currently working together to revisit the Disaster Preparedness Manual for Typhoon. Since its last update in 2018, several hydrometeorological hazards have severely affected the Philippines. MOVE UP Project’s role in this dialogue is then crucial in ensuring that the updating process is informed by the direct experience of our local actors,” Develos added.
The DILG-LGA and the MOVE UP project have been partners since 2021 and have been working hand-in-hand in the conduct of capacity development interventions to local chief executives and other relevant stakeholders involved in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) activities.
“With our partnership with DILG-LGA, MOVE UP project is committed to support the national government in reducing the impact of disasters through strengthening capacities of our local government units who are at the forefront of our disaster risk management interventions,” said Alvin Dumduma, MOVE UP project’s consortium manager.
With support from the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, the MOVE UP project is expected to help more than 90,000 individuals through its urban resilience strategies, anticipatory action, and rapid response interventions in selected cities in Mindanao. 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 partners ACCORD and Nisa Ul Haqq Fi Bangsamoro. ###
**** About EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid:
The European Union and its Member States are the world’s leading donor of humanitarian aid. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises.
Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.
***
Media contact: Claudine Complativo Communications and Advocacy Specialist MOVE UP Project
Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Press Release
South Sudan continues to be one of the deadliest places to be an aid worker, according to analysis done by CARE International on data from the Humanitarian Outcomes Aid Worker Security Database. Forty-four aid workers have lost their lives globally since the beginning of this year, including 11 in South Sudan, 8 in Afghanistan and 7 in Myanmar. Not only are these three countries among the most dangerous places for aid workers, they are also incredibly challenging places for citizens, with nearly 40 million people facing hunger across these countries.
Abel Whande, CARE South Sudan Country Director, said, “South Sudan is facing its worst hunger crisis since it gained independence 11 years ago. That the very people committed to easing suffering and supporting the most vulnerable continue to be killed, is horrifying. Failing to ensure the safety of humanitarians means disruptions to vital aid operations, and with 7.74 million people in South Sudan facing acute hunger, these disruptions could mean the difference between life and death for some. And this year, the knock-on effects of the Ukraine crisis are exacerbating the situation, with sharp increases in the cost of food and fuel causing more pain and suffering.”
The single deadliest day for aid workers in 2022 so far occurred in Afghanistan, when eight polio vaccinators were killed while conducting home visits on 24 February. Polio vaccinators have frequently been targeted in Afghanistan, one of only two countries where wild poliovirus is endemic – the other country being Pakistan.
CARE Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Advocacy Advisor, Mélissa Cornet, said, “It’s devastating that eight aid workers have died in Afghanistan this year. They were doing incredibly important work in a country that is in the midst of a complex humanitarian crisis – nearly 19 million people face acute hunger, the economy has all but collapsed, affected communities are still reeling from last month’s deadly earthquake and the price of food and everyday essentials has skyrocketed over the past year. Women and girls are often disproportionately affected in times of crisis and this crisis is no exception. We continue to hear reports of girls being married at a young age just to help the family survive. It’s essential that aid workers – including women humanitarian workers who are so critical to reaching women and girls – are protected, so they can continue carrying out lifesaving work.”
So far in Myanmar in 2022, seven humanitarian workers have died. “One million people are now displaced in Myanmar and over 13 million people in the country face hunger. It is crucial that aid workers are protected, and humanitarian organisations have unimpeded access to affected communities to carry out vital work,” said Nate Rabe, Country Director for CARE International in Myanmar.
Three aid workers have died in attacks in Ukraine this year – the first aid worker deaths in the country since 2014. “The security situation for aid workers has deteriorated sharply since the escalation in conflict in February this year. With a third of Ukrainians displaced from their homes and millions still inside the country, it’s more important than ever that the safety of humanitarian workers is preserved so they can carry out critical work,” said Richard Simpson, CARE Country Representative Ukraine.
“While the situation is incredibly difficult and precarious for so many in Ukraine, tragically, we are witnessing several donor governments re-directing overseas development assistance, especially to respond to the crisis in their own countries, which indirectly impacts funding for other humanitarian crises. As a result, humanitarian appeals of countries experiencing the worst hunger and famine-conditions, including Somalia, Mali, Niger, Afghanistan and South Sudan, are drastically under-funded,” said Delphine Pinault, Humanitarian Policy Advocacy Coordinator & UN Representative for CARE International. This year’s World Humanitarian Day theme #ItTakesAVillage is inspired by the saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ Similarly, it takes a village to support a person in a humanitarian crisis – aid agencies, local volunteers and emergency services come together to provide urgent health care, shelter, food, protection, water, livelihoods and much more. Ms Pinault said, “And with the world facing an unprecedented hunger crisis, the international donor community plays a crucial role in ensuring funding decisions are strictly needs-based and not politically driven.”
Notes to the editor Analysis is based on the Humanitarian Outcomes’ Aid Worker Security database where incidents are defined as deliberate acts of violence affecting aid workers, such as killings, kidnappings, and attacks that result in serious injury: https://aidworkersecurity.org/incidents/. Numbers in the database for 2022 are provisional for the first six months of the year, with full official annual figures released at the end of calendar years. 2022 figures are available here: https://aidworkersecurity.org/
There have been 73 major attacks on aid workers so far in 2022 with 44 deaths this year (numbers accurate as of 1 August). The majority of deaths, 95%, involved national staff (42 out of 44 deaths were national staff. The two international staff were killed in South Sudan and Mali). South Sudan tops the fatalities list so far in 2022 with 11 deaths.
Funding of humanitarian response plans https://hum-insight.info/ About CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organisation fighting global poverty. CARE has more than seven decades of experience helping people prepare for disasters, providing lifesaving assistance when a crisis hits, and helping communities recover after the emergency has passed. CARE places special focus on women and children, who are often disproportionately affected by disasters.
To learn more, visit www.care-international.org For media enquiries contact: Suzy Sainovski Senior Humanitarian Communications Coordinator, CARE International
Collaborating with 30 barangay local units to create vaccine awareness for ~260,000 people
Manila, Philippines (January 19, 2022)— Cargill and CARE Philippines, have collaborated with non-government organizations and business partners, to boost the vaccination rates in select areas of Bulacan Province, Batangas and South Cotabato by the end of 2021 through the COVID-19 Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) and Vaccination Roll-Out project. This vaccine advocacy project is expected to reach about 260,000 people.
More than a year after the Philippines launched its efforts for mass vaccination against COVID-19, there is still much work to be done to achieve population protection. The National Task Force against COVID-19 released statistics showcasing a slowed down rate of administering shots last October with only 375,773 compared to 523,018 of August 2021.
A possible reason could still be the existing hesitancies from Filipinos about vaccination, with only 61% of the population being willing to be vaccinated based from a survey released by the Octa Research group last October 22.
The Social Weather Stations conducted a survey to find out what the possible reasons are why Filipinos are unwilling despite being offered a free vaccination. The fear of possible side effects ranks as number one in the list followed by old age, being diagnosed with comorbidities and belief in reports of fatality.
“In Cargill, putting people first has always been a part of our values. And this value of caring for people goes beyond our employees and extends to those in the communities where we live and work. Through the RCCE and Vaccination Roll-Out Project, we aim to tip the scale in favor of population protection from COVID, thus allowing ourselves and our communities to bounce back from this pandemic,” said Christopher Ilagan, Cargill Philippines’ Corporate Affairs Director.
The RCCE and Vaccination Roll-Out Project, which is being implemented in Malolos City, Baliwag and Pulilan in Bulacan Province, Sto. Tomas City in Batangas, and General Santos City in South Cotabato, aims to support 30 barangay local government units (BLGUs) to increase their capacities in implementing COVID-19 policies and help encourage their residents to get vaccinated. More than 2,450 barangay officials, health workers and members of the peacekeeping team have already been trained by medical professionals to further spread information and provide communication about the risks of COVID-19 and vaccination benefits.
Support was also given to BLGUs with low vaccination rates by providing free transportation for vaccination to residents – especially women, PWDs and the elderly – from far-flung areas of the covered locations. Incentives were also given, like rice, food and hygiene kits, to encourage other community members to participate.
In alignment with the proclamation that 30 November – 01 December and 17-19 December 2021 as National Vaccination Days, the RCCE Project in Batangas and Bulacan provided free rides to 2,420 individuals from far flung barangays to the vaccination sites, free snacks and sanitary kits and distribution of information, education and campaign materials. The Community Health Educators (CHEs) hired and trained by the project also provided additional health manpower during the vaccination events at the selected barangays. Additionally, about 4,000 community members received rice and hygiene kits incentives from the project. Among these community members whom the project assisted to be vaccinated, more 700 of them confessed that previously, they are hesitant to take the shot but through the community education conducted by the project, they were encouraged to get vaccinated.
Romy M. Pagaduan, the chairperson of Brgy. Ligaya, General Santos City said that the project has made it easier for them to convince their residents to get vaccinated. He shared that his barangay is among those which have low vaccination rates due to people being less-informed, if not misinformed, about COVID-19 and the vaccines. “We now have the right answers to their questions especially those that were drawn from information they got from social media and rumors spread in the barangay”, he said.
The project is led by CARE Philippines and being implemented with Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Networks (MINCODE) and Sarangani Province Empowerment for Community Transformation Forum (Spectrum) in General Santos City, Southern Tagalog People’s Resource Center (STPRC) in Batangas and CARE Philippines in Bulacan with participation from Cargill employees across all these areas.
Early Warning Systems (EWS) equipment were officially turned over to the community members and barangay officials of Natonin and Barlig, Mt. Province last September 8 and 9, 2021.
EWS equipment include basic emergency and first aid equipment such as generators, spine boards with strap, two-way radios, amplifiers, public awareness devices, bells, rope, sets of BP apparatus, first aid kits, among others. All of which were identified by community members who were actively engaged in community risk assessments and contingency planning workshops conducted as part of the INCREASE: Increasing the Resilience to Natural Hazards project. Along with the equipment, household level flyers about the specific hazards in their community and the evacuation plan, and EWS signage containing warning signals and actions for community members were also handed over during the turn over ceremony.
In Barlig, barangay officials and representatives from INCREASE covered barangays, Kaleo, Chupac, Lunas, and Ogo-og, and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative were present during the turn-over ceremony. Female household heads who were the main participants of the Resilient Livelihood activities of INCREASE, also attended the ceremony and offered a song of appreciation to CARE Philippines and Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services representatives. In Natonin, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Officer along with Barangay Balangao and Alonugan officials and female household heads received the equipment and IEC materials.
People-centered EWS
EWS is an adaptive measure for climate change, using integrated communication systems to help communities prepare for hazardous climate-related events. This means that through EWS, community members receive relevant and timely information in a systematic way prior to a disaster in order to make informed decisions and take action. A successful EWS can save lives and livelihood. To be effective, EWS needs to actively involve the communities at risk, facilitate public education and awareness of risks, effectively disseminate messages and warnings and ensure there is constant state of preparedness.
During INCREASE workshops, risk information and the necessary equipment to relay warning signals were identified. This information was identified by the community members and barangay officials, and was documented and translated into IEC materials to make sure that warnings are understandable by all members of the community.
The need for EWS Equipment
“When Typhoon Rosita hit our area, we thought it was the end. The experience awakened our community. We exhausted every means to prepare for the next disaster. Thanks to INCREASE Project, we were able to identify early warning devices needed in our area to better respond to natural hazards,” shared Brgy. Balangao Chairperson Conrado Limangan, upon receiving the EWS equipment.
Recalling the worst typhoon in their memory, community members mentioned that since they had no equipment back then, members of the Barangay DRRM Council would only be shouting to instruct community members to evacuate their homes. Power and communication lines were interrupted then, hence they identified a generator as one of the main EWS equipment needed in their area. Natonin Municipal DRRM Officer Soledad Nasudman recognizes this and shared, “Thank you for bringing the project nearer to us. Even if the BDRRMC officials are capacitated, if equipment is not available, response and preparedness would not be as effective.”
Natonin and Barlig are both prone to typhoons and landslides. During their community risk assessments and contingency planning workshops, community members shared that they experience at least 3 to 4 typhoons in a year. One barangay was also named as the “Home of Rain” since rain is nonstop in the area for almost the whole year. While community members recognize the need for EWS equipment and IEC materials, they also acknowledge that they need to find a funding source for the purchase and installment of EWS. Barangay Chupac Chairperson, Benedicto Nabunat shared, “We express our deepest appreciation to the INCREASE team for the equipment because we know that our barangay’s budget can’t afford to provide these. We are thankful because it’s rare that a project reaches an isolated area like ours.” In addition to these equipment, risk maps plotting the community facilities, houses, forests, and farmlands, their level of susceptibility to several hazards that can affect them will be put up. To test the early actions and preparedness capacities of the officials and community members, a drill will also be conducted as part of the INCREASE Project.
INCREASE aims to increase the resilience of 45,000 women and men small-scale farmers and fishers, including 720 extreme poor female-headed households, to natural hazards and the effects of climate change. It is present in 4 provinces, 8 municipalities, and 33 barangays. CARE Philippines and CorDis RDS lead its implementation in Mt. Province.
This lahar preparedness module aims to serve as a guide for municipal and barangay council members to create their own lahar preparedness plan or as a supplement in the development of their lahar contingency plans or operational module.
