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Volunteers Bring Psychological First Aid to Earthquake Survivors

  • Tanya Mariano
  • 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).

ACCESS: Renewed Commitment to Timely, Dignified Humanitarian Aid

  • Tanya Mariano
  • Blog, Disaster Response, Latest News & Stories, Press Release

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)

Locally Led, Inclusive, Environmentally Responsible

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 

ACCESS is 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). 

Briefer: Empower and Mobilize Potential Opportunities for Work, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience (EMPOWER the Youth)

CARE Philippines, with support from the Tijori Foundation, implements the Empower and Mobilize Potential Opportunities for Work, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience (EMPOWER the Youth) project. It supports 600 young people in the Batangas province municipalities of Agoncillo, Alitagtag, San Nicolas, and Sta. Teresita, including youth from households participating in the DSWD 4Ps Program.

The project provides vital training and employment support to youth from families who rely on agriculture and fishing—industries that natural disasters have severely impacted over the past five years. By helping young people develop sustainable agricultural practices and create alternative ways to earn an income, EMPOWER-Y works to build economic stability in the community.

Briefer: Households Economic Resilience Strengthening for Women and Youth (HERS)

CARE, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Tijori Foundation are working together on the Households Economic Resilience Strengthening (HERS) for Women and Youth project. The project helps 600 women and 700 youth in Antipolo City, Baras, Binangonan, and Rodriguez, Rizal, create lasting ways to earn an income.

The project supports families in the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as they move toward self-sufficiency. HERS provides women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities with support and opportunities to build their own businesses and secure a stable income.

Humanitarian NGOs Welcome New Philippine Imminent Disaster Law

  • Tanya Mariano
  • Advocacy, Disaster Response, Humanitarian, Latest News & Stories, Other Topic, Press Release

The landmark legislation, Republic Act No. 12287, paves the way for proactive government response, protecting people before floods, typhoons, or other hazards hit

In a historic move to save lives and protect at-risk communities, the Philippine government has passed the Imminent Disaster Bill into law, establishing a national framework for anticipatory action – measures taken before a hazard hits or before its worst impacts are felt. The law mandates that government agencies act before impacts peak: to pre-position supplies, organize preemptive evacuation, or release early cash or in-kind support.

“This is a turning point for the Philippines: from reacting after a disaster to protecting people before it strikes. The real test is in implementation, and we stand ready to work with government and communities to make anticipatory action a reality nationwide,” says Reiza Dejito, Country Director of CARE Philippines, the organization leading the European Union Humanitarian Aid-funded ACCESS Project, which implements anticipatory action initiatives.

“With this new law, the government can now officially lead anticipatory actions and utilize state resources to save lives and protect livelihoods. The era of waiting for the most vulnerable to experience the full brunt of a disaster before help arrives is, we hope, coming to an end,” says Lot Felizco, Executive Director of Oxfam Pilipinas, an ACCESS consortium member.

Centering Community Voices

People most affected by typhoons, floods, and other hazards are now covered by a clear legal mandate for early action. Civil society organizations, including ACCESS members, helped ensure the law is grounded in the realities of communities frequently affected by disasters, amplifying local voices to inform policy and keeping the law steadfast to its core purpose: to save lives, protect livelihoods, uphold dignity, and adhere to the ‘do no harm’ principle.

“For the longest time, our communities have been on the frontlines of climate change, waiting for the next storm to take everything from them. This law gives us hope and a fighting chance. It is a testament to what is possible when we work together towards a common goal of resilience,” says Esteban Masagca, Executive Director of People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network (PDRRN).

Adds Sindhy Obias, Executive Director of Assistance and Cooperation for Community Resilience and Development (ACCORD), “More than anticipating disasters, the law recognizes the strength and wisdom of Filipino communities who have long been the first responders. This legal foundation strengthens our collaboration with government, partners, and communities so that preparedness is a guaranteed right for every family at risk.”

‘No One Left Behind’

The law helps broaden support for women, girls, older adults, people with disabilities, and others who often face barriers to aid.

“Disasters affect girls differently and disproportionately,” says Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang, Executive Director of Plan International Pilipinas. “The new law enables earlier action to protect girls and meet their specific needs before disasters strike, helping ensure that every child—especially every girl—is safe, empowered, and resilient in the face of typhoons and other emergencies,” she adds.

Says Melanie Ruiz, Country Manager of Humanity & Inclusion Philippines, “Through this new law, we continue to promote inclusive anticipatory action, enabling meaningful participation of people with disabilities, older adults, women, children, and other marginalized groups in disaster preparedness, to ensure no one is left behind.”

Enabling Proactive Measures

The new law provides a clear legal framework for government agencies at all levels to:

  • Pre-position goods and supplies in areas forecasted to be hit by a hazard
  • Implement pre-emptive evacuations to ensure citizen safety
  • Distribute cash or aid assistance to families so they can meet basic needs without resorting to negative coping strategies
  • Secure assets and livelihoods, such as boats, livestock, and equipment, minimizing economic loss

This proactive approach protects development gains and breaks the cycle of poverty exacerbated by repeated disasters. “This legislation is a milestone that reinforces ongoing efforts to integrate early action, preparedness, and disaster risk reduction into both humanitarian and development programs,” says Suresanathan Murugesu, Country Director of Action Against Hunger Philippines.

Proven Anticipatory Action Activations

Since 2023, ACCESS has been delivering anticipatory action support to the most at-risk, difficult-to-reach communities in Mindanao and across the country, covering hazards such as floods and typhoons, as well as conflict. This meant communities had access to essentials such as food and water, could safeguard personal belongings and livelihood tools, and move to safety before impact.

Consortium advocacy has also strengthened local adoption: In 10 barangays in Basilan and Sulu, barangay councils passed resolutions adopting anticipatory action and rapid response mechanisms introduced under ACCESS through Save the Children Philippines, Nagdilaab Foundation, and Notre Dame of Jolo College. Communities designed the plans to reflect local risks and realities and tested them through a simulation drill, advancing more inclusive, child-sensitive disaster response and preparedness.

During the 2024 El Niño in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), SUPREME BARMM, another EU Humanitarian Aid-supported initiative led by Oxfam Pilipinas, activated the country’s first anticipatory action for drought. Communities in the Special Geographic Areas (SGAs) received critical cash, in-kind, and information assistance before the drought peaked, helping to reduce its impact. The project also activated anticipatory action ahead of severe floods in Cotabato City between 2020 and 2023.

A Call for Collective Action

While the passage of the law is a win, its rollout will require close collaboration between government, civil society, and communities in hazard-prone areas. ACCESS consortium members are committed to ensuring that efforts remain grounded in the lived realities of those most affected.

About ACCESS

ACCESS is 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. Since 2023, the project has helped more than 200,000 people.

ACCESS 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).

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tanya Mariano

Communications Specialist – Humanitarian, Disaster Resilience, and Peacebuilding Unit

CARE Philippines

tanya.mariano@care.org

Digitalizing Health through HEAL Hub: Mobile App Capacitates Frontliners One Tap at a Time

The Healthy, Empowered, Accredited, Linked (HEAL) Hub is a digital platform designed for community health workers in the Philippines.

Developed to address gaps in training and improve access to digital resources, the HEAL Hub aims to empower 1,500 barangay health workers (BHWs) in Quezon Province by the end of 2026. BHWs are vital frontline volunteers who provide basic health services and education in their communities. This learning brief, based on discussions with 14 BHWs, highlights the initial successes and challenges of the program, which is part of the global CARE “She Heals the World” initiative and implemented in partnership with the Southern Tagalog People’s Response Center (STPRC).

HEAL Hub Learning BriefDownload

Living on the Edge: Rebuilding Life Where the Sea Took Everything

  • Mary Therese Norbe
  • Disaster Response, Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories

Charmine Rudolfo and Jay Vallestin, both 25, live with their two children in San Antonio, Panganiban, Catanduanes. For six years, they have built a life near the sea. Jay fishes for shrimp and crabs, while Charmine takes care of their children and home.

Living close to the sea has its costs, especially when storms and typhoons strike. When Typhoon Pepito hit, strong winds and rising waves destroyed everything. Their home, made of plywood and thatched nipa leaves, was swept away. “We lost everything to the sea,” Charmine said.

For a month, the family stayed in an unused space in their village leader’s house. They relied on government food support for their daily survival. Jay would go out to sea for hours, hoping to catch enough to feed the family and earn a little income. Sometimes, he would return with nothing. The uncertainty of each day weighed heavily on them.

Photo: Jay shows the juvenile crabs he caught that were packed and ready to be sold to mud crab growers.

Their children still feel scared when it rains heavily. The sound of strong winds or pounding rain brings back memories of the typhoon. As parents, Charmine and Jay find this heartbreaking. They want their children to feel safe again.

Determined to rebuild, they borrowed money to buy lumber and hire a carpenter. Though the interest was high, they took the loan because they had no other option. However, the funds were still not enough. They used scrap GI sheets for walls and gathered sand and pebbles from the shore to create a temporary floor.

When CARE, through the UNCERF-funded emergency response, arrived in their community, they assessed the damages and the needs of the most affected people. Charmine and Jay’s family qualified for shelter repair kits and multi-purpose cash assistance. These resources gave them the support they needed to begin rebuilding their home with dignity and hope.

With the materials and cash assistance, they began rebuilding together. Jay helped the carpenter after fishing trips, and Charmine hauled sand and gravel.

“We worked together to save on labor costs,” Charmine said.

Today, their house is still a work in progress. The walls need to be completed with plywood and properly braced. The floor remains unfinished, but they plan to buy cement to make it sturdier and safer for their children. The kitchen also still needs to be built, so Charmine can once again cook meals in a space of her own. The roof also needs to be reinforced to withstand strong winds. With the rainy season usually beginning in June, they are doing their best to prepare and protect their family.

Photo: Jay readies the crab traps in preparation for another fishing trip while Charmine cleans the catch for selling.

“It is small, but we have big dreams,” Jay said. “We are working hard so we can make it stronger and one day move to a safer place.”

A Favorite Meal After the Storm

  • Mary Therese Norbe
  • Featured Stories, Food & Nutrition, Latest News & Stories

For Liezel, 33, and her husband, Mark Anthony, 35, life in their village in Pandan, Catanduanes, was built on hard work. As a cook at a nearby resort and a construction worker, they earned a decent income together, enough to provide for their two children.

Their stable life was turned upside down when Typhoon Pepito struck. The storm’s powerful winds tore the roof and walls from their house. With their home destroyed, the family had to stay with Liezel’s sister for over a month.

The typhoon took more than just their home; it took their jobs. It damaged the resort where Liezel worked and halted all construction projects in the area. With no income, the family relied on government food aid to survive. After a month, the resort reopened, but with only Liezel working, the family struggled to afford enough food. Her husband was not able to get back to work until February.

“It was difficult because this was the first time we experienced a typhoon that destroyed our house and stripped our savings,” Liezel said.

The experience also left a lasting impact on her children. “Every time it rains hard, they get scared,” she shared.

In March, CARE and its partner TABI, with support from the Gates Foundation, came to their village with food, kitchen items, and sleeping materials. This support which included 75 kilos of rice and other food items, like chicken, was essential to keep going.

Photo: A family waits for a boat to carry their food, kitchen items and sleeping materials to their village. The food could last a family of five for 2-3 months while they recover their livelihood.

“I saw how my children were smiling from ear to ear, especially when I fried the chicken. It was their favorite meal, even before the typhoon,” she said.

With enough food to last their small family for the next three months, Liezel felt a sense of relief she hadn’t felt in months.

“As a cook, I always worry about my children’s food,” she said. “And I was so happy that they got to eat well again.”

This support provided the stability her family needed to get back on their feet.

Rising from the Storm: Corazon’s Journey of Resilience and Hope

  • CARE Philippines
  • Featured Stories, Latest News & Stories, Stories of Change

Corazon Malano, 72, lives in Baang, Catigbian, Bohol, where farming is a way of life. At an early age, she learned the value of hard work on her family’s coconut farm. When she started her own family, coconut farming became her main source of income. Since 1975, she has relied on coconut farming to support her family, send her children to school, provide food, and invest in small ventures, such as raising livestock and growing rice.

For nearly 50 years, her life was shaped by the rhythm of the land and the coconut harvests that her family depended on. “Coconut farming is dependable and brings a reliable income,” she says.

Life as a coconut farmer has always had its challenges. Because the price of copra changes, some seasons were good, while others barely provided enough to get by. In good times, she could earn up to 10,000 pesos from her 200 coconut trees, but during bad times, she had to find other ways to make ends meet. Corazon never considered giving up, despite these struggles.

Then came December 16, 2021. Typhoon Odette, one of the strongest typhoons to hit the Philippines, swept through her community. Its strong winds uprooted coconut trees, destroyed homes, and left entire communities uncertain about the future.

For Corazon, the loss was personal. “It’s like saying goodbye to a family member who has helped us come this far,” she says. The loss was immense, not just financially, but emotionally. Coconut farming had built her life, and now she wondered how to start over.

With most of her coconut trees gone, the future seemed bleak. She worried that recovery would take years and feared that she and other coconut farmers might never get back what they lost.

A Renewed Sense of Hope

Then came the RISE Coco (Recovery Intervention for Severely Affected Coconut Farming Communities of Bohol by Super Typhoon Odette) Project, which brought immediate support and a clear plan for long-term recovery. Through the project, she was able to replant coconut trees and rebuild her farm.

The project’s training was especially helpful. She attended sessions on Good Agricultural Practices and learned new techniques to help her farm succeed. The lessons introduced lasting methods to make her farm resilient in the future. She learned about standard planting practices, like the proper spacing between trees to ensure healthy growth. She also learned how to properly use organic fertilizers to give her trees the right nutrients at the right time.

“I was happy because this project didn’t just help us recover our farms, it also gave us knowledge on how to improve our practices,” she says. “Now, we know how to plant better, how to take care of the trees, and how to ensure that they grow stronger against strong winds and heavy rains.”

Community and Lasting Change

The RISE Coco Project’s Livelihood Support Program also brought much-needed changes. The Baang Organic Small Coconut Farmers Association (BOSCOFA), which Corazon leads, focused on producing organic fertilizer and trading copra. This program gave them another way to earn money while waiting for the new trees to grow. This allowed farmers in the organization to improve their financial situation.

The livelihood support program also provided training to help her and her fellow farmers develop the skills needed to keep their collective business going. She learned how to produce and market organic fertilizers and ensure their group’s financial stability.

“This was a huge help for us,” Corazon shares. “Before, our organization was barely active. But with this program, our members became more engaged. We saw hope, and we worked together to make things better.”

The project’s effects were felt throughout the community. Farmers who had been unsure about the future now had something to work toward. The organization became more active and united. Corazon saw a new sense of purpose among her fellow farmers. Where there was once uncertainty, there was now determination.

For Corazon, the project was not just about recovering lost trees; it was about rebuilding confidence in the future of coconut farming. It gave them the tools to recover and reminded them of their strength as a community.

“The RISE Coco Project has significantly impacted our lives,” she says. “It did not only encourage us to rehabilitate our farms. It also gave hope to the farming families in our community.”

Now, when Corazon looks at the young coconut trees on her farm, she sees more than a source of income. She sees a future where farmers like her are better prepared, more knowledgeable, and more resilient. The road to recovery is still long, but with the right support and a willingness to keep going, she knows they are on the right path.

Story and Photos: Hannson Namoc

The RISE Coco project is a partnership anchored on a global agreement between Cargill and CARE International to work together to implement programs that would rehabilitate livelihoods impacted by disasters, support recovery and promote food security of affected farming communities. It is being implemented by CARE Philippines and its partner, the Cebubohol Relief and Rehabilitation Center.

#SheHealstheWorld Stories: Christine

  • CARE Philippines
  • 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.

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