Philippines Copyright 1974 by Social Impact Foundation, Inc.impactmagazine.net/pdf/2015/IMPACT vol49 no12.pdf · Indeed, we treasure our faith as the power source of Filipino resiliency

5 | Making a new livelihood one stitch at a time

6 | The tip box 7 | My grandma, my mama

8 | Sacrifices and success

9 | Caritas Czech Republic made my life easier

10 | Cordaid hands over 4 new classrooms in Sulangan

11 | Fire Drills: Preparing for the worst case scenario

12 | Confronting the challenges of sustainable housing

13 | Caritas Germany in the Philippines

14 | CAFOD: Just one world

15 | Caritas Espanola

16 | Two years of rising above 'Yolanda'

20 | Haiyan response timeline

22 | He earns a little SheGives more!

23 | Sacrifice and success

24 | Sunshine after the rain

25 | Of house and trash: gratitude

26 | DSAC Kalibo real time updates

27 | I am no Catholic but I am Caritas

28 | Bahay Kubo: not just a song - but a lifestyle

29 | Reliving weaving

30 | A roof over the head of an old carpenter

CONTENTS

ISSN 0300-4155 / As ian Magaz ine for Hu-man Transformation Through Education, Social Advo-cacy and Evangelization / P.O. Box 2481, 1099 Manila, Philippines ©Copyright 1974 by Social Impact Foundation, Inc.

Editorial Office: Areopagus Communications, Holy Face of Jesus Convent and Center, 1111 R. Hidalgo St., Quiapo, Manila • Tel (632) 404-2182 • Telefax (632) 404-1612 • Visit our website at www.impactmagazine.net • For inquiries, comments, and contributions, email us at: [email protected]

IMPACT

Published monthly by

AREOPAGUS COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Editor

PEDRO QUITORIO III

Associate Editor

NIRVA'ANA DELACRUZ

Staff Writers

CHARLES AVILAEULY BELIZAR

ROY CIMAGALAROY LAGARDE

LOPE ROBREDILLO

Sales & advertising suPervisor

GLORIA FERNANDO

Circulation manager

MERCEDITA JUANITE

design artist

RONALYN REGINO

AS WE REMEMBER the destructions wrought by typhoon Haiyan two years ago, we grieve as we relive the memories of the unforgettable tragedy!

But amidst the agony and then seeming hopelessness, we steadfastly clung to our faith, to our conviction that God will journey with us as we struggle towards the path of recovery and healing.

Indeed, we treasure our faith as the power source of Filipino resiliency. We believe in the divine providence and in the loving compassion of the Lord.

An indispensable part of our Christian vocation is to become instruments of God's compassion by concretely pursuing justice, development and the works of caritas. The two-year emergency response program is a testimony to our commitment to faithfully witness to the call to love, preferentially, the poor and the most disadvantaged.

We are Caritas!And this publication is a humble attempt to capture our stories of how we try to fulfill our

mission, and to render effective, timely and appropriate services to the poor and the needy through community empowerment and in building and sustaining resiliency of the communities.

With our Social Action Centers and Relief and Rehabilitation Units from the Haiyan-affected dioceses, together with our Caritas Internationalis Member Organizations (CI MOs), we attempt to present the over-all response of Caritas confederation as the legacy of the Church in responding to the challenge of becoming truly a Church of the Poor.

We are Caritas. And this is our journey in mission…

Rev. Fr. Edwin A. Gariguez Executive Secretary NASSA/Caritas Philippines

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

This IMPACT Special Issue is produced by the COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE HUMANITARIAN UNIT of NASSA/Caritas Philippines.

NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES:● Jing Rey Henderson● April Aaa A. Bulanadi● Syrel Espineda

Website: www.caritasphilippines.orgE-mail: [email protected]

Caritas Philippines @Caritas_PHL

IMPACT NOVEMBER 20154

Typhoon Yolanda survivors Maura Angulo (left) and Andresa Daco (right) are among the bamboo weavers of the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay – Social Action Center. SYREL ESPINEDA / NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cebu – Relief and Rehabilitation Unit has provided shelter to 80 Typhoon Yolanda-affected families at the Caritas Village in Barangay Hagnaya, San Remigio in Cebu. SYREL ESPINEDA / NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES

VOLUME 49 • NUMBER 11 5

Making a new livelihood, one stitch at a time

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES (CRS), with DEC funding, is supporting families to recover their livelihoods or start new ones. Such is the case with Ida Colasito, a 75-year-old widow from Opong, Tolosa in Eastern Samar. She is one of the 755 graduates of the alternative livelihoods program. Together with 19 other beneficiaries, Ida participated in the 20-day training on tailoring conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). She did not miss a single training day.Ida recalled how happy she was when CRS enrolled her to be a beneficiary of the training program after she had already received gardening and farming inputs in the first phase of the CRS livelihoods project. At first, tailoring was not included as a livelihood option, but Ida advocated for the option because she already had some experience sewing bags for a living. CRS response to Typhoon Haiyan has incorporated beneficiary preferences from the beginning—designing the program based on feedback from the beneficiaries themselves. When Ida expressed her desire to strengthen her tailoring skills, CRS listened and added it as an option. Eighteen other families also selected the option.Although she already had tailoring skills, she thought the training was very beneficial because she was able to acquire an official national Certificate 2 from TESDA on completion of the course. Ida said that right after the assessment examination she received a call from a director of a non-government organization, offering her a job conducting training in another municipality on tailoring for single parents like herself. Ida greatly values her certificate because it helped boost her confidence to accept more orders and to train others. She is looking forward to developing her skills as a trainer.Ida expressed her gratitude to CRS for providing her with a sewing machine and other tailoring inputs which she has used to sew curtains, pillow cases,

bed sheets, seat covers, and costumes for her growing list of customers. She is also very happy that she was able to obtain new patterns from the training because her old designs were washed

away during Typhoon Haiyan.There is still a long way for Ida to expand and grow her new tailoring business, but she is working towards it one stitch at a time. (Arven Dela Cru)

Ida Colasito with her sewing machine provided by CR. The sewing machine helps her to make bedding and clothing for her growing list of customers. MICHELIN SAN DIEGO/CRS.


“The Tip Box”

“WHEN AN OPPORTUNITY COMES, GRAB IT!” This is the idealism of a humble mother named Lovelyn Clavines. She is a student of the Livelihood project implemented by Capiz Archdiocesan Social Action Center (CASAC) funded by Caritas Italiana. She is an Out of School Youth (OSY).

Lovelyn is already a mother at the age of 22 and was not able to study in college because of financial incapacity. She had a dream to become a teacher. Unfortunately, this dream did not come into reality when she got pregnant. Then she became hopeless and worried about her future. At present, Lovelyn has two kids: a 6-year old boy and a two-year old girl living with a hard working husband.

When typhoon Yolanda devastated Capiz, Lovelyn was truly hurt because they lost their house and resources. She

said “there was no end to the difficult situation that we found ourselves in”. She and her husband decided to live at her mother’s house and she started to look for a job to help her husband in attending to the needs of their children.

“CASAC was a blessing” Lovelyn uttered with a smile when she heard that the commission is looking for interested OSYs to join the training. Despite her age, Lovelyn grabbed the chance to enroll. The only thing that she had is the willingness and the faith hoping to pass and to be counted as one of CASAC’s OSY students. After the interview, Lovelyn received the good news that she will attend the first training in Hilot Wellness and Massage.

Now, she attended different vocational courses offered by CASAC and it helped her a lot particularly when they are

having their IGP (Income Generating Program) “The tip box was my saving grace. That through the IGP program of CASAC I could buy something for my kids, now, I can afford to buy their favourite hamburger, provide our daily needs and still I have small amount left from my income to save for emergency cases .The highest tip that I received was P1,000 and I was very happy that time”. Meanwhile, Lovelyn have fears especially hearing negative feedbacks from customers. But for her it is common and it inspired her to improve her skills.

Indeed CASAC contributed happiness, strength and new beginning to Lovelyn’s life. Hardships and poverty tested her determination. Her experiences made her strong in order to face the challenges and but also grab opportunities that the future will reserve to her and her family.


“The Tip Box” “My Grandma, My Mama”

ON A TYPICAL DAY Enrequita Valiente, 62 years old, a widow, would watch over her grandson running and playing around the house while at the same time cultivating and watering her vegetable plants. Even with just few front teeth, the genuineness of her smile can still be seen.

Her husband died of ulcer years ago. Her five children now have families of their own. One of her daughters left her child to her. Her grandson is now 2 years old.

Even if she’s disappointed with her daughter for leaving her son with her, she eventually learned to accept the situation and focused on rearing and nurturing her grandson.

“Mayad gd tana ang my aram!” Enrequita beams when asked if she will also send her grandson to school as soon as he is ready. She believes that education is important and it is something that nobody can steal.

The vegetable seeds she availed from DSAC were sweet potato cuttings, pechay, eggplant, tomato, raddish, hantak and okra. She would earn P500 per month in selling her vegetables to her neighbors. The income she earns helped her in buying groceries, rice, soap and viand. She also eats what she plants in her backyard. She also teaches her grandson to eat vegetables at a young age.

She is also one of the beneficiaries of the communal hand pump in the area which is used by three families. Before the construction of the hand pump, she used to walk more than 50 meters far just to fetch water for daily use and watering her vegetables. At an old age it is beneficial to her that the hand pump is nearer. She could now water her vegetable plants more often.

She prays for good health always so she can continue planting and also the energy to sustain their needs especially that of her grandchild. She hopes one day her grandson would grow up to be loving, God- fearing and always have the heart ready to forgive.

(TOP) The fishing boat and sea ambulance boat of Caritas Belgium for Yolanda survivors. CARITAS BELGIUM(INSET) Caritas Belgium Aside from vegetable seeds, Typhoon Yolanda survivor Enrequita Valiente is also a beneficiary of a communal hand pump. CARITAS BELGIUM


Sacrifice and Success…

WHILST VISITING the small coastal district of Villa Esperanza in Bacolod on Negros Island, we met Pascual Bertolano , 52, and wife Laura, 44, in the small primary school with their son Manuel, one of the seven children of the family.

For many years, Pascual and his wife sold fish together. Early in the mornings he went to a large fish market. The income was just enough to feed the seven children; but there were hard times. At the age of seven and due to insufficient nutrition, Manuel was too small and frail to be included in the school. Now, although he is already 14, he is attending 6th grade at school.

During the typhoon in November 2013, the family’s home was partially destroyed. Additionally and due to the fact that there were then less fish to sell, the family’s savings were soon to be exhausted. Pascual was forced to go into debt. The family could only afford to eat once a day.

As part of the reconstruction aid of Caritas Austria, the family received building materials for their house (corrugated iron sheets for the roof, wood and nails to repair). Manuel also received two school uniforms, shoes, a school bag as well as notebooks, pens and other school supplies.

The family is very grateful and appreciative for the help of Caritas Austria. They would never have been able to afford the materials for the house and the school supplies for Manuel.

Moreover, Pascual was able to get work as a security/utility aid at the school. Laura cooks food and sells it in the neighborhood. When Pascual has free time he works on repairing his house.

Pascual and Laura’s wishes for the future are that their children be able to complete their education. For they believe, that a good education goes hand in hand with a certain degree of security and prosperity. As such, they try their best to give their children a good education.

Beneficiaries for shelter Materials and school kits in Villa Esperanza, Bacolod City. CARITAS AUSTRIA


'Caritas Czech Republicmade my life easier'

“RICE PRODUCTION has significantly increased thanks to seeds, tools and training provided by Caritas Czech Republic” said Jose Evina, one of the beneficiaries who joined the project on organic and resilient rice planting.

Jose, 65, is one of three hundred and nine farmers involved in the rice intensification project aiming to improve rice production by providing farm inputs, tools and training on organic and resilient rice planting, diversify agriculture practices and introducing organic gardening, as well as strengthen farmer associations.

What this extra-long project description stands for? “We were given resilient rice seeds, taught how to make our own compost and also how to use it and fertilize our rice fields. Caritas Czech Republic also provided weeders, shredders and water buffalo that make our lives much easier” explains Jose, who lives and farms in barangay Santa Rosa, small village in Easter Samar.

Farming plays a major role in the country’s economy and in its economic growth. The lives of more than half of the population depend on farming, which is the main source of food for the Philippine population. However, the lives of farmers and breeders who were already poor before the damage inflicted by the typhoon have now become even worse. For this reason, Caritas Czech Republic has decided to focus its efforts on supporting local farmers like Jose.

Jose Evina is one of the 109 farmers who benefited from the rice intensification project of Caritas Czech Republic. JAKUB ZAK


Cordaid hands over 4 newclassrooms in Sulangan

GUIUAN, EASTERN SAMAR – Secondary school students in the village of Sulangan now have four new classrooms with toilets just as the school year started.

Typhoon Haiyan badly damaged the classrooms in the village, and for over a year, teachers and students had to hold classes in temporary classrooms made up of tents, wood, and bamboo lashings. Even before the typhoon, the Sulangan National High School (SNHS) already did not have enough classrooms to accommodate the growing student population. The new classrooms meet the new national standards typhoon and earthquake resistance, and will be able to accommodate 200 students.

“It is better now here because it’s cozy and comfortable. It is also conducive to learning,” said 16-year old Rose Garado, a senior student of SNHS.

“We are very lucky to have this new two-storey building because some schools in our province are still lacking good classrooms. That is why we are taking care of it by avoiding vandalisms and keeping it clean,” she stressed.

“I’m very thankful that there are kind-hearted people who gave assistance during our greatest time of need. I am saying this from the bottom of my heart because this building is for the good of our children,” said Delia Sabulao, instructional supervisor of Guiuan south district.

The school now has around 400 students and 16 teachers. It serves several villages in the eastern tip of Guiuan, where Typhoon Haiyan made its first landfall in Noverber 2013, packing winds of up to 380 kms per hour, the highest ever recorded.

“We dreamt of a two-storey building and this is it,” said SNHS officer-in-charge Nilo Carvajal, “we promise to take good care of the building as we also strive harder to serve our students.

The building is designed to withstand strong typhoons and can serve as an evacuation center for local families.

Aside from the new high school building, Cordaid has provided technical assistance for the construction of a new day care center in the village through funding from Surf For Life, in partnership

Rose (left) talks to her classmate (right) as they organize a school activity. REINALORE GUIMBAOLIBOT

with the village council which was turned over to the community on July 2015 as well. Other Cordaid assistance in the community includes grants to replace or repair houses damaged by the typhoon, and support to develop more sustainable, resilient livelihoods.

Accomplishments:

Guian• 30 families now living in new and

repaired typhoon resilient houses and another 300 houses under repair or construction

• 400 homeowners assisted to get land rights documents

• 240 toilets that can be used as evacuation spaces during typhoons constructed and another 160 toilets under construction

• 9 community infrastructure projects planned or completed including classrooms, day care center, boat landing, streetlights installation, water pumps, reservoir, materials recovery facility and concrete pathways

• 214 carpenters and masons trained on resilient construction techniques

• 31 livelihood organizations given assistance such as formation and registration, financial and other trainings, technical assistance, and grants

• 23 proposals from POs approved for livelihood diversification, including

pig raising, organic farming, ecotourism, catering, market outlet/center, and developing fisheries and seaweed products

• 2 workshops conducted informing and preparing communities for the establishment of Marine Protected Areas

• 6 Barangay Resilient Community Action Plans and Contingency Plans completed

Coron• 200 resilient homes built for the

most vulnerable families in 4 barangays

• 161 septic tank latrine systems constructed

• 31 community infrastructure projects completed through community-driven approach including schools, boat landings, evacuation footbridges, barangay halls, market outlets, community latrines, coastal protection walls

• 21 livelihood organizations given assistance such as formation and registration, financial and other trainings, technical assistance, and grants

• 25 proposals from POs approved for livelihood diversification, including rice retailing, fuel and fishing supply retailing, vegetable farming, market/outlet center and community pharmacy

• Collaboration with Rain Foundation to implement innovative solutions to increase the water table and access in different communities through erection of stone bunds and gully plugs, planting a system of Vetiver grass and local foliage, and strategic positioning of wells.

• Hygiene promotion in all 5 barangays.

• Establishment of Community Water Association in five barangays who will perform operation and maintenance of water-related structures.

• 5 Barangay Resilient Community Action Plans and Contingency Plans completed


Fire Drills: Preparing for the worst case scenario

IN LINE WITH the National Disaster Awareness and Preparedness Month, Caritas Switzerland in cooperation with the Department of Education and the Bantayan Bureau of Fire carried out fire drills from July 28-30, 2015. All pupils, teachers, some parents and Barangay officials as well as the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer of the project schools participated in this practical training.

Students were thrilled to gather around a big fire and excited to try putting out fire using different mediums. They were taught to put out fire using water, fire extinguisher and sand. As Ms. Zita Tampos, principal at Malbago Elementary School shared, "for many years now, teachers have been initiating "dry" drills, but to have the Bureau of Fire support a practical drill is a great opportunity. Because the Bureau of Fire is here the children are more participative."

Around 3,700 students participated in the activity together with 100 faculty members and 100 parents and Barangay representatives

Fire drills are an important part of school fire safety procedures for many reasons. Not only that it will ensure the safety of the faculty and students, but

also to make them understand what they need to do if there is a fire. Fire drills also help to raise awareness for the different provisions needed for fire safety in schools.

Fire extinguisher training for the small ones. CARITAS SWITZERLAND


Confronting the challenges ofsustainable housing

ALMOST A YEAR since the tragedy, only 142 households were relocated to permanent housing units, which is less than 1% of the targeted families displaced by typhoon Haiyan. By end of 2014, 2,100 houses have been completed by key shelter agencies, which also way below the target. The slowness of this process re-victimizes typhoon survivors. Although permanent relocation plans for typhoon victims are still in deliberations, they are not expected to be realised until two or more years.

These plans, which few have seen, involve resettling traditional fishing communities away from the coast and their source of livelihood (fishing and markets). Many humanitarian agencies are building shelters on rented land or land over which homeowners hold no legal rights, placing the sustainability of shelter projects in jeopardy. Moreover, what the government had deemed “no build zones” they have now changed to “no dwelling zones,” which is viewed to favour big corporations and land speculators.

The lands previously occupied by the victims of the typhoon have now been declared “no shelter zones” and “central business districts,” which means they can’t be used for residential purposes. Sadly, the “disaster capitalism” that was seen in other post-disaster experiences of other countries, where a tragedy of this scale and complexity is being used for corporate profiteering and to advance anti-poor governmental policies (in this case, the removal of coastal communities for tourism, shopping malls and large scale fishing) that can’t be implemented in normal times, is a risk here.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE in partnership with the Urban Poor Associates (UPA), Caritas Philippines-NASSA, the Redemptorist Community in Tacloban and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Palo formed a consortium in April 2015 as a response to the slow progress of government in providing permanent resettlement, and in response to government policy of "no build zone to no dwelling zone" concerning reconstruction in the coastal

zones. The members of the consortium later named FRANCESCO (Pope Francis for Resilience and Co-Empowered Communities) based in Tacloban on the island of Leyte, have recognized the need to establish an “Integrated, People–Driven Model Community” where people can have their lives back, build resilient houses, community centres, schools, rebuild their livelihoods, and continue to strengthen the community organizations that were formed by UPA at the outset of the emergency. The permanent relocation site is expected to benefit 550 poor families, mostly small fishers, small farmers and urban poor families. The people can't wait any longer.

Those people who are still residing in the coastal areas particularly barangays in District of San Jose, Sagkahan and Magallanes that were hit hard by storm surge are demanding permanent relocation sites. The need for permanent relocation site with access to basic services and livelihood opportunities are even more urgent and necessary due to the tide embankment project of DPWH that will be implemented soon with funding support from Japan Inter-

Agency Cooperation (JICA). Close to two years of living in the bunk houses and temporary shelters are causing adverse effects to their physical, emotional, socio-economic and spiritual well-being.

The Model Community will serve as a showcase to demonstrate to the government – local and national - and to the international community that near, or in-city relocation is viable and realistic regardless of the constraints imposed by the “no-build-zone, no dwelling policy,” and that the people have the right to live in areas accessible to their original source of livelihood. Most importantly, it will show that the poor and marginalized are not just passive recipients in the recovery and reconstruction process, but an integral part of the (re)building of their own community. The Model Community will strive to be a prototype community that will integrate a supportive social environment. To achieve this, the plan will integrate various aspects of ecological design and building with resiliency features, sustainable livelihood, permaculture, green production, etc. while striving to form and strengthen community organizations.

CANADIAN CATHOLIC ORGANIZATION FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE.


Caritas Germany in the Philippines

Thanks to the German people, Caritas Germany received 14 million Euros for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. CARITAS GERMANY

During and after the disaster on 8th November 2013, Caritas Germany assisted more than 100,000 people through the distribution of canvas, shelter kits, food, water, and other essential items. CARITAS GERMANY

Together with its local partners in Samar island, the Diocese of Borongan and the Diocese of Calbayog, activities are now focused on building homes, livelihoods, and local partner capacities. CARITAS GERMANY


WHEN I FLEW into the Philippines a few weeks after Typhoon Haiyan, I was shocked by the extent of the damage. The destruction in Tacloban was the worst I've ever seen - worse even than after the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004. 170 mph winds and 25-foot waves had destroyed concrete buildings, overturned cars, and drowned thousands of people.

Catholics in England and Wales responded with great compassion to the typhoon, donating an amazing £5.4 million to CAFOD's appeal. In the first weeks after the disaster, we worked with NASSA and our other Caritas partners to reach thousands of people, providing emergency support including clean water, food, shelter kits, hygiene facilities, and everyday household goods. But over the onger term, the needs have changed. CAFOD has been supporting its Caritas partners to provide more lasting assistance such

as shelter and livelihoods and have been looking at how to reduce risks in case of another disaster.

Two years on, it is extremely encouraging to see that the work of the Church has helped so many thousands of people move into stronger homes, and find new ways of making a living. Our thoughts and prayers are with the many Caritas aid workers, diocesan staff and volunteers in the Philippines whose tireless work has helped so many people to rebuild their lives.

As Pope Francis has pointed out, countries like the Philippines remain at great risk because of climate change. In Laudato Si' Pope Francis reminded us that climate change is real, urgent and that it must be tackled. He also described the climate as "a common good, belonging to all and meant for all".

This message is echoed by people that Caritas is

working with. Anita, whose home in Palo was destroyed by Typhoon Haiyan, told a CAFOD staff member: "I will be 100 per cent happy if politicians act to stop climate change. Not just for my benefit, but for future generations." Rudolfo, who runs a demonstration farm for Caritas on Iloilo, told us: "My message to world leaders is: listen to our call for survival, and salvage what is left of the environment."

CAFOD's campaign this year, One Climate, One World, has asked British political leaders to work with other countries to secure an ambitious international deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and to support the transition from polluting fossil fuels to sustainable energy. I am pleased to say that over 10,000 Catholics in England, Scotland and Wales have been inspired by Laudato Si and by the experience of our brothers

and sisters in the Philippines to sign up to the campaign.

Two years on from the typhoon, CAFOD and the Catholic community in England and Wales continue to stand side by side with our friends at NASSA and other Caritas agencies - and we will continue to campaign for a fairer world. Although no-one will forget the impact of Typhoon Haiyan, your compassion and hard work is making an enormous difference. Thank you for all that you are doing.

Hygiene promotion to the children of Balit Elementary School in Capiz. SYREL ESPINEDA/NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES


Caritas EspanolaAT SUCH AN important moment as the commemoration of the Second Anniversary of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, Caritas Espanola would like to express its admiration and gratitude to the Filipino people for their strength and capacity to bounce back from situations so hard and sad as the Haiyan. For Caritas Espanola, you are an example of resiliency and an epitome of moving forward with so much zeal and faith in God. So thank you very much for letting us learn from you.

We would like also to thank NASSA/Caritas Philippines and the 9 diocesan social action centers/relief and rehabilitation units of the affected areas their commitment to the most vulnerable people and communities since the very beginning of the humanitarian response. After two years, although the amazing accomplishments achieved, we know that there are still many people in need and many communities in vulnerable and risky situations, but we are also sure that Caritas remains and will remain there accompanying these communities and supporting their processes of improvement of their living conditions.

We really value the # R E A C H P h i l i p p i n e s

Program as the main instrument that NASSA/Caritas

Philippines has put in place to respond to the people in need. Above all, in the most remote areas, through the different components of the program: shelter, WASH, livelihood, community-managed disaster risk reduction, community organizing and ecosystem. In this sense, we would like to remark the effort of NASSA/Caritas Philipinas and the DSACs/RRUs involved in the #REACHPhilippines Program to professionalize all the strategies, process, structures and services that this kind of program requires. There are really professional and committed teams along the program doing their best and showing the authentic meaning of solidarity.

Under the umbrella of Caritas Internationalis, Caritas Espanola, thanks to the commitment and contributions of the Spanish people, has collaborated since the first responses to victims supporting the consecutive Emergency Appeals that NASSA/Caritas Phillipines has launched and will keep its commitment to the program until its finalization.

Two year ago, NASSA/Caritas Philipinas and Caritas Espanola made the decision to strengthen the fraternal relationship and cooperation

between both organizations and that is the reason why one resource person of Caritas Espanola is now a member of the NASSA/Caritas Philippines and new projects beyond the support to the post Haiyan rehabilitation have been identified: FARM FIRST, an ecological project for five years that fights the negative consequences of the climate change and involves 9 other diocesan social action centers in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao; LEAD to HEAL, a masteral program on Leadership and Management intended for Directors and Coordinators at the national and diocesan level; REBUILD and SAIL, a two years project in Bohol for the recovery and rehabilitation of the areas affected by the 2013 earthquake.

From our relationship with NASSA/Caritas Philippines and the 9 DSACs/RRUs, we would to highlight three elements that summarize its core intervention: community, participation and values. All interventions have raised the community as the main actor of the programs and obviously by extension, the people, but without losing its relational dimension. Another priority aspect is the participation of communities in the design, implementation and evaluation of projects and, therefore, in their own development processes.

And thirdly, NASSA/Caritas Philippines firmly believes that beyond the tangible elements of the intervention, the most important thing is to build communities based on values of solidarity, responsibility, reciprocity, trust, etc. and it devotes much of its efforts in these "software" mechanisms.

Finally, Caritas Espanola wants to confirm its commitment to NASSA/Caritas Philippines to build together a fraternal, stronger and long term relationship, in other words, to create a stable alliance that allows both organization to fulfill their mission of promoting the integral development of the people and the countries. Therefore, congratulations and thank you for giving us the opportunity to walk by your side.

Felix Miguel Delgado Sanchez, Caritas Spain

A fish cage built for an indigenous community in Culion, Palawan. SYREL ESPINEDA/NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES

16

TWO YEARS OF RISING ABOVE

'YOLANDA'…Faith, Hope, and Caritas

A DISASTER as monstrous as super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) would always leave a scar in the consciousness of mankind. It seems to be a never-ending cycle of sadness, loss and grief.

But just when everybody thought there is no other way to rebuild a broken nation, no other means to live life again, and no other chance to hope for a better future, something powerful has emerged. With teary eyes and broken smiles, Typhoon Yolanda survivors cling steadily to their FAITH.

Nations after nations joined the Philippines in prayer to rebuild, live and hope again. It was a celebration like no

other, which made the world respond truly as one. The prayer was translated into solid actions.

The Catholic Church through the Caritas confederation was among those who first responded to Yolanda-stricken areas, covering at least nine provinces namely: Palawan, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, Leyte, Western Samar, Eastern Samar and Cebu, where an estimated 9 million people were affected. Of these, the Caritas confederation has already served 20-percent or at least 1.8 million people affected by Yolanda in the nine provinces through various relief and rehabilitation efforts in the last two years.

Nanay Marina, 46, is a member of the ATI Tribe in Brgy. Janguslob, in Dumarao municipality, Capiz. She is now staying with her husband and 4 children in the house built for them through the Capiz Archdiocesan Social Action Center under the #REACHPhilippinesProgram - Year 2.JING REY HENDERSON/NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES

Residents affected by typhoon Yolanda in Barangay Bantigue, Daanbantayan Cebu now have better access to clean and potable water because of the open dug well with rope pump given to them by the Archdiocese of Cebu - Relief and Rehabilitation Unit. SYREL ESPINEDA/NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES

17

The #REACHPHILIPPINES Program

ABOUT 43 Caritas Internationalis Member Organizations (CIMOs) channelled funds totalling to EUR 24.4 million (P1.35 billion) through the Philippine Catholic Church’s social action, humanitarian, development and advocacy arm, the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA)/Caritas Philippines to fund the relief

and rehabilitation efforts for Yolanda survivors. This gave birth to what is now known as the three-year program called #REACHPhilippines (Recovery Assistance to Vulnerable Communities Affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines), which is deemed as the most massive recovery program implemented by the local Catholic Church. Partnering

with NASSA/Caritas Philippines in the program implementation are the diocesan social action centers (DSACs) and relief and rehabilitation units (RRUs) of the Archdioceses of Jaro, Capiz, Cebu and Palo, and the Dioceses of Kalibo, Antique, Calbayog and Borongan, and the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay (Palawan).

Bilateral projectsSEVERAL CARITAS Internationalis Member Organizations also rolled out various bilateral projects to Yolanda-affected communities in partnership with the social action centers/relief and rehabilitation units and other non-profit organizations. These interventions cover the relief up to the recovery phase which include the provision of shelters, water and sanitation facilities, infrastructures such as schools and evacuation centers, livelihoods, among others. Overall, the total funding cost for these bilateral projects is not less than EUR 37.75 million (P1.94 billion).

The Caritas Village in Barangay Malayuan, Ajuy in Iloilo, which provides homes to 132 families affected by Typhoon Yolanda in the province. APRIL ABELLO-BULANADI/NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES

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Best practices

STARTING OFF FROM the results of the Participatory Disaster Risk Assessments (PDRA) conducted at least three months after the devastation brought about by Yolanda, beneficiaries, who later were considered as program partners, were selected according to the criteria set by NASSA/Caritas Philippines, the DSACs/ RRUs, and the communities themselves: the poorest of the poor and those in the peripheries of the shaken regions.

As validated by the results of the Real-time Evaluation and the Final Evaluation, the PDRA processes have scaled up participation and ownership at all levels and sectors in all communities.

The most notable contribution and involvement programme partners have in the programme implementation is the institutionalization of “sweat equity.” Earlier regarded only as a form of beneficiary counterpart, “sweat equity” has become an important role of the beneficiaries in ensuring a stronger sense of ownership and accountability, which was also replicated in the bilateral projects.

More importantly, disaster risk reduction (DRR) and community organizing were integral components of all interventions by the DSACs/RRUs. The #REACHPhilippines framework

stated that DRR should be a cross-cutting intervention towards achieving community resilience against disasters.

For Shelter, the inclusion of the ‘Build Back Safer’ features in all of the DSACs’ shelter designs was strictly enforced to ensure the structural resiliency of the houses. These features were also disseminated in the communities by way of discussions facilitated by the DSACs with the help of church leaders through the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) and the Parish Social Action Teams (PSATs).

This was complemented by the provision of Livelihood and WASH interventions which resulted in increased household income, and better capacity to strengthen or repair their homes against future natural hazards.

Contingency and Resiliency Plans were also initiated by the communities and adapted by local government units. These not only increased the preparedness of communities and lessened the risk of casualties during future natural hazards, but also increased the peoples’ capacity to safeguard their shelter, livelihood, and water facilities from the impact of the same hazards. In this way, two of the three important aspects of DRR, survivability and bouncing back, were addressed.

Furthermore, NASSA / Caritas Philippines was able to improve its accountability systems. During CAFOD and Trocaire’s Joint Accountability Sessions, one of the best practices highlighted was the availability and practice of accountability mechanisms. Such were in the forms of suggestion boxes, feedbacking protocols, documentation of feedbacking processes, and sharing of project information through radio programs, focus group discussions, community assemblies, meetings and the provision of sufficient visibility materials. The improved Procurement and Logistics Tracking Tool likewise provided real-time information on procurement and logistics activities involving all #REACHPhilippines’ undertakings.

The Yolanda response also opened doors for NASSA/Caritas Philippines and the nine DSACs/RRUs to explore meaningful collaborations with the local government units, national state agencies, local non-government organizations and civil society movements. It also became an avenue for the church’s social action arm to intensify its information, visibility and awareness campaigns over the last two years.

Sweaty equity is incorporated in all aspects of the church’s Yolanda rehabilitation to foster ownership and accountability of typhoon survivors. SYREL ESPINEDA/NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES

The handicrafts made by typhoon Yolanda survivors in Palawan that is currently being displayed at the Bambuhay craft shop in Coron, Palawan.APRIL ABELLO-BULANADI/NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES

19

INDEED, much has happened in the last two years since Super Typhoon Yolanda struck the Philippines. The Yolanda response may have presented a number of challenges which allowed NASSA/Caritas Philippines as well as the CIMOs and the partner DSACs/RRUs to test its limits, but it also paved the way for meaningful partnerships, undertakings and off springs.

Nothing compares to witnessing how Yolanda survivors rise above the havoc brought about by one of the worst disasters in the world. Nothing also compares to becoming part of this global humanitarian initiative. Most importantly, nothing beats the strong faith of Yolanda survivors which turned them into resilient communities ready to face again with a cheerful face whatever lies ahead.

April Abello-Bulanadi NASSA/Caritas Philippines

Beyond Yolanda

Among the livelihoods given to Typhoon Yolanda survivors in Cebu are the provision of boats. NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES

Archdiocese of Palo Relief and Rehabilitation Unit Director Fr. Al Cris Badana oversees the construction of the two-storey evacuation center in Palo, Leyte. NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES




He earns a little SheGives more!

THIRTY-SEVEN YEAR OLD Marievic Junieca has 5 children with ages ranging from eldest 18 years old down to the youngest 1 year old. Being a high school graduate, Marievic only relies on the nearly P3,000 monthly income of her freelance carpenter husband Romeo.

In an interview conducted by the DSAC, Marievic said, " mabudlay gid katama paintsaktuhon sa pang-adlaw- adlaw ang ginakita ka bana ko, bisan kaisa nagapangisda pa tana." (Given my husband's income, it is really hard for me

to fit it to our daily needs, even though Romeo go fishing sometimes).

Hopeful of the opportunity to help her husband earn for the family, Marievic joined the Self-Help Group (SHeG) Program for women organized by the DSAC. From her initial loan of P700, Marievic is now profiting P200 a day from selling homemade sticky rice (ibus) and banana cue in their community at Brgy. Lisub, Barbaza, Antique. Because of her interest and eagerness to help her husband, Marievic earnestly made the

family's monthly income more than a double.

Brgy. Lisub now has two SHeGs, one is at the northern part of the barangay with 16 members, and the other is at the south with 21 members. Like Marievic, all the other SHeG members strongly find the program very alleviating with regards to their financial incapacities. The DSAC is looking forward to organizing another SHeG group as a response to the increasing number of interested women in Brgy. Lisub.

ANTIQUE

DSAC ANTIQUE


DIFFERENT JOBS have been tried and tested just to provide the needs of her child. Lydia Onarosa a 47-year old single mom has proven herself and to the people that she can make a living without a father to her daughter.

Many years ago, she was an active El Shaddai member and met a man she thought could be with her for the rest of her life. She and her daughter were battered by her foreign husband and can't do anything to leave him when they were in Egypt.

She returned in the Philippines for good. She tried many side jobs. She became a barangay secretary and also a food vendee. She borrowed ingredients to her friends who have a sari-sari (convenience) store to make native foods like moron, suman latik, hot cakes etc. and sell it everywhere with 250 daily income. It is enough for her to send her daughter to grade school. She also tried to have her own piggery as a small business.

She was living together with her parents because she doesn’t have her own house.

After Typhoon Haiyan destroyed their house, the piggery became her family's temporary shelter, together with the pigs. It became their toilet and at the same time their room to sleep, and kitchen. They only depend on the relief goods given by the NGOs.

Sabi ko sa anak ko na magtiis muna dito dahil alam ko may tutulong din sa atin. Sama- sama kaming matulog ng mga baboy at yun na rin ang pinaka toilet namin," she said.

(I told my daughter that we have to sacrifice for the meantime because I know there's someone who will help us. We slept together with the pigs and at the same time ,it is also our toilet.)

Many NGOs have been helping and giving house assistance to their barangay but Lydia can't avail one because of her residency problem. Nevertheless, she is always praying that she can have her own

house like others. Her Parents also didn't avail a house because they are located in a no build zone area. She heard that the church is helping their community by giving house assistance. Because of her strong desire to have a house, she waited and followed the facilitator from Diocese of Borongan and presented herself to be interviewed. Her hardwork eventuially paid off as she was chosen to be one of the beneficiaries of shelter and WASH.

"Tinatanong ko sa mga kapit-bahay namin kung nasaan na yung pumunta dito samin na taga diocese na nag-iinterview na nagbibigay raw ng pa bahay. Sinusundan ko kung nasaan siya at nagkaroon ng time na nakausap ko siya at humingi ako ng tulong sa kanya para magka bahay,"Lydia said. (I asked my neighbors where is that person from the diocese who interviewed the people here to have house assistance. I followed him everywhere he went until finally I got to talk to him and asked help from

him to have a house.)She planted vegetables and fruits

not for her but for her neighbors. All of the hardwork and sacrifices eventually paid off when she was able to send her daughter to a university in Tacloban City and is now on her second year in college.

Lydia is now living in her new house together with her daughter. She is now also a member of the Sustaining Ag¬riculture (SusAg) from the livelihood of the Diocese of Borongan.

Maraming salamat talaga sa lahat ng mga taga Diocese of Borongan. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo wala kaming bahay ngayon, ang laking tulong talaga ito sa amin ng anak ko. Kayo lang ang tumulong at nakinig sa amin." (Thank you very much to all of the Diocese of Borongan. Without you maybe until now I don't have a house, this is a very big help for us. You are the only one who helped and heard me.)

Typhoon Yolanda survivor Lydia Onarosa at her new house from Diocesan Commission on Social Action-Justice and Peace – Diocese of borongan. DCSA-JP BORONGAN

Sacrifice and successEASTERN SAMAR


WESTERN SAMAR

Sunshine after the rainWHAT WOULD you do if everything you have worked hard for was suddenly taken away from you?

Lolita Roldan, a 44 year old housewife, almost lost everything when the infamous typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines. But fortunately their precious lives were spared, so they gave a strong pull on the rope of faith and held on it firmly despite all that they have lost.

Lolita, or “Nene” as what she is fondly called in their neighbourhood at Barangay Bacubac, Basey, Samar, is a mother of a 17 year old Civil Engineering student. Doing other peoples laundry was her job, while her husband works as a construction worker. Both of them are enduring backbreaking work for the education of their only child, Nonoy.

As I was asking her about their son, you can see through her eyes how proud she is. She said, because of financial constraints, they can only send Php300.00 for their son’s weekly allowance and Nonoy would still save a part of it for his emergency expenditure. She took pride in telling me that her son is doing his best in school because they are the sole inspiration of Nonoy. Motivated by the perseverance of their son, Nene worked harder to help her husband in providing for their needs. She would accept laundry from four households every week. “Sakripisyo ko ito para han akon anak...” she said to me. (This is my sacrifice for my son) From her small income, she opts to save a part of it in an “alkansiya” or a money box intended for their son’s schooling. Before Haiyan caused them harm, she was actually saving up for Nonoy’s tuition fee for the second semester.

Then came the irremediable calamity. Nene emotionally narrated their experience that morning of November 8, 2013. She said they were preparing for the typhoon early in the morning. Her husband was fixing the roof of their house assuming that heavy rains and drastic wind would blow it up. She

remembers talking to her sister-in-law on the phone when a huge wave from the sea hit the shore. Realizing the definite danger, the couple hurriedly evacuated to the safest place they could find. Both of them struggled to climb a hill. The drastic blows of wind made it hard for them to move straight. It seems like an end of the world movie scene for Nene and her husband. She was terrified, but her husband was telling her to hold on. “Kapot akon kamot alang-alang hit aton anak... Ayaw pagpa-wara paglaom...” (Hold my hand for the sake of our child... Don’t allow yourself to lose hope...)

When Haiyan was done with its rampage, Nene and her husband faced another crisis. The surge entirely swept away their house and all their belongings, leaving them nothing but their worn-out clothes and an empty bag hanging open on her shoulders. Then, it was too late for her to realize that the cash on her moneybox intended for their son that was supposed to be on that bag, was one of the things she forgot to save. They were devastated, hopeless and couldn’t think of what to do since they got nothing but themselves.

During those times, when everything was on a blur, they held on to God in complete surrender. It’s been almost two years now, but the pains and fears brought by the typhoon to the lives of its victims remain. Survivors like Nene would still shed tears whenever asked to recall their experience during that fateful day.

After sometime, help came to their community. One of the first who extended aid and assistance to them

The new house built for Lolita Roldan by the Diocesan Social Action Center of Calbayog. DSAC CALBAYOG

was DSAC Calbayog. It was the sunshine after the rain. When DSAC Calbayog came, their spirits were uplifted and hope was peeping like sunshine on the mountainside. “Dako nam pasalamat nga may gin padara Hiya para ha ‘am...” (We were very grateful that God has sent people to help us...)

Nene’s family is a shelter beneficiary. She is also part of DSAC Calbayog’s livelihood/income generating project – Egg laying. As a matter of fact, she was elected as Vice president of their Egg-Laying Association. Nene said, she’s grateful for the additional income she gets from this egg laying project because it’s a big help for their family.

She thinks, next to God, they owe their recovery from DSAC Calbayog. “Kun waray Caritas DSAC, waray kita yana balay, plato ngan kaldero...” (If not for Caritas DSAC, we won’t have this house, this plate and this casserole...) she humorously said to her husband one time as they were eating.

“Kun aanhi kami hine nga balay... ngan aadi tak anak... Masaya kami...” (Whenever we’re in here and our son is around, we feel happy.)

Nene and her family now have a safe place that they can call home.


ROSEL SINGURAN-SOLON, a plain homemaker at 29, can still clearly recall the anxiety her family felt every time they hear news about an upcoming typhoon. But things changed when they received one shelter unit from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu – Relief and Rehabilitation Unit (RCAC-RRU) in 2014.

Her four children were so amazed that they told her: “Our walls, windows and ceiling were sturdy and beautiful. The floor is cemented. We now have a house we call our own,” Rosel happily shared.

As days passed by, however, Rosel’s family was once again caught in a tight situation. She did not know where to get money for the Boy Scout registration of her son. Her husband had not received his salary and the allocation from the

government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program was not released yet. Good thing, her aunt came to the rescue and lent her P50.

Rosel is not alone in this predicament as other residents relocated to the Caritas Village in Barangay Hagnaya, San Remigio town in Cebu experienced a disconnection from their livelihood after the typhoon. Realizing this, Rosel came up with a plan to craft Christmas lanterns, which were brought by her neighbors.

RCAC-RRU also thought of this, thus it conducted a series of consultations with Rosel and other residents of the Caritas Village. In partnership with a community-based livelihood program in the city called “Manu-Manu Handicraft”, Rosel and other residents were trained in

crafting things out of recycled materials. The village’s livelihood program called “Kwarta sa Basura” (Cash from Trash) is now being managed by Rosel’s community and is beginning to provide extra income to the residents.

“I am very thankful to God and to Caritas for the blessings they’ve given to us. We didn’t just receive a house, but we also got a livelihood that can sustain our everyday needs,”Rosel exclaimed.

Rosel is just one of those Typhoon Haiyan survivors in Cebu who will never get tired of expressing her sincerest gratitude. Yes, she may have undergone the bittersweet experiences of life, but this did not stop her from losing faith in God. Now, it is not just her family’s life that is changing, but also that of the community she belongs now.

CEBU

Of House and Trash: Gratitude

The Caritas Village built by the Archdiocese of Cebu – Relief and Rehabilitation Unit in Barangay Hagnaya, San Remigio, Cebu. RCAC-RRU


AKLAN

DSAC Kalibo Real Time Updates

Here is the Real Time updates of the on-going rehabilitation program being implemented by the Diocesan Social Action Center of Kalibo for Typhoon Yolanda survivors in Aklan.


CAPIZ

“I am no Catholic… but I am Caritas”

SHE MAY HAVE a different religious belief. But it was never an issue or hindrance for her to receive aid from the Catholic Church’s social action arm.

Meet 50-year old Cecilia Garcia of Barangay Balit in Mambusao town, Capiz province. Her house was among those destroyed when strong winds and rains caused by Typhoon Haiyan swept the province. She is a member of religious sect Iglesia ni Cristo.

“My house was totallwy destroyed by the typhoon. I really have no idea how to get back on our feet again. Until aid from the Catholic church made its way to us,”

Garcia narrated with teary eyes.The Capiz Archdiocesan Social Action

Center (CASAC) positively identified Garcia as among those in need of a disaster-resilient house. So, no matter how difficult it was in terms of logistics to bring the construction materials up to the mountains where Garcia lives, CASAC tirelessly walked the extra mile.

“I will be forever gratefully to CASAC and to all those who donated from around the world. I could not ask for more,” Garcia humbly said.

Now, Garcia is more than contented of the life she never thought she would

have. A decent home, she can call her own along with her husband and two teenage children. A decent home she did not hesitate as well to share to others in need, especially when another Typhoon Hagupit (Ruby) hit the region.

“I offered my house to six people, who were seeking temporary shelter because of the heavy rains caused by the typhoon. Two of them were my relatives who live in another barangay,” she recalled.

Truly, humanitarian work knows no boundaries. It simply gives selflessly. After all, it is Caritas.

Haiyan survivor Cecilia Garcia of Capiz at her newly-built disaster-resilient house, which also served as an evacuation center to at least six people during typhoon Hagupit (Ruby).


ILOILO

'Bahay Kubo': Not just a song - but a lifestyle

“BAHAY KUBO” was just an ordinary folk song until Typhoon Haiyan came and brought the song to life.

‘Haiyan’ survivor Evelyn Duplito of Barangay Bato Biasong in Ajuy admitted that life was already difficult even before the typhoon devastated parts of Iloilo province. Lack of food due to poverty was among her family’s day-to-day problems, which even worsened when ‘Haiyan’ destroyed her home and livelihood. At least in the first few months, Duplito thought. Never did she imagined that the typhoon will be the start of a better life.

It all started with the song “Bahay Kubo” which was turned into a healthy lifestyle. Duplito, whose family was among those chosen to receive a new shelter from the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center, was tasked to plant at least 17 vegetables mentioned in the song “Bahay Kubo” at her own backyard.

“At first, I couldn’t understand why we had to plant all those vegetables, especially that not all of us have that much space. But when vegetables started to grow, it became clear to us. Those vegetables became our lifesaver during difficult times,” the 56-year old housewife said.

Duplito also drew inspiration from the very persistent community organizers of the social action center. She said that if not for their constant guidance especially when confronted by problems such as lack of space and soil, she and her family wouldn’t be reaping the rewards right at their own table.

“We learned that if there’s a will, there’s certainly a way. If we don’t have enough space at our backyard, we can plant vegetables in containers,” Duplito explained.

Now, Duplito said that she and her family would just harvest vegetables

from their garden as part of their daily meal. She also initiated to plant other crops including fruits that were not necessarily mentioned in the song. She even shared some seeds to her neighbours, who also started to grow their own fruit and vegetable gardens.

“Planting at our own backyard does not only save us money, it is also healthy for the whole family,” she happily exclaimed.

Some say the worst scenario is the ultimate test of a person’s strength which can either lead in two things: destroy you or bring out the best in you.

In this case, ‘Haiyan’ was the ultimate test that brought out the best in typhoon survivors like Evelyn Duplito. For she did not only receive a new and improved home, the typhoon also enabled her to stand on her own and secure food for her family.

Typhoon Yolanda survivor Evelyn Duplito of Iloilo showS off the vegetables she planted IN her backyard. SYREL ESPINEDA NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES


PALAWAN

'Reliving Weaving'DESPITE LOSING a front tooth, 61-year old Andresa Daco is a smiling and jolly person. She lives a simple life with her 72-year old husband Eleuterio Daco in a remote area in Sitio Kiwit, Barangay Sagrada in Busuanga, Palawan.

Their home is a 30-minute walk from the highway where they have to cross a small river and trudge a hilly path.

Every time he recalls their experiences during typhoon Haiyan last year, the usually happy woman can’t help but break down and cry.

“Pagka-Yolanda, kami po’y nandito na sa baba. Buti na lang hindi kami sa bundok inabot ng Yolanda. Pagdating ng bagyo, nanginginig kami. Natuklap na yung yero namin, nagtago kami sa ilalim ng mesa,” she shared while sobbing.

(When Yolanda came, we were already in the lower part of the area. Fortunately, we weren’t in the higher parts of the mountains when Haiyan came. When it started, we were trembling. The roof of the house came off and we just hid under the table)

Andresa and her husband used to live in the higher part of the area but they were told by their son to stay at their house, a lower area in the sitio, during the typhoon.

Since then, they’ve been staying in their son’s house. She said they were afraid because the trees around their house seemed to have all fallen down. In her 61 years of existence and with the number of storms they’ve already experienced, she said typhoon Yolanda was the strongest.

The elderly couple used to struggle to earn a living by themselves, especially since her husband is sick and can’t do so much work. They mostly rely on their children who already have families. But being among the 14 beneficiaries of the handicrafts program of AVT-SAC, Andresa has started to turn back to an old craft in order to help support themselves as well as their children and their families – bamboo weaving.

Andresa Daco starts to weave baskets again from the skin of bamboos which grow abundantly in the surroundings. SYREL ESPINEDA NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES

Handicraft items made by typhoon Yolanda survivors in Palawan. APRIL BULANADI NASSA/CARITAS PHILIPPINES


LEYTE

'A roof over the head of an old carpenter'

THERE IS NO DIFFICULT JOB for a hardworking man. However, he may not have the strength and resources to do so all the time.

Tatay Honorio Paala, a 73-year old resident of Barangay Santol, Alangalang, Leyte, has been working so hard to support himself and his wife. Not expecting and asking for help from their kids, he strives to earn even a small amount from farming for their daily needs as life became topsy-turvy after the disastrous typhoon Haiyan. He lost his house. His coconut trees were destroyed. Everything he had worked for fell apart.

Tatay Honorio is a carpenter. He built his first home which he gave to his son’s family. He built another home which he gave again to his other son’s family. And finally, he built a home for himself and his wife for them to rest comfortably as they grow old. But Haiyan totally ripped

off his house, and practically his life. Now he has no house and just shares a space in his son’s house – also damaged by Haiyan. Tatay Honorio doesn’t feel comfortable, secure, and at peace in this house. But, though willing to build a new house for himself and his wife, he couldn’t. His frail body prevented him from doing so. He had no money to pay for materials and labor. His coconut trees can’t give him enough income. His rice field is still recovering from the flood caused by Haiyan. His children, already married, can’t support him either. It seemed impossible for him to build another house again.

“If I am still young and strong, I could have rebuilt my house. But now I am old. I am already weak. I don’t have money to pay hired carpenters and buy materials. There is no way I can build it back”, Tatay Honorio said.

Not expecting any help from outside

his family, he felt happy after the Barangay Assembly included him as a beneficiary of the joint Shelter and WASH Projects of Caritas Palo, which is implementing the REACHPhilippines program in partnership with NASSA/Caritas Philippines and Caritas Internationalis.

“It is indeed a great blessing given to me. I was hopeless because of my old age and weak body. I can’t even write properly now. All I could wish for is to have good health and to live much longer. Thank you so much Caritas”, said the smiling old carpenter. With the new house he received, Mang Honorio promised that he will remain grateful to the donors and to Caritas Palo, and especially, to God who gave him this blessing. Another loving blessing from God through Caritas Palo- a roof for a hardworking, honest, old carpenter and his wife.

CARITAS PALO


Global Caritas reaches 1.8 million people affected by Yolanda in two years

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH through its umbrella organization of global Catholic charities worldwide, Caritas, has so far served a total of 1.8 million people affected by Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines.

The announcement was made during the 2nd year commemoration of Typhoon Yolanda, which the church recently led in Cebu City.

According to NASSA/Caritas Philippines Executive Secretary Fr. Edwin Gariguez, the overall Typhoon Yolanda response includes the coordinated efforts of the Philippine Catholic Church through NASSA/Caritas Philippines, and the different Caritas Internationalis Member Organizations from other countries.

These interventions cover the relief up to the recovery phase which include the provision of disaster-resilient shelters, water and sanitation facilities, livelihood assistance, and other

infrastructures such as schools and evacuation centers.

There are also hygiene promotion, community-managed disaster risk reduction trainings, community organizing and ecosystem recovery.

“Overall, the amount spent of the overall Caritas for Typhoon Yolanda in the last two years has already reached P3.2-billion. And we make sure that transparent and honest spending is being practiced in all levels through regular financial monitoring, evaluation and auditing from international auditing companies,” Gariguez clarified.

He added that the total beneficiaries served so far are equivalent to 20-percent of the total population affected by Typhoon Yolanda in the nine provinces worst-hit by the typhoon.

These are the provinces of Leyte, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Palawan, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Cebu and Iloilo.

NASSA/Caritas Philippines as the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is implementing a three-year rehabilitation program called REACHPhilippines with the dioceses of the nine provinces worst-hit by the typhoon.

Currently, there are 11 Caritas Internationalis Member Organizations also helping typhoon Yolanda survivors in the country. These are: Caritas Austria, Caritas USA (Catholic Relief Services), Caritas Germany, Caritas Italiana, Caritas Switzerland, Caritas Czech, Caritas Netherlands (Cordaid), Caritas Canada (Development & Peace), Caritas Belgium, Caritas Luxembourg and CHARIS Singapore.

Caritas Internationalis, the Vatican-based umbrella organization of 165 catholic charity organizations worldwide which includes NASSA/Caritas Philippines, is currently headed by Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, its first Asian president.

Church exec urges Aquino admin to ban coal-fired power plants

AN OFFICIAL from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) asked the Aquino government to execute a moratorium on all coal-fired power plants as a concrete step to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The statement was made by National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA)/Caritas Philippines Executive Secretary Fr. Edwin during the Interfaith Dialogue on Climate Change held in Malacañang Palace this morning.

While the Philippine government has already pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 70-percent in the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) submitted to the Conference of Parties meeting in Paris this December, Gariguez said that it can do more through changes on existing policies.

The CBCP executive said the Philippines has become heavily dependent on coal energy with at least 19 coal-fired power plants currently

operating across the country and 20 more to be operational by year 2020.

“Worse is, these coal projects are located within the peripheries of communities that are traditionally home to millions of Filipinos and are supported by rich ecosystems and bio-diversities,” he said.

Gariguez pointed out how coal mining contributes to climate change, endangers ecosystems, as well as the health and lives of the people.

He cited as examples the strong typhoons such as Typhoons Yolanda and Lando that are occurring more frequently.

“Truly, climate change-induced disasters spell indescribable miseries to our people. When we talk of climate change, we need to see real faces of suffering and feel the urgency of addressing the crisis,” the Goldman Environmental Prize awardee added.

The Catholic Church through the

Caritas confederation has already reached out to 1.8 million people affected by Yolanda, and managed a total of P3.2 billion over the last two years.

But despite the rehabilitation efforts, Gariguez said that “climate change and its ensuing extreme weather conditions are still hurting the most at risk population.”

Aside from the onslaught of disasters, he said that climate change also damaged agriculture and threatened food security of poor communities.

“The mandate from the Church is clear and unequivocal, and this can also apply to other faith-based organizations – that we need to carry out our mission to care for the earth, as part of our faith response.”

It can be recalled that the recent encyclical of Pope Francis, Laudato Si, highlighted the adverse impacts of climate change on the poor and most vulnerable, and the scale of the climate crisis.

Documents

Philippines Copyright 1974 by Social Impact Foundation, Inc.impactmagazine.net/pdf/2015/IMPACT vol49 no12.pdf · Indeed, we treasure our faith as the power source of Filipino resiliency