Three months since typhoons
Rolly (international name Goni) and Ulysses (international name Vamco) ravaged
Luzon, World Vision in the Philippines continues its emergency response in
partnership with the local government and like-minded agencies to help families
bounce back from the succeeding calamities. To date, World Vision has reached
over 64,000 people, including 23,000 children.
“Our timely intervention
in the Bicol Region, Metro Manila, Isabela and Cagayan provinces has helped
children, who are at the heart of what we do, to cope from the impact of
typhoons Rolly and Ulysses,” shared Rommel V. Fuerte, World Vision national
director who recently visited and witnessed the situation of affected families
in Albay.
Emergency essentials
provided to affected families include food, hygiene kits, water containers,
kitchen sets, emergency shelter kits and other non-food items for protection like
blanket, mosquito nets and plastic mats.
Recognizing the need of
the most vulnerable especially mothers and babies, UNFPA, the United Nations
Population Fund in the Philippines and World Vision provided for the needs of
pregnant and lactating mothers through cash assistance, maternity and dignity
kits. In Catanduanes, where the typhoon damaged a number of rural health units
(RHU), an emergency maternity treatment facility (EMTF) which serves as a
temporary birthing clinic, and tents for women-friendly spaces were set up.
Generator sets were also provided.
“We are thankful for
your prompt support. You were there right after the typhoon. There is a huge
need not only because of COVID-19. Our basic emergency obstetric and newborn
care (bEmONC) was badly affected [by the typhoon] so the EMTF and generator
sets will help us continue our services for pregnant women. This also boosts
the morale of the community, knowing that they are not left behind,” said Dr.
Elva M. Joson, health officer of Virac, Catanduanes.
Early
Recovery
Meanwhile, World Vision
now shifts from relief to early recovery interventions. With funding from the
European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), teams
on ground commenced distribution of shelter repair kits containing GI sheets,
marine plywood, hammer, saw, sets of two kinds of nails and metal wire.
Cash-based programs have also been implemented for families who lost their
homes and families hosting them. Embedded in this initiative is the Build Back
Better and Disaster Risk Reduction Principle orientation for families.
Young couple Joseph and
Maricris are among the families who received shelter assistance in Albay. Their
family was left with just a cement flooring and a wooden column. Joseph built a
makeshift house but was still afraid for their safety, especially his
one-year-old child, Ella Joyce.
“We will use these
shelter materials to build a stronger home. This will keep us safe and it will
help our children cope,” Maricris said.
World Vision is grateful
for the generous support of the following partners: 1590 Energy Corp, Adarna
House Publishing, Agusan NHS Student Government, American Wire & Cable Co,
Bank of America, Atlassian, Cebu Pacific Air, Civicom, Colgate-Palmolive,
Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation, Delta P, Inc., DTCC, Emerson, GCash, Insular
Foundation, Isla LPG Corporation, Jesus Christ the Cornerstone Ministries –
Caloocan, Johnson & Johnson, Living Word - Masbate Placer, Living Word
CCCII, Living Word Metro North, Living Word Silverdale, McKinsey & Co.
(Phils.), Merck, Mileage Asia Corp., Momee PH. Nexus Technologies, PayMaya,
Phoenix Publishing, Procter & Gamble, Royal Christian Church, SFUC Group of
Companies, Singapore School Cebu, Viber, Victory Fort, Visa, WeWork, Willis
Towers Watson, and Word for the World Mandaluyong.
To know more about World
Vision, visit www.worldvision.org.ph. For updates, follow
/worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram.
About World Vision
World
Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated
to working with children, their families, and communities to overcome poverty
and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to
working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates
with all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.