Our work in the Philippines
The islands of the Philippines are frequently hit by extreme weather events, such as cyclones, typhoons and earthquakes, which contributes to a cycle of poverty across the country. We work in the Philippines to help alleviate poverty and to assist communities to prepare for and mitigate the effects of natural disasters.
Partnership
Working with local communities in the Philippines since 1974
Programs
We support four programs through three local partners in the Philippines
Priorities
Disaster risk reduction, education, WASH (Water Sanitation Hygiene) and sustainable livelihoods
Program snapshot
Community-Led Income Generating Project
Running since: 2017
Partner Agencies: Socio-Pastoral Action Centre Foundation Inc. (SPACFI)
Aims: to improve livelihoods and food security for vulnerable families
Who it is for: vulnerable families in the Camarines Norte region
Achievements:
- Around 100 families have increased their household incomes by up to 5%, through improved crop yields, diversified livelihoods and income generating activities
- 165 families have improved access to sanitation and adopted good hygiene practices
- 7 local communities have adopted disaster preparedness measures that improve their resilience for future disasters
Fact: This program has already reached over 1185 people, including 33 people with disabilities
More background
The Philippines is one of Asia’s most dynamic economies, with strong consumer demand and a vibrant labour market. However, there is high inequality of income and employment opportunities. Urban slums are common, and the livelihoods of those living in remote and rural areas are often threatened by natural disasters.
Poverty: About 22% of the population live below the poverty line, with life expectancy around 20 years less than in Australia.
Natural disasters: The Philippines is frequently affected by cyclones, typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions which can lead to further problems like flash-flooding and landslides.
Healthcare and education: Despite being a middle-income country, around 2.8 million children do not go to school. Unequal access to health and medical care means that preventable diseases, such as tuberculosis, dengue fever, and measles are common. There is a high maternal and new-born mortality rate, with 28 out of every 1,000 babies dying before their fifth birthday.
You can help
With your generous support, we work with the most vulnerable and marginalised communities across the Philippines to boost their preparedness and responses to natural disasters, to improve their livelihoods through food security, increase their access to clean water, health care, education, and income-generating activities.
You can provide critical lifesaving aid and assistance to the communities in the Philippines devastated by earthquakes, cyclones, flooding or conflicts. Your donation means that our partners on the ground can respond quickly and efficiently when disasters strike.