It started drizzling when husband and wife Francisco, 40, and Jean, 33, finished weeding the vegetable plots at their two-hectare family farm up a hill in Brgy. Sto. Nino, Libjo, Dinagat Island. Francisco’s mother, Anastacia, 63, rushed and joined them to take shelter under a tent where their farmhouse used to stand before Typhoon Odette (Rai) flattened it to the ground. The lumber piled beside the tent was the only remaining reminder of the severe damage that the typhoon caused to their house and their farm. All the crops they lost were replaced with bananas, coconuts, corn, rice, cassava, taro, sweet potatoes, and various vegetables.
Jean shared that it took them a long time to regain the farm’s productivity. The flood and mud washed out all their stored seeds and farm tools. They had to build a temporary shelter down at the village to be close to their relatives and to any assistance they could access. It took more than a month before help came because the roads were difficult to pass due to the mud and debris. Within that period, their family relied on the remaining undamaged root crops they gathered from their farm for food.
When the government released financial assistance worth 5,000 pesos (100 USD), they immediately bought what they needed to restart their production.
“We couldn’t continue to wait for more help because our farm was the only source of income and food we had,” shared Jean.
However, everything they needed was sourced outside of the island. The difficulty of transport raised the prices of commodities, and the family could only do so much with the amount they received. They started replanting bananas from the seedlings of mother plants that survived the typhoon. They also made a small garden and grew vegetables for consumption. On September 2022, they harvested 140 kilos of bananas that sold for 35 pesos (70 US cents) per kilo. Even with this income, they knew it would take a considerable amount of money to get the farm back to produce crops for the market.
Then on October 2022, they were invited to a consultation and were selected as participants in the livelihood recovery project implemented by CARE and its local partner, ACCORD. Through the support of the US Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA), their household received 15,000 pesos (300 USD) as assistance for them to use in their livelihood recovery.
They used the amount to hire farm workers to help them clean and prepare the soil for planting. Francisco bought fertilizer and vegetable seeds and started planting them for consumption and selling in the market. They planted okra, sweet potatoes, string beans, green peppers, snow cabbage (pechay), Malabar spinach (alugbati), and spring onions. These vegetables are cultivated easily. Hence, they were able to harvest and earn 2,000 pesos (40 USD) in the first picking.
Francisco picks okra for their family’s dinner. | M. Norbe
“It felt good to be able to earn again after the losses we had because of (typhoon) Odette,” said Anastacia, who missed the time when they were netting at least 4,000 pesos (80 USD) per week with their vegetables, corn, root crops, and bananas.
Anastacia (left) and Jean (right) show the vegetables that they grow in the family farm.
But with the state of their farm slowly returning to what it was before the onslaught, the family was hopeful that they’d be able to recover. They were expecting a massive harvest of sweet potatoes in December with an estimated selling point of 50 pesos (1 USD) per kilo.
“When we have saved enough, we plan to rebuild our farmhouse and return to living and farming here”, said Francisco who shared the difficulty of going uphill to the farm and downhill to their house at the village every day.
Blog, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Stories of Change, Stories of Change
It was nearly noon, and the sun was already scorching hot when Analyn, 48, picked string beans and snap peas on their 1.5-hectare vegetable farm up a hill in Brgy. Malabanan, Balete, Batangas. It was a grueling task because the trellises that held the vines up were bent low by the strong winds and rain brought by Typhoon Paeng (Nalgae) in September. She crouched to get the mature beans while dragging a sack where she put her harvest. Her husband, Pablo, 54, picked okra on the other side of the farm. They then met where two large wicker baskets were nearly filled with the vegetables they gathered. They began sorting those of market quality from those they would cook at home or sell to their neighbors downhill.
While packing the vegetables they would sell to the traders in the market, Analyn shared that they are reaping the results of their good decisions at the start of the cropping season.
They were one of several small farmers affected by the volcanic ash eruption of Mount Taal that were invited as participants to CARE’s aGAP (Asenso sa Good Agriculture Package). It was a project implemented with the Southern Tagalog People’s Response Center – STPRC, Inc. with support from the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. that assists marginalized farming households whose livelihoods have been doubly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the intermittent Taal Volcano eruptions since January 2020. One of the project’s supports was providing additional farming inputs such as training on good agriculture practices to the participants to help them improve their resiliency to the constant volcanic ash and other climate change effects on their farming.
They learned from one of the sustainable agriculture training they attended that they could plant madre de cacao, a nitrogen-fixing tree, as natural trellises for their climbing vegetables. Their usual wooden post trellis cost 15 pesos each (27 cents). They needed at least 500 post trellises. Using the madre de cacao meant they saved 7,500 pesos (135 dollars). And because it is planted and growing, the tree can help prevent the soil from eroding, and its nitrogen-rich leaves can be used as fertilizer. With the trees rooted to the ground, they withstood being felled by the typhoon’s winds. Hence, the family was able to keep harvesting from their farm.
Moreover, Pablo learned to make fermented plant juice (FPJ) which ingredients were mainly from the plants they were growing. This is an inexpensive alternative to chemical fertilizers. They usually spend 4,000 pesos (72) dollars for fertilizer. With the FPJ, they partially cut the cost for this.
Pablo stirs the fermented plant juice (FPJ) that he made at home using molasses and vegetables harvested from the family farm. | Photo: M. Norbe
“We still couldn’t entirely turn it into an organic farm because we needed the yield that the chemical fertilizers bring. But slowly, we are noticing how the natural fertilizers I made produce healthier plants”, Pablo shared.
He had already experimented using only the FPJ and animal manure on a plot of okra, producing market-quality fruits. He planned to continue applying the knowledge from the training to the farm and see how they could improve their yield.
Pablo harvests okra from a vegetable plot where he experimented full application of fermented fruit juice (FPJ). | Photo: M. Norbe
The FPJ applied produced good market-quality okra fruits with minimal cost compared to chemical fertilizers. | Photo: M. Norbe
For farmers like Pablo and Analyn, yield is the most critical factor in bringing sufficient income from farming. However, their harsh experiences with the changing climate and the constant exposure to volcanic ash taught them that if they didn’t change their ways of farming, their land would continuously be stripped of its fertility and eventually lose yield.
They have been farming for the past 20 years using chemical fertilizers. They observed how these turned the soil so acidic that for every cropping, they added more to produce the same yield as the last. The soil gets easily eroded too, when heavy rains pour. So, the couple are working hard to bring back their farm soil’s fertility and increase its resilience to extreme weather events by integrating good agricultural practices in their farming.
“We are getting older and we wanted to prepare this land for our son to inherit. When that day comes, this farm will be a thriving business that we hope for him to continue”, Analyn shared.
Madilyn and Leopoldo show a mixture of Filipino delicacies, muffins and waffles that they sell in Libjo, Dinagat Islands. | M. Norbe
Smoke rose from one of the houses and filled the air with a familiar delicious scent in the village of Plaridel, Libjo, Dinagat Islands. From the kitchen, Madilyn, 32, dipped into hot oil with brown sugar caramel the last batch of turon, a Filipino delicacy made of banana rolled in spring roll wrapper. She was rushing to cook before noon and bring her sweet delicacies to the local pier. It was December, and the port was bustling with activities because of the Christmas season. She, her husband Leopoldo, and their two children took this opportunity to sell Filipino sweet delicacies like turon, caramelized banana and cassava chips, steamed cassava cake, and rice cakes to several passengers and boat crew coming and going.
The trips are usually more than an hour long. These delicacies serve as snacks during the trip or as pasalubong, a homecoming gift brought by travelers to where they are going. Few people know how and have the patience to cook these native treats that Filipinos love to eat. Hence, Madilyn and Leopoldo turned their cooking into a business in the past twelve years.
“It’s a tedious process that takes long hours to be finished, but it also sells quickly,” said Madilyn.
Madilyn cooks turon in their kitchen to be sold at the pier. | M. Norbe
That was why they were relieved that they had resumed their business after their crops were damaged and all their cooking equipment was washed out by Typhoon Odette (Rai) in December 2021.
Leopoldo shared that they were still recovering from the losses that the COVID-19 pandemic caused when the port resumed its operations in May of that year. When the typhoon came, the cassava and bananas they were growing were felled by the strong winds. The flood washed out their cooking pans and steamer. Their kitchen was in complete shambles. Their house’s roof was torn off, and the walls were damaged. The couple shared that they didn’t know how they would start their lives after losing almost everything. On the first few days, they didn’t have anything to eat because the rice they had was soaked wet.
“But we couldn’t give up because we had children to feed, so we scoured for whatever food we could get,” said Madilyn.
Upon seeing that some cassava root crops from their neighbors’ farms survived, the couple’s entrepreneurial instincts kicked in. They asked their neighbors if they could harvest the remaining cassava and pay them only after they sold whatever product they could turn it into. Most farmers would only sell these to traders and didn’t know how to process these into edible products. Madilyn and Leopoldo boiled these and sold them until they earned enough to buy cooking pans and a fabricated steamer for cassava cake. Leopoldo would also gather firewood which saved them money from buying their usual charcoal.
They longed to plant their crops to decrease their expenses in buying from others. However, it would take a huge amount of money to prepare the soil for cropping. Then came the livelihood recovery project facilitated by CARE and ACCORD to their village. They were one of the families selected as participants in this livelihood recovery assistance from the USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Affairs. They immediately decided to use the money to finance their cassava cropping.
“We bought soil enhancers and farm tools and hired a few people to help us in land preparation and planting more than 300 hills of cassava. We added the remaining money to our capital in cooking and selling delicacies”, Leopoldo shared.
It would take four months before the cassava could be boiled and eaten as an alternative to rice and a year to mature to be processed into cassava cake. While waiting for this, Madilyn and Leopoldo continue their business with the help of their children, who peddle their goods in places with a lot of foot traffic in their free time. They earn at least 200 pesos (4 USD) and at most 500 pesos (9 USD) daily, but they hope to increase their sales when schools start in January. With their sales, they have slowly repaired their house and bought additional cooking equipment like a waffle maker for business.
“It’s not always easy because most of us here are still trying to recover from the effects of the typhoon even after a year. In time, we will all be able to return to our livelihood fully”, added Madilyn.
Larry rests at the fishing dock after hours of fishing in Libjo, Dinagat Islands, Philippines.
It was near noon when Larry, 51, came back from five hours of fishing. He called on to his fellow fishermen resting at the fishing dock to help him haul his boat up. Larry was born with dwarfism. His short legs and arms made it difficult to carry his boat up when the water was too low for him to dock safely. Despite this, he shared that his life has always been fishing for the past 15 years in his small village of Osmena in Libjo, Dinagat Islands. This was why he couldn’t imagine how it would have been for him and his daughter had he not gone back to fishing after super typhoon Odette (Rai) severely damaged his boat’s hull.
He had been the sole provider for him and his daughter, Ladimar, who was also born with dwarfism. He yearned to go back to sea and fish, but it would take a huge amount of money to fix his boat. He shared that he used to catch an average of 5 kilos of fish, most of which he used to sell to fish vendors. He could provide food on the table and allowance for his daughter’s schooling. But the typhoon left him without means to earn. They relied on relief goods and monetary assistance from the government for months.
“I felt insecure because we didn’t know how long until the assistance stopped,” Larry shared.
CARE Philippines and ACCORD coordinated with the local government unit of Libjo to provide necessary assistance to the most affected households in their municipality. Larry was among those who could resume their disrupted livelihood with financial assistance from the USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA).
Larry paddles his new boat to fish which he bought using the financial assistance from USAID’s BHA. | Photo: J. Poliquit/CARE
He immediately bought a slightly bigger boat worth 10,000 pesos (180 USD) and used the remaining 5,000 (90 USD) to fix and repaint his damaged boat. He uses the bigger boat for fishing and the smaller one only for errands until it is completely sound for fishing. After months of being unable to go to sea, Larry is now back to fishing.
“I’m back to earning at least 2,000 pesos (40 USD) a week. It’s enough for us to buy a sack of rice and send my daughter back to school with an allowance”, he said.
Larry packs the fish he caught in an ice box. Most of these will be sold to fish vendors waiting at the dock. | Photo: J. Poliquit/CARE
Fishing is seasonal, and Larry shared that typhoon Odette (Rai) taught him a valuable lesson. When it happened, he was left without anything to take care of his family’s needs. These days, he strives to save part of his income in preparation for emergencies.
He shared that he felt nervous when December arrived this year. It brought back the trauma of the devastation that happened a year ago. “But I know what to do now to secure my house, boat, and fishing gear. I also have money saved to ensure that we can survive for days”, he shared.
But Larry and his fellow fisherfolks in Libjo continue to worry about their municipality’s fishing state. The changing climate has dramatically affected their source of livelihood. They had been experiencing lesser and lesser catches because of the unpredictable weather. Fisherfolks must venture far from shore to catch enough for the day.
Photo: Motorized fishing boats docked at a village port in Libjo, Dinagat | M. Norbe
In addition, they heard that the local government is planning to make an ordinance prohibiting fisherfolks from fishing within 50 kilometers of the municipal waters. With only a boat and paddle, Larry will not be able to go fishing that far.
Hence, he is saving little by little for a motorboat which would cost 50,000 pesos (895 USD). It would take time, he shared, but he could not give up on his livelihood until his daughter graduates and hopefully lands a job with sufficient income.
“I will continue to strive harder because it’s the only way I could give my daughter a good life.”
This story is part of the “Emergency Assistance to Support Local Recovery Capacity of Families and Communities Affected by Typhoon Odette”, an emergency response project funded by the US Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID-BHA) and jointly implemented by Action Against Hunger Philippines and CARE Philippines and its local partner, ACCORD Incorporated.
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.”
Blog, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Uncategorized
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.
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.
Blog, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Shelter
A Girl’s Story of Loss and Hope
After Typhoon Odette brought her family’s house down, Precious, her parents and siblings are now enjoying the warmth and comfort of their house that was built to resist natural hazards such as storms, typhoons, floods, and earthquakes.
Watch her story here:
Precious’ parents Barney and Eunice shared that in the past two months, their new house withstood the heavy rain and strong winds that the rainy season brought in. Their CGI roofing was nailed and braced securely and was able to hold out against the wind. Their marine plywood walls were also braced for the wind and its material protected them from the rain.
Since #TyphoonOdette flew their roof off and took their bamboo walls down, Eunice said that they have never felt safe and secure until they moved into their new house.
“It rained heavily last night but we were confident that we would be safe because of how sturdy our house is”, she added.
The family was sheltered in the latter’s mother’s house after the typhoon until CARE and National Rural Women Coalition (PKKK) came to their barangay to support affected families in their efforts to repair or rebuild their houses.
Through the Immediate and Comprehensive Response for Communities Affected by Typhoon Rai in the Philippines, they were able to access shelter repair kits. The barangay also recommended their family be assisted in repairing their house through mutual help or the bayanihan system. Volunteer carpenters and other members of the community helped in the repair.
This is usually done when some members of the community such as the elderly, the sick, and persons with disabilities are not able to repair or rebuild their houses on their own. Barney said that his epilepsy prevented him from doing the construction, hence, he was thankful that his community helped his family.
He and his wife are presently managing a small sari-sari store and internet vending business in their house. They will also be supported by the response through livelihood enhancement training and addition to capital.
