News and Updates

The recent El Niño event has severely impacted the Philippines, causing widespread drought, food shortages, and economic instability across several regions. In response, the Humanitarian Partnership Platform (HPP) has mobilized ten partner organizations to conduct rapid needs assessments and launch rapid response interventions to support affected communities.

Cordillera Disaster Response Center & Development Services (CORDIS) conducted assessments in Kalinga province, revealing devastating impacts on agriculture and public health. In Barangay Tanglag, severe crop failures were reported across rice fields and vegetable farms, including mung beans and eggplants. The drought not only led to food shortages but also drastically reduced household incomes. Livestock and fishponds also suffered, compounding economic losses and food insecurity. Similar challenges were observed in Sitio Tomiangan and Dupag Proper, with significant agricultural losses and deteriorating health conditions among residents, including respiratory problems and fevers.

Tarabang Para sa Bikol (TABI) focused on Albay, where over 2,465 farmers across 1,838.75 hectares of land faced substantial yield losses in rice, corn, and high-value crops. The economic impact has been severe, with many farmers struggling under debt exacerbated by high production costs and reduced earnings. Immediate food aid is crucial to prevent further deterioration in nutritional health and economic stability among affected families.

Southern Tagalog People’s Response Center (STPRC)‘s assessments in Batangas highlighted critical food insecurity and economic hardships exacerbated by water scarcity and reduced agricultural yields. Reports show that families are rationing food supplies, prioritizing meals for children and the elderly. The closure of sugarcane mills has further exacerbated income losses, pushing vulnerable groups deeper into poverty.

The Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK) focused on Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental, where food insecurity and shelter issues have compounded challenges following recent floods and ongoing drought conditions. Many homes remain damaged, and residents are struggling with reduced access to food and safe shelter. Urgent relief efforts are needed to address these immediate needs and ensure the well-being of affected populations.

Ilocos Center for Research, Empowerment and Development (ICRED) conducted assessments across Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union, revealing widespread agricultural devastation. Severe losses in corn, rice, and high-value crops have amounted to millions in damages, affecting thousands of families. Water shortages, dried up water sources, and disrupted farming activities have further heightened food security risks, necessitating immediate support for recovery and long-term resilience-building efforts.

Cebu-Bohol Relief and Rehabilitation Center, Inc. (CRRC) reported on the dire situation in Cebu City and neighboring municipalities, where drought conditions and multiple grassfires caused by El Nino have decimated crops and severely strained water resources. Critical water shortages have forced drastic measures, including rotational supply interruptions, affecting daily life for over 60,000 residents. The economic impact is profound, with many farmers losing their main source of income and facing heightened health risks due to extreme temperatures and limited access to medical services.

Mindanao-based HPP partner organizations Agri-Aqua Development Coalition (AADC) and Mindanao Coalition of Development NGOs (MINCODE), provided insights into diverse impacts across Zamboanga City. On the other hand, Kalimudan sa Ranao Foundation, Inc. (KALIMUDAN) focused on El Nino affected communities in Lanao del Sur. From upland communities in Piagapo to lakeshore fishermen in Taraka, the assessments highlighted varying challenges faced by different ecological zones, underscoring the need for tailored response strategies to address local vulnerabilities effectively.

Farmers are facing severe hardships due to El Niño’s impacts. Their stories highlight the devastating agricultural losses, financial struggles, and deteriorating living conditions. Despite these challenges, their resilience and hope for community support shine through.

The Razon family of five, residing in Malinis, Lemery, Batangas faces severe hardships exacerbated by El Niño. The father, who suffered a stroke last November, can no longer contribute to the labor-intensive farm work, leaving the mother, daughter, and daughter-in-law to handle land preparation, planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and quality control on their less-than-a-hectare farm. The son joins the father in negotiating and selling their produce to avoid unfair pricing. Despite spending PhP60,000 on their eggplant crop, not counting their labor, the intense drought has severely reduced their yield from over ten bags a week to just ten bags every two weeks, with a portion being unusable. “Our savings are totally depleted,” the mother shared, “and most of our income now goes towards my husband’s medication and check-ups, leaving little for food and other essentials.”

Ivy Ozeña, a 22-year-old pregnant mother residing in San Felix, Sto. Tomas, Batangas, faces dire challenges exacerbated by the ongoing dry season due to El Niño. Her husband’s income from farm labor has dwindled, forcing him to turn to charcoal-making, earning just enough to buy five kilograms of rice per week. “We eat less now to make sure our child and the baby get enough,” Ivy shared, highlighting the sacrifices they make amidst food scarcity. Despite these hardships, Ivy prioritizes her health, attending monthly pre-natal check-ups and planning for a safe childbirth with the support of a local lying-in facility and midwife.

Vangelen Salem, a 46-year-old rice and vegetable farmer from Zone-4, Libon, Albay, is struggling with the severe impacts of El Niño. “During the previous plantation, I harvested 123 sacks of rice from my 4-hectare land. However, this time, the scorching heat and intense sunlight brought by El Niño have wreaked havoc on my rice crops. It’s devastating to say that my yield this time is only 7 sacks,” Vangelen shared. The drought has stunted the growth of her rice plants, leading to significant losses in productivity. Not only has rice production been affected, but Vangelen’s vegetable and fruit cultivation, particularly watermelon, has also suffered. “The watermelons, which used to grow beautifully, have failed to reach their full potential this season. The relentless heat and limited water supply have hindered their development, resulting in smaller and underdeveloped watermelons,” she added.

The failing irrigation system, coupled with the soaring price of crude oil, has made it too costly to operate consistently, forcing Vangelen to abandon her rice field until the rains return. “We recently purchased crude oil to water the plants, hoping to aid their recovery. However, the plants have not fully recovered yet,” she noted. The prolonged drought continues to challenge Vangelen’s family, decreasing their income and food availability. The financial constraints and limited water supply further exacerbate the hardships faced by farmers like Vangelen. “It is my hope that the community extends their hands to farmers like me,” she expressed, hoping for support to overcome these difficult times.

Maria Salome Angco, a 57-year-old farmer and mother from Barangay Nangan, Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, has faced devastating impacts on her livelihood due to subsequent natural disasters. “The damage to our livelihood has been severe. Our house was submerged when the continuous rains late last year caused the water to rise. My vegetable crops were destroyed, leaving us without a source of income. And now with this drought, nearly all my remaining vegetables died; where I used to harvest 10-15 kilos, I now get less than 2 kilos. My husband, who is a fisherman, has been catching little or no fish for more than seven months. When he does catch some, it’s barely enough for us to eat for a day. I just feel like crying because our situation is always like this, but my heart remains strong,” shared Nay Sally, reflecting on the dual challenges of flooding and drought that have decimated their crops and drastically reduced fish catch.

Despite these adversities, Nay Sally, a founder of Agraryong Reporma Samahang Kababaihan (ARSK), continues to champion women’s leadership in her community. She remains hopeful, emphasizing the support she has received from fellow women farmers and community leaders: “The help I received from my fellow women and the community has been significant; I learned a lot from them, and they also help me. Some people can’t believe that a woman can do the work of farming, but I’ve shown them that I can.”

To address the dire needs identified in the assessments, HPP’s partner organizations have initiated rapid relief operations, delivering essential supplies to the most affected communities:

Citizens’ Disaster Response Center’s local partner Panay Center for Disaster Response (PCDR) targeted 909 households across 21 fishing and farming communities in Aklan, Iloilo, and Capiz. Each household received 15 kilograms of rice, providing critical food support amid the ongoing drought. This rice distribution is vital, as it serves as the primary staple, and local production has been severely curtailed by the drought.

In Iloilo, Citizens’ Disaster Response Center’s local partner Center for People’s Resources and Services (CPRS) reached 700 individuals with a comprehensive aid package, including 15 kg of rice, miswa, mung beans, and biscuits. These distributions took place in Brgy. Salvacion Hda. Maasin & Purok Tumpok, Brgy. Blumentritt, and Brgy. E Lopez in Silay City, and Brgy. Bacong, Brgy. Busay, Brgy. Balingasag, and Brgy. Calumangan in Bago City. The varied contents of these packages aim to address both immediate hunger and nutritional needs.

TABI provided support to 514 vulnerable families in Pio Duran, Polangui, and Ligao in Albay, with each family receiving 25 kg of rice. In Pio Duran, the distribution focused on barangays La Medalla, Buenavista, Banawan, and Lawinon, where families were in urgent need of food supplies. Polangui’s aid targeted communities like Cotnogan, Balinad, and Itaran, while Ligao City saw distributions in Tambo and Basag, crucial in areas where local food production had collapsed due to the drought.

Looking ahead, CORDIS and CARE are preparing to distribute aid packages to 450 families in Kalinga, specifically Brgy Tanglag, Lubuagan; Brgy Allaguia, Pinukpuk; Brgy Limos, Pinukpuk; and Brgy Dupag, Tabuk. Each family will receive 60 kg of rice, 5 cans of sardines, 2 liters of cooking oil, and 1 kilogram of sugar. These packages are designed to sustain families for an extended period, providing not just staple foods but also essential cooking supplies.

Based on these Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA), the HPP has identified urgent needs and recommended targeted interventions to mitigate the ongoing crisis:

The Humanitarian Partnership Platform (HPP) prioritizes locally led responses that empower communities to rebuild and strengthen resilience against future climatic shocks. Through close collaboration with local stakeholders and leveraging community knowledge, the platform not only addresses immediate challenges but also forwards suggested solutions for longer-term recovery.

The HPP demonstrates effective coordination and solidarity in responding to the El Niño crisis in the Philippines. Through thorough assessments, rapid response initiatives, and targeted interventions, the HPP is committed to upholding the dignity and well-being of affected populations. These efforts aim to lay the groundwork for sustainable recovery and resilience-building efforts across the regions.

Established in 2016, the Humanitarian Partnership Platform (HPP) serves as a collaborative hub for its members, facilitating timely exchanges, fostering collaboration, and enhancing capacity development. The HPP manages an Emergency Response Fund (ERF) designed with streamlined processes, minimal bureaucratic requirements, and expedited approvals. This responsive mechanism enables partners to swiftly conduct assessments and distribute aid to communities in need.

Comprising fourteen organizations nationwide, the HPP includes eleven women-led organizations, one international NGO, two women’s rights organizations, and four member organizations identified as a coalition or network of CSOs. The platform operates under a governance structure co-developed through peer nomination and volunteering, ensuring inclusive decision-making and effective operational management. For more information on the HPP, reach out to the HPP Secretariat at philippinepartnershipplatform@gmail.com.

The Moving Urban Poor Communities toward Resilience (MOVE UP) Project set up Alternative Temporary Shelters (ATS) with the community in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.

The alternative temporary shelter is a range of substitute solutions that intend to immediately address the shelter needs of affected populations in the initial stages of disasters to guarantee human dignity and sustain family and community life.

In 2020, the project released a manual to document and consolidate key information, learnings, and development about ATS systems. Principally made for local government units, the 100-page manual aims to describe the importance and practical applications of the ATS system. It also offers a step-by-step guide on properly adopting and implementing select ATS solutions as a form of shelter response and early actions during emergencies.

MOVE UP – Mindanao is funded by the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO (ECHO) and is implemented by a consortium of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which include CARE Philippines, ACCORD Incorporated, Plan International Philippines, and Action Against Hunger Philippines.

The 2021 MOVE UP Project Coffee Table Book gives general information of the Moving Urban Poor Communities in the Philippines toward Resilience (MOVE UP) Project.

It is intended for readers who want to know a snapshot of the whole MOVE UP Project with Action Against Hunger, informing them of what the project is about, the MOVE UP Urban Resilience Framework, its goals, community stories, and results.

It features one-pager articles that narrate the impact of MOVE UP in people’s lives:

Before capping of 2021, the Moving Urban Poor Communities toward Resilience (MOVE UP) Project, funded by the EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO, was been nominated under the NextGen CapDev Accelerator Award by the Local Government Academy for its partnership and efforts in contributing to capacity development activities, the co-development of knowledge products, and the enhancement of preparedness manuals and plans.

Held both onsite and virtually at the Manila Hotel last December 21, 2021, Gabi ng Pasasalamat 2021 is a partner appreciation awards night by the Local Government Academy. It was during this event that the Moving Urban Poor Communities toward Resilience (MOVE UP) Mindanao Project, among other distinguished organizations, received a Partner Appreciation Certificate under the NextGen CapDev Accelerator Award.

In recent months, the DILG-Local Government Academy capacity development initiatives such as webinar executive sessions for newly elected officials (NEO WES) and L!stong Ugnayan Sessions have served as avenues for the MOVE UP Mindanao Project, in collaboration with the Resilience and Innovation Learning Hub, to build capacities and advocate tested urban resilience strategies among local governments and other stakeholders.

On October 25th, the INCREASE Project, in collaboration with RILHUB, has officially held the last session of the Cross-Learning Platform for Resilience-Building (CLPRB) from 9:00 AM to 12:45 PM.

Starting last July, the project had already previously already implemented three iterations covering topics such as navigating the Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan (LCCAP) for LGUs, conducting remote mock tabletop exercises, and gender mainstreaming in community resilience. CLPRB serves as the INCREASE Project’s commitment to cross-learning and knowledge sharing.

Following a workshop-consultation format, the session was attended by representatives and partners from project areas around the Philippines including the provinces of Cagayan, Surigao del Sur, Northern Samar, and Mountain Province. The activity gave a refresher on the project’s expected outcomes and an overview of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. It also elicited the insights of key partners on the actual process of how the project can be sustained. Moreover, the program highlighted both key messages and exit strategies as the project is closing this year.

INCREASE is currently conducting its last set of activities in coordination with partners such as ACCORD Incorporated, the Agri-Aqua Development Coalition-Mindanao, the Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services, and the Leyte Center for Development, Inv.

INCREASE or “Philippines – Increasing Resilience to Natural Hazards” aims to increase the resilience of 45,00 women and men small scale farmers and fishers, including 720 extremely poor female-headed households, to natural hazards and the effect of climate change. The project will run from 2019-2021 in different parts of the Philippines, namely 36 barangays across 8 municipalities in the provinces of Cagayan, Mt. Province, Northern Samar, and Surigao del Sur. Its project components and activities include early warning systems, alternative livelihood, and climate and disaster governance

The first part was a capacity-building session Gender Mainstreaming in Community Resilience on September 22 while the partner-level learning exchange on September 24 provided an avenue for partners to reflect and share best practices on the meaningful participation and decision-making of women in resilient livelihoods.

This session focuses on INCREASE’s learnings and experiences in increasing women’s participation and decision making in resilience building, as well as in ensuring that gender is mainstreamed in longer-term development plans. In support of integrated risk management principles focused on inclusion and participation, this session highlights how women-led activities in livelihoods and in preparedness activities not only build community resilience but also their individual and collective confidence, and more cohesive relations among peers and within formal and informal groups and actors in the community.

CLPRB is the manifestation of the project’s commitment to holding four (4) learning exchanges engaging local implementing partners and partner communities across provinces to share DRR-CCA and/or IRM good practices, ideas for sustainability and upscaling, innovations, and evidence from which these are based. Similarly, the project has also committed to producing four (4) research briefs or communication materials, or case stories, from DRR-CCA / IRM good practices and innovations that have been documented; these are to be published and disseminated through RILHUB.

The final installation of the INCREASE Cross-Learning Platform for Resilience-Building will be held in October 2021.

Early Warning Systems (EWS) equipment were officially turned over to the community members and barangay officials of Natonin and Barlig, Mt. Province last September 8 and 9, 2021.

EWS equipment includes basic emergency and first aid equipment such as generators, spine boards with strap, two-way radios, amplifiers, public awareness devices, bells, rope, sets of BP apparatus, first aid kits, among others. All of which were identified by community members who were actively engaged in community risk assessments and contingency planning workshops conducted as part of the INCREASE: Increasing the Resilience to Natural Hazards project. Along with the equipment, household-level flyers about the specific hazards in their community and the evacuation plan, and EWS signage containing warning signals and actions for community members were also handed over during the turnover ceremony.

In Barlig, barangay officials and representatives from INCREASE covered barangays, Kaleo, Chupac, Lunas, and Ogo-og, and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative were present during the turn-over ceremony. Female household heads who were the main participants of the Resilient Livelihood activities of INCREASE, also attended the ceremony and offered a song of appreciation to CARE Philippines and Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services representatives. In Natonin, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Officer along with Barangay Balangao and Alonugan officials and female household heads received the equipment and IEC materials.

People-Centered EWS

EWS is an adaptive measure for climate change, using integrated communication systems to help communities prepare for hazardous climate-related events. This means that through EWS, community members receive relevant and timely information in a systematic way prior to a disaster in order to make informed decisions and take action. A successful EWS can save lives and livelihood. To be effective, EWS needs to actively involve the communities at risk, facilitate public education and awareness of risks, effectively disseminate messages and warnings and ensure there is a constant state of preparedness.

During INCREASE workshops, risk information and the necessary equipment to relay warning signals were identified. This information was identified by the community members and barangay officials and was documented and translated into IEC materials to make sure that warnings are understandable by all members of the community.

The Need for EWS Equipment

Typhoon Rosita hit our area, we thought it was the end. The experience awakened our community. We exhausted every means to prepare for the next disaster. Thanks to INCREASE Project, we were able to identify early warning devices needed in our area to better respond to natural hazards,” shared Brgy. Balangao Chairperson Conrado Limangan, upon receiving the EWS equipment.

Recalling the worst typhoon in their memory, community members mentioned that since they had no equipment back then, members of the Barangay DRRM Council would only be shouting to instruct community members to evacuate their homes. Power and communication lines were interrupted then, hence they identified a generator as one of the main EWS equipment needed in their area. Natonin Municipal DRRM Officer Soledad Nasudman recognizes this and shared, “Thank you for bringing the project nearer to us. Even if the BDRRMC officials are capacitated, if equipment is not available, response and preparedness would not be as effective.”

nowledge that they need to find a funding source for the purchase and installment of EWS. Barangay Chupac Chairperson, Benedicto Nabunat shared, “We express our deepest appreciation to the INCREASE team for the equipment because we know that our barangay’s budget can’t afford to provide these. We are thankful because it’s rare that a project reaches an isolated area like ours.” In addition to these equipment, risk maps plotting the community facilities, houses, forests, and farmlands, their level of susceptibility to several hazards that can affect them will be put up. To test the early actions and preparedness capacities of the officials and community members, a drill will also be conducted as part of the INCREASE Project.

Natonin and Barlig are both prone to typhoons and landslides. During their community risk assessments and contingency planning workshops, community members shared that they experience at least 3 to 4 typhoons in a year. One barangay was also named as the “Home of Rain” since rain is nonstop in the area for almost the whole year. While community members recognize the need for EWS equipment and IEC materials, they also ack

INCREASE aims to increase the resilience of 45,000 women and men small-scale farmers and fishers, including 720 extremely poor female-headed households, to natural hazards and the effects of climate change. It is present in 4 provinces, 8 municipalities, and 33 barangays. CARE Philippines and CorDis RDS lead its implementation in Mt. Province.

Recent record-high reports on new active COVID-19 cases show that the pandemic is far from over. Even the slight decrease in transmission in Metro Manila offers little comfort, as other regions brace and prepare for a possible surge.

In Mindanao, for example, local governments have expressed fatigue and dwindling resources to respond effectively to the pandemic, on top of other emergencies such as natural hazards, protracted conflict, and climate risks.

As hospital beds run out, people are lining up in makeshift tents with some of them dying while waiting for their turn to be admitted. Overwhelmed health workers, insufficient space for treatment and isolation, and financial difficulty call for alternative and cost-efficient solutions.

At the onset of the pandemic, local government partners of the Moving Urban Poor Communities in the Philippines toward Resilience (MOVE UP) Project were aware that the rising cases and lack of medical resources and spatial capacity could pose grave consequences in densely populated cities.

In an effort to complement government response, the MOVE UP project along with partners such as the Czech Republic Humanitarian Aid and United Architects of the Philippines – Emergency Architects worked together to adapt Alternative Temporary Shelters (ATS) into quarantine facilities.

Despite mobility constraints and other health measures, the first Community Quarantine Facility adapted from ATS models was turned over in Malabon City on 18 June 2020, and received DOH certification in the same week. The experience in opening the 38-bed-capacity of the amphitheater still in operation has provided valuable lessons in replication of the strategy in other areas in Malabon and also in Mindanao.

Following the same strategy, community quarantine facilities were also set up by the local governments of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro, Tandag City, and Surigao del Sur with support from MOVE UP and REACH projects.

The Moving Urban Poor Communities Toward Resilience (MOVE UP) Project is funded by EU Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid – ECHO and is implemented by ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, and Plan International Philippines.

In celebration of #WorldHumanitarianDay (WHD) last August 19th, the INCREASE project held another virtual iteration of the Cross-Learning Platform for Resilience-Building (CLPRB) today. This is the second overall CLPRB, following the first session on remote tabletop exercises last June.

This session focused on the capacity-building of INCREASE partners and relevant municipal local government staff in navigating the Local Climate Change Action Plan or LCCAP and its updating. By the end of the event, participants shared how their learnings and reflections include the importance of advocacy and CDRA, the process of the LCCAP, and that tools and templates are available for utilization.

This year’s WHD is focused on highlighting and emphasizing the urgency and gravity of the climate crisis. Many organizations and projects, including RILHUB and its partners, echo the call for commitment to climate adaptation and mitigation in line with keeping the global warming threshold at 1.5 °C. In addition to this call, INCREASE and RILHUB aim to continue providing avenues for cross-learning and capacity building on disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem management and restoration.