For Ronie and Zeny, the sound of water was the sound of home. For ten years, their house in the village of Dilam stood meters from the shore, and the rhythm of the waves was a constant presence. However, after Super Typhoon Nando swept their life away, the sound of rain became a source of nightly dread.
Their home was gone, replaced by a ruin of wood and debris. Refusing to surrender, they salvaged what they could to build a shelter for their two sons. They gathered scraps of wood and assembled a frame and walls. But they faced a challenge: the cogon grass used for roofing had been destroyed by the typhoon. Their new roof was only half-complete, a shield that could not protect them.
The nightly vigil began. When the frequent rains fell, the family would huddle in the one dry corner of the shelter. They would sit in the damp darkness and wait for the downpour to stop so they could sleep again.
Relief arrived in the form of the Emergency CARE Package (ECP). The 22-kilogram package contained 39 essential items, but for the couple, one stood out: a wide, fire-retardant tarpaulin sheet. It was the answer to their problem.
They worked to stretch the sheet over the gap in their roof and secure it against the wind. That night, as rain began to fall, the sound was different. It was the patter on a secure roof. For the first time since the typhoon, the family did not have to move. They remained on their mats, warm and dry. Their nightly vigil against the rain was over.
“We were worried that if our roof was not completed, our children would get sick, especially, our eldest who is already ill”, Ronie shared.
With their fear conquered, they could look to the future. The tarpaulin provided a crucial, temporary fix; using cash assistance from the government, they now plan to buy galvanized iron (GI) sheets to build a more permanent roof. The vigil had ended, allowing them to shift their focus from surviving the night to rebuilding their days.
The ECP also provided a solar lamp, a cooking stove, and hygiene items. Zeny knew the lamp was vital. “It means our children can still sit down and study their lessons at night,” she said. The vigil had ended, allowing the family to move from surviving the night to rebuilding their days.
Ronie and Zeny’s family was one of 250 households to receive this support. CARE provided the Emergency CARE Packages to Dilam, one of the most affected communities on the island. These items help families reinforce their living spaces and meet their immediate needs, restoring a sense of safety and dignity.
CARE’s work in the wider municipality of Calayan demonstrates a commitment to stand with the hardest-to-reach communities as they begin to rebuild. As we scale up our emergency response to assist multiple communities in crisis, Emergency CARE Packages were also provided to another 250 families in last-mile communities in Cebu affected by the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake.
Blog, Disaster Response, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories
In the aftermath of disasters, one of the biggest impacts is often invisible: trauma.
Following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit Cebu, Philippines late in the evening of September 30, 2025, life has moved primarily outdoors for fear that aftershocks would topple homes and buildings.
Days later, residents affected by the destructive tremor – one group huddled under a tent, another by the roadside – gathered to tell stories. A child talked about losing a best friend, and the many plans they still had together. “I hope this is over soon,” said another, referring to the aftershocks, now numbering over 10,000. Witnessing the death of neighbors up close, some cried, others laughed nervously, perhaps as a way to cope.
Among those listening to them is Betcheba Ellorico Prochina, an educator by profession, and one of several volunteers – teachers, a social worker, and psychiatrists – who made the journey to Bogo City, Cebu from Agusan del Sur in northeastern Mindanao to provide psychological first aid (PFA) to communities affected by the quake.
A teacher’s calling: traveling miles to bring care, expecting no reward
Betcheba and the rest of the volunteers were trained in PFA in 2023 by an EU Humanitarian Aid-funded project called REACH, implemented by ACCORD, CARE, and partners.
That same year, they put their training into action when a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Sarangani in November 2023. ACCESS, another EU-funded action also led by ACCORD, CARE, and partners, sent out a call for volunteers to provide PFA to affected families.
The trip from Agusan del Sur to Sarangani was long – more than eight hours by land – and the task was emotionally demanding, but Betcheba had no second thoughts: “Volunteering is good for the heart,” she says. “We’re not psychologists, but through our simple way of delivering PFA, we were able to ease their psychological burden.”
In Cebu, trapped in traffic gridlock for hours, one song kept playing in her head: “Yes, I’m a teacher; I must brave all the roaring waves and the fury of the river and windy seas; I must climb on up the mountains and hills where children there wait for my love and care.”
What is psychological first aid?
“Before, people focused only on first aid for physical wounds and often neglected one of the most important aspects of our lives: our psychological and emotional well-being,” Betcheba explains. “Like a physical wound, if left unattended, it can worsen. For people who have experienced trauma, PFA helps them bounce back and regain a positive outlook.”
The sessions are designed to help participants process their experiences and emotions. Volunteers use games, songs, and simple activity sheets to help participants recognize and express their feelings. With gentle encouragement and non-judgmental listening, conversations begin to flow, and the weight of trauma can start to lift. Participants also learn practical tools such as breathing exercises to manage stress.
The volunteers knew their visit was only the first step, and that ongoing support would be crucial, especially for children and older persons, whose trauma might manifest in subtler ways.
Says Betcheba, “Volunteering is one way of destressing myself by destressing others. I’m glad that, if only for a short while, we helped take their minds off their worries.”
Local capacity building promotes fast, sustainable emergency response
Betcheba and the volunteers’ story is testament to the lasting impact of empowering local actors. Trained under a previous project, they consistently step up to serve other communities during new emergencies, a clear ripple of positive change extending well beyond the project’s timeline.
ACCESS is a multi-year, multi-sectoral project funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid and implemented by a consortium of 14 local and international organizations: ACCORD, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity (COM), Humanity & Inclusion Philippines, Integrated Mindanaons Association for Natives (IMAN), Kadtabanga Foundation for Peace and Development Advocates, Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress (MOSEP), Oxfam Pilipinas, People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network (PDRRN), Plan International Pilipinas, Save the Children Philippines, United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD), and United Youth of the Philippines – Women (UnYPhil-Women).
The European Union Humanitarian Aid-funded ACCESS Project is scaling up its humanitarian work in the Philippines through a two-year continuation, building on the lessons and gains from the past two years of delivering lifesaving assistance to families affected by conflict, displacement, and natural or climate-related hazards when they need it most.
Reaching underserved, last-mile communities across the Philippines
Since its launch in 2023, ACCESS has reached over 200,000 people with humanitarian aid and disaster preparedness support. This work will continue with ACCESS 2, which aims to reach 350,000 more people by 2027, still prioritizing the most at-risk individuals, including children, older persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, and newly displaced families in Mindanao and other crisis-affected areas.
Speed, Accuracy, and Quality
ACCESS remains committed to speed, accuracy, and quality in humanitarian response. This means acting quickly once it is safe to do so, ensuring aid is well-targeted and relevant to needs, and upholding high technical standards. The project operates across sectors including food security, health, shelter, WASH, protection, education in emergencies, disaster preparedness, anticipatory action, and humanitarian coordination. A rapid response mechanism allows teams to mobilize within 24 to 72 hours once it is safe to reach affected communities. Whether addressing sudden emergencies or chronic crises, the project is guided by the principle that no one should be left behind, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
“ACCESS delivers immediate humanitarian assistance to families affected and displaced by disasters and crises. With the support of the European Union, this effort ensures that aid reaches the most vulnerable, especially when local resources are not sufficient and needs are greatest.”
– Arlynn Aquino, Programme Officer and Head of Philippine Antenna, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO)
ACCESS 2 brings together 14 international and local humanitarian organizations, many based in Mindanao. This locally led model draws on deep community knowledge and trusted relationships to deliver faster, more relevant assistance. Activities are gender- and age-sensitive and disability-inclusive, ensuring everyone’s needs are considered and assistance is provided without discrimination. The project also integrates environmental safeguards, following ECHO’s Minimum Environmental Requirements and climate-smart practices to reduce the impact of humanitarian activities.
“ACCESS is about working together—side by side with national and local organizations, government units, and other humanitarian actors—to make sure help gets to the people who need it most. Our partners on the ground know the realities and the needs of their communities. By combining our strengths, we can respond faster, reach farther, and support communities not just to recover, but to be ready for future crises.”
– Reiza Dejito, Country Director of ACCESS consortium lead CARE Philippines
Coordination and Advocacy
Beyond emergency response, ACCESS 2 invests in disaster preparedness at both community and subnational levels, helping local actors anticipate and mitigate risks. The project also includes a national advocacy component, working to strengthen policies and systems that protect at-risk populations. To ensure resources are used effectively, ACCESS 2 provides humanitarian coordination support, aligning assistance with other partners and local authorities.
Bridging Relief, Recovery, and Peace
ACCESS embraces a humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach, linking immediate relief with long-term resilience and conflict sensitivity. This integrated strategy helps address urgent needs while supporting local systems and reducing the risks that drive recurring crises.
Looking Ahead Together
At its core, the new two-year continuation of ACCESS reflects a renewed commitment to communities facing the greatest challenges: those living through conflict, displacement, and natural and climate-related hazards. It builds on what has already been achieved, with a focus on delivering timely, inclusive, and principled humanitarian aid, and sustaining efforts to help people recover with dignity and prepare for future crises. By working together, we move closer to a future where communities are safer, stronger, and more resilient.
About ACCESS
ACCESSis multi-year, multi-sectoral humanitarian and disaster preparedness initiative funded by European Union Humanitarian Aid. It serves the most affected, underserved, difficult-to-reach communities in the Philippines, where natural hazards, conflict, recurrent displacement, and intensifying climate-related risks continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
ACCESS 2 is implemented by a consortium of 14 local and international organizations: ACCORD, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity (COM), Humanity & Inclusion Philippines, Integrated Mindanaons Association for Natives (IMAN), Kadtabanga Foundation for Peace and Development Advocates, Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress (MOSEP), Oxfam Pilipinas, People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network (PDRRN), Plan International Pilipinas, Save the Children Philippines, United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD), and United Youth of the Philippines – Women (UnYPhil-Women).
San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal — On the afternoon of July 21, Maribel Bernardo stood at the doorway of her home, watching as the river crept up the street. The rain had been falling for days, but by 2 p.m., the floodwaters had reached her knees. That was when she knew it was time to leave.
“There was no warning from the barangay,” said Maribel, 49, a mother of six. “We just looked outside and realized we didn’t have any more time.”
She and her children left on foot, barefoot and soaked, carrying what little they could. Her husband stayed behind to try and protect their home, as many men in the community did.
After being turned away from one shelter, Maribel’s family found space at San Jose Elementary School, where hundreds of other displaced families had gathered. Every classroom was full, and her family ended up in a room with six others, laying out thin mats on the floor of their cramped new living space.
Among those sharing the room is Claudine Miranda, 30, Maribel’s neighbor and close friend. She also fled with her three children as the water rose around their home. Her husband, a construction worker, has been out of a job since the typhoon shut down work sites.
Conditions at the evacuation center have become increasingly difficult. With so many families in one room, there is little space to move, much less find privacy or rest. The lack of security is a constant worry.
“There are men we don’t know walking around the hallways,” Maribel said. “Our daughters are afraid, and honestly, so are we.”
This fear is a common reality in emergencies. In crises, women and girls face greater risks to their safety. Overcrowded evacuation centers that lack privacy, functioning locks, or separate, well-lit toilets can heighten their exposure to harassment and violence against women and girls. Addressing these protection needs is not an option, but a critical part of any effective humanitarian response.
The support that came was also inconsistent. Initial relief included porridge and a small pack with two kilos of rice, a few cans of sardines, and instant noodles. Since that first day, however, assistance has been unreliable.
Maribel cooks sardines inside their room at the evacuation center.
“Rice is what we need most,” said Claudine. “Even when we have nothing else, we can make rice last.”
But relying on uncooked rations is not enough. The lack of cooking space and a shortage of fresh food creates an immediate need for warm, complete meals to prevent malnutrition, especially for children and the elderly. To fill this gap and provide for her own family, Maribel started selling boiled bananas, fishballs, and coffee around the evacuation center.
Their husbands, both without income, try to make repairs to their damaged homes with salvaged materials. Still, returning feels like a risk neither family can afford, not with the river just steps away and the rainy season far from over.
“If we had a small push, even a little support to restart our work, a small grant or some tools, we wouldn’t be sitting here waiting for assistance,” said Claudine, highlighting the desire to rebuild.
Maribel nodded in agreement. “We’re not asking for much,” she said. “We just want to go home, feed our children, and know they’re safe.”
For families like theirs, the disaster did not end when the rain stopped. Recovery remains out of reach, and as the days in the evacuation center stretch on, so does their uncertainty.
To better understand the situation in the community and guide a more effective response, CARE Philippines and the ACCESS Consortium are assessing the damage and speaking with affected families in Rodriguez, Rizal, to identify their most urgent needs after the flooding brought by Severe Tropical Storm Wipha and the southwest monsoon.
In Mindanao, the Philippines’ southernmost island, communities grapple with the compounding effects of conflict, displacement, natural hazards, and climate-induced disasters.
This collection of photos, most recently exhibited at the 2025 European Humanitarian Forum in Brussels, brings into focus stories from across the region: children returning to school after floods, indigenous groups navigating displacement due to conflict, individuals obtaining birth certificates for the first time, and humanitarian aid reaching the most remote communities.
It primarily features moments from the EU-funded ACCESS Project but also showcases other EU-supported initiatives of ACCESS consortium partners, offering a glimpse into the collective, complementary efforts of humanitarians working on the ground, united in their goal of building resilience in the most at-risk, least-served communities.
At its heart, these images celebrate human resilience. Amidst overwhelming challenges, the strength, dignity, and hope of Mindanao’s communities shine through.
As viewers, we are called not only to bear witness to their struggles but also to recognize the necessity of continued support and solidarity with those enduring these crises.
Blog, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Women and Girls
Ledesma Tañon, 59, was born into a family of abaca (Manila hemp) farmers and has been deeply involved in farming for as long as she can remember. Alongside her husband, Noe, a dedicated blacksmith, she raised ten children in their home in Brgy. Buyo, Virac, Catanduanes.
She cultivates abaca, root crops, and vegetables on a four-hectare land, ensuring a steady food supply for her family. The income from abaca farming is a crucial source of support, enabling her to cover the family’s daily needs and finance her children’s education.
On December 16, Typhoon Pepito (Man-yi) made landfall in Catanduanes, devastating her farm by toppling nearly all 250 hills of abaca. She was left with only the suckers, which will require two years to mature before any fiber can be harvested. The typhoon also tore off the roof of their home and brought floodwaters that rose to at least 2 meters high. Most of their belongings were damaged, leaving them with little to salvage.
Photo: Several mature abaca plants were destroyed by the typhoon at Ledesma’s farm.
Despite everything, Ledesma remained steadfast. “Starting over is difficult, but I have to be strong for my children”, she said. She shared that this wasn’t the first time they had faced such devastation. “Our house was flooded to the rooftop when Typhoon Rolly happened in 2020. All our crops were destroyed, too”, she added.
Catanduanes is highly prone to typhoons. As the easternmost province of the Philippines, it directly faces the Pacific Ocean and is often the first to be hit by storms entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Its location makes it a frequent target for powerful typhoons, which bring heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges, often causing flooding and landslides.
The people of Catanduanes, like Ledesma, depend largely on abaca, a crop resilient to drought but highly vulnerable to typhoon damage. In fact, Typhoon Pepito devastated around 23,000 hectares of abaca plantations on the island, which produces 27% of the Philippines’ total abaca fiber supply.
Photo: The hills turned brown after Typhoon Pepito felled most of the trees and crops in Virac.
In October 2021, CARE Philippines introduced the Women Economic Empowerment (WE Empower) Project in Catanduanes to address the impact of Typhoon Rolly on the abaca-based livelihoods of affected communities. The project focused on empowering women and young abaca farmers by providing capacity-building programs, enhancing access to essential services, and fostering an environment conducive to sustainable economic activities.
Ledesma is one of more than a thousand farmers who participated in the WEE project. She and her fellow farmers organized the Buyo-Dugi-Hicming Farmers Association. They were trained on abaca and root crop by-products, financial management, other relevant business and financial skills, climate-resilient farming techniques, and good agricultural practices. Part of their learning was also on disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation.
When the news forecasted the typhoon’s landfall in Catanduanes, she immediately harvested root crops such as cassava, taro, and sweet potatoes to ensure that they could have something to eat after the deluge.
She also evacuated three sows to a safe location and ensured the processed abaca fibers were stored in a high place to protect them from flooding before leaving for safety. She also brought their meager savings which she used to buy roofing materials and had her sons repair the damage to their home. She also managed to buy some rice though this only lasted a few days.
Through the WEE Project, CARE introduced the aGAP Bangon assistance program, an innovative, market-based emergency relief initiative. The program provides immediate relief packages, including food items and seedlings, to the most vulnerable community members and farmers impacted by natural disasters like Typhoon Pepito.
Ledesma received a 25-kilo sack of rice and vegetable seedlings to supplement the supplies she saved before the typhoon. She plans to use the remaining abaca fiber she saved to weave mats and baskets for sale. Additionally, one of her sows is pregnant, and she intends to sell the piglets to raise funds for restarting her farming activities.
“It’s difficult to start but it gets easier when you have something to start on”, she shared.
Blog, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Women and Girls
Cecilia, a 52-year-old married mother of four, has dedicated her life to serving her community in Barangay Tagbakan Ilaya, located in the Municipality of Catanauan.
“Since 2018, I’ve been looking after 141 households, making sure that health services reach everyone, even when resources are limited. It’s not always easy, but knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life keeps me going. I will continue to serve, not for the recognition, but because it’s what my community needs.”
She continues to serve as a volunteer, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to public health and her community’s well-being. remains steadfast in her resolve to serve her community to the best of her ability. Her volunteer work includes participation in CARE’s HEAL Hub project with the Southern Tagalog People’s Response Center – STPRC, Inc., where she continues to provide essential health services and education to the residents of her community.
Cecilia continues to serve as a community health volunteer, catering to patients’ needs at the health center.
Her work involves a range of activities, from conducting health education sessions to assisting in the delivery of primary health care services. Her dedication to the HEAL Hub project highlights her adaptability and willingness to embrace new initiatives aimed at improving community health. Through her volunteer work, Cecilia continues to impact positively on the lives of those in her barangay, ensuring that health services remain accessible despite the challenges she faces.
Her story is one of resilience, dedication, and selflessness. Her ability to continue serving without financial compensation showcases her deep-rooted commitment to her community’s health and well-being. Her efforts as a volunteer not only fill a critical gap in health services but also inspire others in the community.
Blog, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Women and Girls, Women and Girls
Christine has been a dedicated Community Health Worker in her community for the past eight years, serving tirelessly since 2017. Her extensive training and accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH) underscore her proficiency and readiness to address various health needs within her assigned households.
Christine manages the health needs of 38 households, making her an integral part of the community’s health care system. Her role is multifaceted, encompassing regular weekly visits to her assigned households. During these visits, she conducts essential health activities such as weighing children to monitor their growth and development and assisting midwives with immunization and vaccination programs. Christine is also responsible for managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes within her community. She ensures that her patients receive the necessary medications monthly, and meticulously records their health status.
Despite her critical role, Christine faces significant challenges, particularly concerning resource limitations. She receives a modest annual stipend of 2,000 pesos from the provincial government and an additional 650 pesos per month from her barangay. This limited financial support underscores the financial constraints under which many CHWs operate.
“For the past eight years, I’ve been making sure families get the care they need, especially when there aren’t enough resources. Even when things are tough, I believe it’s important to teach people how to take care of their health. This way, we can stay strong as a community, even when times are hard.”
When supplies of medicines run out, Christine adapts by focusing on health education, providing valuable information and guidance to her community members. Her efforts in health education are vital, as they empower households with knowledge about maintaining good health practices and managing illnesses.
Christine’s commitment to her community is evident in her willingness to go above and beyond her official duties. Her ability to adapt to resource shortages and her proactive approach to health education highlight her resourcefulness and dedication. Her continuous engagement in training programs conducted by the DOH further enhances her capabilities, ensuring that she remains updated with the latest health care practices and protocols.
Christine Jimenez’s profile exemplifies the dedication and resilience of Community Health Workers in rural areas. Her work not only addresses immediate health needs but also contributes to the long-term well-being of her community. Through her unwavering commitment and continuous efforts, Christine plays a pivotal role in fostering a healthier and more informed community.
Blog, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Peacebuilding
For twenty years, a deep rift split this indigenous community in the Philippines. What started as a territorial dispute in 2000 evolved into an intense conflict over resources, ideologies, and leadership, eventually spiraling into violence, displacement, and the loss of many lives. It also prevented the formation of a unified council needed to secure the tribe’s land rights. With climate change and environmental degradation potentially making scarce resources even scarcer, further escalation seemed almost inevitable.
But now, two decades later, both sides are taking crucial steps toward reconciliation.
NCIP and BRIDGE Project help clear a path to peace
The Talaandig, the smallest indigenous group in the Philippines’ Caraga Region in Mindanao, is a dwindling tribe with fewer than 2,000 families. The conflict forced some to flee deep into the forests, limiting their access to education and basic services mostly available in the lowlands. Many of its youth also struggle to maintain their traditional way of life and cultural identity due to discrimination and limited opportunities for learning and livelihood.
For years, the tribe tried to settle the dispute, but insufficient resources and the periodic recurrence of violence made it challenging.
With facilitation from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and support from the European Commission-funded BRIDGE project, members of the Talaandig tribe recently gathered for a peace dialogue. The goal was to bridge the long-standing divide by openly and respectfully talking about misunderstandings and grievances, committing to preventing future conflicts, and (re)uniting in their claim over their shared ancestral domain. This included establishing clear land boundaries and facilitating the creation of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) to strengthen their legal claim.
This landmark event opened a new chapter for the tribe. “From now on, there will be no more bloodshed,” declared one tribal chieftain.
“We can’t ignore the hurt this conflict has caused our families and the damage it’s done to our relationships, but I truly believe that, by starting this dialogue today, we can begin to heal,” said another tribal leader.
The peace dialogue
While the dialogue itself took place within a day, most participants spent one day traveling to the venue and another day returning home. For some, because they lived in such remote, “last mile” areas, the journey to the venue involved two days of walking barefoot. Yet, for something that had been out of reach for two decades and for which they spent years preparing, it seemed a reasonable price to pay.
The event began with a traditional Talaandig ceremony invoking peace and unity, led by the tribe’s elders. Two datus, or tribal chieftains,from the conflicting parties presented their perspectives, detailing the origins and consequences of the territorial dispute. Elders, women, and youth from both sides shared insights and recounted their genealogy, the conflict’s history, and its impact on their community.
The group that remained in the original settlement in the lowlands spoke of their community’s milestones, including having two college graduates who are now teachers, and said they hoped these could serve as an inspiration to others and a testament to what the Talaandig can achieve given the opportunity.
Mediators also played a key role, helping pave the way for a peace agreement by using the appropriate mediation processes. Mediators included the Municipal Tribal Chieftain Datu Raul Minglana, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Luis Bae Ederlina Precioso, NCIP Regional Director Ordonio P. Rocero, and NCIP Lawyer Atty. Fritzie Lynne Sumando. BRIDGE project staff, and personnel from the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, served as secretariat and witnesses to the dialogue.
The DepEd teachers also conducted a learner mapping to assess the educational needs of the community, especially in alternative learning systems.
The peace dialogue was a critical first step for the Talaandig Tribe to claim their ancestral domain. | Photo: CARE Philippines
Talaandig women’s voices
Women were instrumental in the peace process by documenting the dialogue and providing significant information to complete the tribe’s history. They also lent the discussion a nurturing and caring lens, helping participants see possible ways to heal past wounds. The event underscored the importance of inclusive participation, involving women in reconciliation and decision-making.
Resolution and future steps
To close the dialogue, the datus exchanged metal bracelets to symbolize their commitment to peace. They reached a tentative agreement on land boundaries and the establishment of the CADT, and all parties pledged to maintain the peace and prevent future conflicts. They also agreed to support each other’s aspirations for a dignified life by educating their children and ensuring equitable access to their ancestral land’s resources.
From humanitarian response to peacebuilding
The dialogue partially illustrates what working within the humanitarian, development, and peace nexus looks like, and how humanitarian and peacebuilding initiatives can build upon each other’s gains. In Mindanao, ACCORD, CARE, and partners implement two projects intentionally designed to complement each other: ACCESS, which addresses urgent humanitarian needs, and BRIDGE, which focuses on peacebuilding.
Months before the dialogue, a group from the tribe – who had been experiencing chronic violence, threats, and harassment for years – was given food, shelter, WASH (water supply, sanitation, and hygiene promotion), health, and civil registration assistance by the EU Humanitarian Aid-funded ACCESS Project. Seeing an opportunity to ask for help and give his people a better future, the group’s leader sought the project’s help in organizing a discussion with the other Talaandig groups. Through BRIDGE, the team from ACCORD supported NCIP in setting up the much-needed talk.
With the NCIP’s partnership with BRIDGE, initial aid from ACCESS, and the Talaandig Tribe’s commitment to peace, cultural preservation, and self-determination, this decades-long conflict may finally be coming to a close.
—
ACCESS is a multi-year, multi-sectoral project funded by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) and implemented by consortium members ACCORD, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Humanity & Inclusion Philippines, and Save the Children Philippines.
The “Civil Society, Women and Youth Promoting Culture of Peace in Mindanao” (BRIDGE) Project is funded by the European Commission and implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, and Oxfam Pilipinas
Blog, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Women and Girls, Women and Girls
by Josephine C. Kusain and Mary Therese L. Norbe
Photo: Farm fields lay barren due to lack of rainfall and water in Brgy. Santor, Rizal, Kalinga. (Josephine C. Kusain)
The rapid humanitarian assessment (RHA) conducted by CARE Philippines and its partners, Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services (CorDIS RDS) and Citizen’s Disaster Response Center (CDRC), in response to the 2024 El Niño event in the Philippines, highlighted significant impacts on the agricultural and fishing communities in Kalinga and Negros Oriental. The drought, which affected 59 out of 82 provinces across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, led to severe agricultural losses and food shortages, disproportionately impacting men, women, girls, and boys in these regions.
In Kalinga, communities reliant on rice, corn, and vegetable farming faced immense difficulties in maintaining their fields and gardens. Similarly, in Negros Oriental, sugarcane farmers and fishing communities struggled with reduced productivity due to the harsh weather conditions. Both regions reported increased pest infestations, dried rice fields, and significant productivity reduction and crop losses, leading to severe food shortages and malnutrition, particularly among children. Women in Kalinga adjusted by waking early to work in the fields, while in Negros Oriental, coastal households altered fishing schedules to cope with the intense heat. The shortened fishing windows and fish moving deeper for cooler waters reduced catch potential, further straining coastal livelihoods and incomes.
Photo: The heat cause rice fields to crack and prevented the rice to grow in Kalinga. @CorDis RDS
Water scarcity emerged as a critical issue in both regions, with Kalinga experiencing rotational water sources and frequent interruptions, allowing households access to water for only 3 to 4 hours daily. In Negros Oriental, even coastal communities faced diminished water flow from community tanks and deep wells. The lack of water affected both household and agricultural use, exacerbating the already dire situation for the communities. Farmers in Kalinga faced high gasoline costs to operate water pumps, while those in Negros Oriental contended with reduced water availability, further complicating their agricultural activities. In both Kalinga and Negros Oriental, coping with the heat during El Niño involved seeking shade, timing water collection, and utilizing different containers for water storage.
Photo: No water flows from an open faucet in Brgy. Santor, Rizal, Kalinga @Josephine C. Kusain/CARE
Health issues were widespread, with Kalinga reporting increased cases of coughs, diarrhea, hypertension, and joint pain among adults, while children and girls faced additional challenges such as urinary tract infections and chickenpox. The elderly and persons with disabilities faced barriers in accessing healthcare, with only basic medicines available and specialized treatments limited. Despite these challenges, communities demonstrated resilience by upholding traditional practices like bayanihan, supporting each other, and arranging prayer meetings for sick elders. Both men and women turned to traditional herbal medicine for minor health issues when modern healthcare was inaccessible.
Both men and women sought alternative employment opportunities to bolster their finances, with women in Kalinga diversifying their income by selling snacks, snails, and taro or providing domestic services, while men often sought work in urban areas. Mutual support through interest-free loans among neighbors or borrowing money to meet various needs helped families navigate the crisis.
In terms of safety and protection, the Barangay Local Government Units in Kalinga implemented curfews, store closures, and a liquor ban to address alcohol-related issues. Despite these measures, an incident of rape involving minors prompted intervention from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, resulting in in-house schooling due to bullying concerns. Women also highlighted heightened online exposure due to shortened school hours. Girls indicated no specific safety concerns, relying on the Barangay Council and cultural practices rooted in ancestral lands to ensure community safety. In Negros Oriental, children avoided working in sugarcane fields due to the extreme heat.
The RHA underscored the urgent need for immediate food aid, including staples like rice and nutritional supplements, to address malnutrition and hunger. Emergency livelihood assistance and cash-for-work programs are essential to help families meet their immediate needs. Additionally, distributing hygiene kits and ensuring emergency water supplies are crucial for addressing water and sanitation challenges.
Photo: The rice grains are completely dried and will not mature because of the drought in Kalinga. @CorDis RDS
Reiza S. Dejito, CARE Philippines Country Director, emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts of the government, non-government organizations, and international agencies to address this crisis. “We need to increase the coping capacities of these communities by providing immediate life-saving relief and implementing long-term sustainable recovery plans to mitigate the impact of future climatic events.”
CARE Philippines, with its extensive experience in emergency response and long-term recovery efforts, advocates for a comprehensive approach to resilience-building. This includes livelihood diversification, skills training, sustainable agriculture practices, improved water infrastructure and sanitation facilities, and strengthened community health services to handle critical health issues.
