VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 1 1st QUARTER 2015 CF A / m Rosa May Maite May Rosa Good nutrition is the foundation for human development. Scaling up programmes that directly treat and prevent acute malnutrition must be at the forefront of poverty reduction actions to reach the Sustainable Development Goals. Malnutrition can and must be eradicated full stop. Lessons from Yolanda ACF Provides Assistance in Typhoon Ruby-Affected Areas

Rosa May de Guzman Maitem only count the number of hours she slept. “My baby Communications Manager Take Action! was covered with blanket so he won’t catch colds. This afternoon, he kept on sneezing and I’m worried Use your voice for change! Sign the DOLORES, Eastern –With the images about his condition,” she said. of devastation wrought by Typhoon Yolanda still Generation Nutrition petition and “Life has not been easy for us, but we’re surviving fresh in their minds, the people of Dolores, a low-ly- call on world leaders to prioritize and content with what we have. A little convenience ing coastal town in , prepared for the acute malnutrition at store by my window would be a good start for the worst three days ahead of Typhoon Ruby’s (interna- www.generation-nutrition.org. new year,” said Jonalyn, whose husband works for a tional name Hagupit) landfall in the central Philip- Unhindered access to nutritious construction firm. pines in December 2014. food, clean water, sanitation Taft June Libanan said nearly half of the Suelo Igdalino, 80, instructed his children and and healthcare, as well as good homes in Taft and at least 90 percent of the people’s grandchildren to look for a place where they could care practices for babies and livelihood were destroyed by Typhoon Ruby. “With seek shelter. Suelo looked up to a hilly part of Dolores small children, all help to prevent the impact this huge, we’re running out of resources and decided that they could run there should heavy and have already exhausted our budget for the year,” malnutrition. Scaling up and rain and intense wind come. “We still have time to Libanan said. prepare, take the children, bring clothes and food accelerating these interventions will The Provincial Health Office of Eastern Samar es- and put up a tent up there. We’ll be safe there,” Elsa prevent the risk of long-term health timated that some 171,000 people needed immediate Igdalino, 51, recalled his father as telling them. implications. No child should die of water sanitation and hygiene assistance as the water The family heeded. All the while, the local gov- hunger. #WeAreGenerationNutrition systems in some towns, including Dolores and Taft, ernment’s disaster management teams drove were not fully functional due to the power outages. around town, enforcing the preemptive evacuation The Department of Agriculture placed the damage to of 339 families. In less than 48 hours, Typhoon Ruby their old house. “This is what we call home now. crops and infrastructures at Php 1.3 billion. rammed everything on its path— blowing off roofs, My children and grandchildren fit in this tarpaulin Days ahead of Typhoon Ruby’s landfall, ACF In- bogging down walls, uprooting trees, and toppling shack, but we are all fine,” said the elder Suelo. ternational, with support from the Spanish Agency down power and communication lines. In the nearby town of Taft, Jonalyn Debrilla and for International Development Cooperation (AE- “We held on to each other reassuring ourselves that her family are still reeling from the impact of Typhoon CID), had prepositioned life-saving stocks in its we’ll survive Ruby’s monster rain and wind,” Elsa said. Ruby. “The rain was unforgiving today. Look at our warehouses in , and , The day after, the Igdalinos, along with a hundred more roofs and walls, Typhoon Ruby blew them off. We’re ready to assist the affected families. families, saw what Typhoon Ruby did to their homes. wet, day and night, sleeping with an umbrella on our “ACF is concerned over the well-being of children, “We have nothing left,” Elsa said as she showed heads,” expressed 23-year-old mother Jonalyn. the pregnant and lactating women, the elderly par- the scrap wood and tarpaulins they salvaged from A week after the typhoon made landfall, she can Turn to page 7 Page 2 | ACF Bulletin

Our Main Donors: EDITORIAL Javad Amoozegar Country Director

It’s 2015 and so far, our numbers tell an amazing story: ACF turns 15 years old in the Philippines. In the year that past, we’ve designed programs that saved lives of 1,100,000 most vulnerable women, men, boys and girls in 2014. But even more wonderful than these figures are the real-life stories behind them on our first issue for the year. These are the stories of the people whom we have helped, and knowing these stories–each of them unique and moving–add layers of meaning to what we do. Special thanks to those who supported us in 2014 and to all ACF staff, donors and stakehold- ers who have worked non-stop to support the most vulnerable. This year, we commit to serve the most vulnerable people—the children, preg- nant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, per- sons with disabilities and persons with chronic illnesses, single-female headed households who CF A

are among the hardest hit in crises. / Let us inspire you more, too, by following m our Facebook page (www.ACF.Philippines) and Twitter (www.ACF_Philippines). ACF exists because hunger and malnutrition

persist. Have a meaningful 2015, everybody! Maite May Rosa Thanks to your support, we’ve helped 1.1 million people with life-saving assistance in the Philippines in 2014.

Yolanda people reached in the Response 1,108,699 Philippines in 2014 692,116 249,792 Roxas 173,356

140,606 CF 114,367 Samar A

Zamboanga gui/

85,343 r 69,110 48,409 First Three Months 11,341 216,375 Daniel Bu Daniel

Yolanda response

A year after Yolanda In the first months after the typhoon, the survivors faced enormous chal- lenges. Thanks to the Filipinos’ spirit of resilience in the face of disaster and the collaboration of the local and national government units and the international November 2014 marked the first year after Typhoon Yolanda (inter- communities, the survivors are on the road to recovery. national name Haiyan) swept across central Philippines, leaving over 6,000 The challenge now is to continue the past year’s gains, focusing on the long- people dead, thousands more missing and millions of lives devastated. It was term recovery, be it the improvement of their livelihoods or activities for the also a year ago that ACF International began its efforts to provide the needs of mitigation of the impact of future disasters. the affected communities. ACF International has worked closely with partners and local government ACF’s emergency response began 72 hours after the typhoon hit, starting bodies in delivering programs on nutrition and health; water, sanitation and with the delivery of food and water in the most affected areas in the cities of Ta- hygiene; food security and livelihoods, good governance and advocacy. Inte- cloban and Roxas. More than a year later, ACF is still on the ground addressing grated in these programs are gender issues, disaster risk management, climate the immediate needs of the population, particularly children under five, preg- change adaptation and care for the environment. All in all, the ACF interven- nant and lactating women, single female-headed households, the elderly, and tions have reached nearly 700,00 people. persons with disabilities and chronic illnesses. ACF Philippines Bulletin | Page 3 Focus on:

nca Integrating DRRM Nutrition Causal Analysis in ACF Programs Blanche Mattern potheses were reviewed, confirmed or rejected. ACF NCA Specialist A final list of 20 hypotheses was validated to be Mark Cervantes Bai Salma Abo field-tested. ACF Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator NCA Risk Factors Survey Head of Project A Risk Factors Survey (RFS) questionnaire was designed to address 44 indicators (Food Security TACLOBAN CITY—“We are vulnerable be- –Being a structured, par- and Livelihood, Mental Health and Care Practices, cause our capacity is low,” shared Yolanda Cantos, ticipatory and holistic study, the Nutrition Causal Nutrition, Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Municipal Analysis (NCA) aims at building a case for nutri- and gathered anthropometrics measurement of Officer of Tolosa, Leyte. This is the same realization tion causality in a local a context. pregnant and lactating women and 6-59 months of households, communities and partner local gov- Based on a mixed-methods approach that com- children in 36 barangays. Unfortunately, the pas- ernments affected by disasters and crisis in 2013. bines both qualitative and quantitative research sage of typhoon Ruby delayed the RFS conduction. Recognizing the increasing frequency and in- methods, the analysis is drawn from a synthesis of Giving the impact of the seasonality on a large por- tensity of disasters and humanitarian crises and results. Indeed, an exclusive qualitative or quanti- tion of the indicators, the RFS was cancelled. In- its resulting suffering and losses that represent a tative approach of undernutrition causality would stead data from UNICEF baseline study (2012) and major threat to long term development, growth show weaknesses on addressing all dimensions MYCNSIA report (2011) was used for the analysis. and poverty reduction, in particular in the poor- of this complex and context related issue. A Link Since no major change had impacted the area, the est and developing countries, ACF launched the NCA do not aim at demonstrate statistically nutri- data are believed to be accurate enough to give an integration of Disaster Risk Reduction and Man- tion causality that can be generalized at a national indication on the situation of Masbate. Data col- agement (DRRM) and resiliency measures in its level. Causes of undernutrition being often context lected during the RFS had been analysed to con- programs in WaSH, Nutrition and FSL in Leyte, specific, the methodology is going beyond generic firm that the qualitative analysis was coherent. Bohol, Masbate, Zamboanga, Cotabato, Com- interventions by identifying really context specific One week was spent in each . Different postella Valley and . causes in order to propose adequate solutions. stakeholders (health workers, traditional birth at- “We can help households, communities and Since 2014, ACF is implementing programs on tendants and practitioners, spiritual practitioners, local governments to save lives by facilitating WaSH (hygiene promotion and improvement of barangay’s leaders) and positive deviant mothers community-managed disaster risk reduction and sanitation infrastructures) and nutrition (nutrition were interviewed. FGDs topics addressed “under- climate adaptation ,” said Javad Amoozegar, ACF screening and IYCF capacity building) in the four standing of malnutrition”, “perception of good nu- Country Director. municipalities having the poorest socio-economic trition”, “health status”, “FSL status”, “WaSH situa- Essential resilience actions for ACF include indicators of Masbate (, , Milagros tion and main issues”, “Care practices behaviours” mechanisms and systems on disaster mitigation, and Monreal), which are also UNICEF areas for its and “Mental Health issues”. early preparedness action and climate adaptation country program and sites for MYCNSIA (Mater- In total 47 FGDs welcomed primary and sec- through facilitation of Participatory Capacities nal and Young Child Nutrition Security Initiative ondary caregivers of children less than 59 months. and Vulnerability Assessment (PCVA) and resil- in Asia). The Link NCA conducted in Masbate confirmed ience planning. The PCVA enables people to en- To understand the root causes of undernutrition WaSH issues such as utilization of unimproved hance their knowledge and understanding about and be able to develop tailor made programs to re- water sources, inadequate animal waste manage- disaster risks, and facilitate action planning for al- duce wasting and stunting level, ACF conducted a ment, inadequate hand-washing behavior before leviating the threats, paying attention to the most Link NCA in its working areas. It was also the op- breastfeeding, and health and food issues like non- vulnerable, those who have less capacities to face portunity for testing this new methodology to Phil- existent deworming among pregnant and lactating and recover from disasters. ippine context, since the Link NCA in Masbate is a mother, low diet diversity, seasonal food insecurity ACF conducts activities related to DRRM and first of its kind in the country. and low support following natural disasters. resilient WaSH, FSL and nutrition for households, After an extensive literature and data review, The NCA findings were presented to each ba- schools and communities, the local governments the NCA analyst designed a preliminary local caus- rangay and during a final technical workshop held and civil society organizations. al modal with a set of 17 hypothesized risk factors in Manila with 20 technical specialists in Janu- In Zamboanga, the City DRRM office issued and related pathways. Those findings were pre- ary 2015. Together with the technical specialists, an Executive Order mandating the barangays and sented during an initial technical workshop hold in results were validated and 37 recommendations schools to fully participate in capacity building Manila (October 2014) who welcomed 19 technical (mainly in FSL, WaSH and Health) were defined in activities related to DRR and recently agreed to al- specialists. order to address undernutrition issues in Masbate low ACF to review its DRRM plan so that resilient Together with the technical specialists, hy- by guiding future program strategies. WaSH, FSL and Nutrition can be mainstreamed in the City DRRM Plan. YES to #ZOD! MASBATE CITY - ACF is implementing the project “Sustainable and Resil- ient Basic Sanitation, Safe Water, and Improved Hygiene Behaviour,” with funding support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The project aims to de- liver clean water and improved practices on hygiene and sanitation with key concepts

on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management to households, schools and day care cen- CF A ters in the municipalities of Aroroy, Cawayan, Milagros and Monreal. “We have overwhelming number of sick children from diarrheal diseases because of poor hygiene and lack of access to sanitation. Through Community-led Total Sani- tation (CLTS) approach, we are creating awareness to address this pressing problem”, said Rene Cantuba, Jr. WaSH hygiene promotion officer of ACF. Since 2014, eight vil- Boholst/ Jinky lages have been declared as areas with zero open defecation in Masbate. “With water ACF is actively campaigning for Zero Open Defecation through the CLTS within their reach and awareness of the dangers of open defecation, residents have approach, along with the WaSH Cluster. ACF has been working hard to ensure started building toilets,”Cantuba said. diseases are prevented with proper hygiene and sanitation practices. In Engr. Lerio Arizala, Jr., the Municipal WaSH coordinator of Monreal shared that 2014, ACF has assisted over 400,000 people with access to safe water and the local government and the communities united action to stop open defecation in sanitation, and 28 villages in Masbate, Eastern Samar and Cotabato have been Masbate will eventually boost the families’ opportunities and self-esteem. declared areas with zero open defecation. Page 4 | ACF Philippines Bulletin

SUCCESS STORIES

“We would not have the means to start life anew, recover from the devastation without the CF help extended to our A tes/ families.” r esa Co esa

Oscar Belicario and Erlinda Dael, Eastern Samar r he T

Farmers Rise however, the family’s regular diet would be rice and Overall, the grant reached €4.9 million in 2014. fish. But the assistance made life more bearable for Through the project, more than 7,300 houses have from Yolanda Belicario and his family. been built back safer, more than 7,300 households Cholo Rodriguez and Theresa Cortes “As a beneficiary of conditional cash transfer, I have recovered their livelihoods, and 65 health FSL Supervisors was able to buy medicines for myself and my chil- and education facilities have been rehabilitated in- dren. I would not have the means to start life anew, creasing access to basic social services to more than GENERAL MacARTHUR, Eastern Samar— recover from the devastation without the help ex- 71,700 Filipinos. Erlinda Dael, the 48-year old mother of three and tended to my family,” he said. barangay (village) chairman of Pinggan in General ACF International supported by the European MacArthur town in Eastern Samar, lost most of her Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protec- nurse, a Super belongings to Typhoon Yolanda. tion department (ECHO), responded quickly after Immediately after the typhoon struck, she re- Typhoon Yolanda struck Central , providing Typhoon Hero ceived help from various government and non-gov- humanitarian assistance and early recovery inter- Rey Monteclaro ernment organizations. She cherished the livelihood ventions. Priority was given to the most severely Head of Project for EPG-Progress assistance she received to begin a new life after the affected people providing them with life-saving storm. Dael said the farm implements and seeds shelter, food, water, sanitation and support to health ESTANCIA, Iloilo—“As a government em- gave her a chance to plant in more areas and, liter- centers, as well as livelihoods and reconstruction ployee, your life is focused on being of service to oth- arily, begin a new life after the storm. support. er people,” says Judith Dalton, a public health nurse What she earns from her farm produce augments ACF implemented the ECHO-funded project as of Estancia, Iloilo, a post she held in the past seven her salary as a village chair. “It helps in the day-to- part of a consortium with Save the Children (SCI) years. day expenses. I even have some savings for the edu- and CARE International. ACF covered Eastern Sa- But it was Typhoon Yolanda that made her realize cation of the children,” she said. mar, CARE in Leyte, and SCI in . All three how much this work meant for her and the people of Dael said she was thankful for the help she and her partners implement shelter, food security and liveli- Estancia. village received. Despite the devastation, Dael still hoods, education and health infrastructure repairs, The government of Estancia took heed the advi- thinks Typhoon Yolanda also brought something water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH); and child sories on the coming typhoon that it prepared its positive— making residents realize the importance protection programs in their respective areas. The Municipal Health Office and its entire staff for any of living life with a purpose. Thus, as the village lead- organizations pair cash and in-kind assistance with assistance they could give to the survivors. er, Dael is looking at working for the construction of training. Each household assisted is trained in ap- But Typhoon Yolanda did not spare the health a flood control system and the strengthening of their plying Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) methods to station. Roofless and flooded, the station became a evacuation center. With these two projects, Dael their daily lives; community carpenters and fami- haven for Dalton, her team and those who survived hopes that the damage to life and property will be lies who received cash and shelter repair kits were and sought immediate medication for their wounds. mitigated when typhoons hit their village. trained how to Build Back Safer homes; households For Dalton, going home was never an option. With In the same village, Oscar Belicario’s life as a farm- who received livelihood grants were given manage- noodles and enough fresh water, they got by. er had less problems. His two-hectare farm provided ment skills and sector-specific DRR training; staff Even with limited supplies, Dalton took care of for his family of six. But Typhoon Yolanda came and of rehabilitated barangay health stations, day care the sick. Along with other nurses who knew they had wrought havoc in its path, including Balicario’s coco- centers, and schools, and parents were trained on to go the extra mile serving the women, the men, the nut and banana farm. Rising from the devastation, psychological first aid and child protection. elderly, and children, affected by the typhoon. Belicario started to replant on his farm. But it would “I was able to go home only after a month, and take a year before he could harvest his bananas. discovered that part of my house was partially dam- Thanks to ACF International and its shelter and aged. My clothes and things were soaked,” recalled livelihoods assistance funded by the European Com- Dalton. mission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection “ACF arrived along with a host of non-government department (ECHO), Belicario and Dael received organizations. Together with partners, they put up seeds and farming tools. Aside from the livelihood water facilities and waste disposal at the evacuation assistance, they also received help for them to re- center. The supplies they brought were enough to lift build their homes. my spirit,” Dalton said. The 61-year old farmer planted root crops and veg- ACF implemented the Integrated Maternal and etables such as taro, sweet potatoes, squash, eggplant, Child Care Nutrition Specific Package for the Preg- bitter gourd, string beans and lady fingers. While nant and Lactating Women (PLWs) and young (0-5) waiting for harvest time, Belicario also worked as a children in the affected coastal communities in Iloi- carpenter, building houses in nearby towns. Judith Dalton, a nurse, examines a child under five lo and adjacent coastal lands in Panay island, funded Even food on the table has changed. Before ty- suffering from severe acute malnutrition in Estancia by UBS Optimus Foundation. The project specifical- phoon, Belicario said, they could afford anything municipal health office. ly addressed mortality and morbidity of children un- they wanted— like pork and chicken. This time, Photo by Rey Monteclaro/ACF der five and of the pregnant and breastfeeding wom- ACF Philippines Bulletin | Page 5

en by preventing and treating acute malnutrition through both preventive and therapeutic manage- ment approaches. “Estancia topped the province’s most nutritionally depressed municipalities, but we never lost hope. I knew that with the the project, we can turn the situation around,” Dalton said. Health workers and mothers identified the mal- nourished children who needed treatment, while the Out-patient Therapeutic Program (OTP) and In-patient Therapeutic Program (ITP) were estab- lished as mechanisms for treating nutritionally deprived children. The patients were treated with Ready-to-Use-Therapeutic Foods (RUTF). “These innovations really brought changes in terms of addressing the problem on malnutrition,” Dalton shared. “Nutrition should be given focus and it also national should involve all stakeholders from the barangays Group photo with representatives of project partners and local beneficiaries r to the municipal level. This is a wake-up call for ev- supported by ACF and USAID/OFDA in Leyte. nte CF I CF

erybody,” she added. A

Life Goes materials. The Mendazas were also aided by other or- port the Department of Health’s Zero Open Defeca- ganizations to rebuild their house. “There is always a tion campaign is a big help to us,” said Dr. Corazon on After Yolanda light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. For the Men- Miflores, the municipal health officer. John Christopher Silvosa dazas, ACF helped her family find the light. Esther Magdayo, head of WaSH project in East- Technical Supervisor ern Samar, said women played a big role in improv- ing hygiene and sanitation issues in the said town. PALO, Leyte–“If not because of the ACF and Engaging women “Women have been actively engaged in our imple- USAID livelihood project, we could not have start- mentation,” Magdayo said. ed to rebuild our lives which were destroyed by Ty- in improving village “They bear the impact of dirty and inadequate phoon Yolanda,” says Ebeth Mendaza. water and hygiene and sanitation practices. But they Ebeth is a fish vendor in Barangay Cogon in Palo, sanitation rose up from these challenges. They were the first Leyte. Her husband is a wine gatherer. Even Maffy Jae Sibul ones to understand the devastating effects of unhy- with their measly income, they were able to raise 15 Assistant Head of Project gienic practices, and the benefits of Open Defecation children. Free (ODF) status,” she added. But Typhoon Yolanda changed it all. “I was wor- GEN. MaCARTHUR, Eastern Samar– With- ACF, in coordination with Municipal Health Of- ried that time. How will we survive? How will we out help from her husband, who has a daytime job, fice and the Department of Social Welfare and De- feed our children? We got nothing. All my livelihood Gregoria Canatoy dug a six-foot hole that would velopment, was in the forefront in promoting the sig- assets for fish vending were washed out. There were serve as a septic tank. Then, the 39-year old mother nificance of having toilets in far-flung communities. no coconut trees. There was no more livelihood for of three, did some carpentry–installing lumber, con- “The CLTS (community-led total sanitation) me and my husband,” Mendaza said. crete flooring and, finally, the ceramic toilet bowl. championed by ACF and UNICEF encourages com- Worse, Mendaza and her family stayed in an evac- “After four days of labor, I managed to build the munity self-analysis of existing defecation patterns uation area in Palo. latrine,” a satisfied Gregoria said. and threats, and promotes local solutions to reduce “It was a room occupied by more than 50 people. “It’s quite difficult but I’ve tried hard to get it and ultimately eliminate the practice of open defeca- My family stayed there for one month with no de- done. My husband and children are happy. Thanks tion,” Magdayo said. cent clothes, not having anything at all. I thought we to the clean latrine, our dignity has been restored “Typhoon Yolanda has taught women that they would not survive,” she said. through this sanitation project,” Gregoria added. can step up and do more beyond their traditional What pained her more was seeing her children Gregoria is just one of the women in the remote roles of tending the households and caring for their eat in one plate. “I saw them eat in one plate, sharing villages of Gen. MacArthur in Eastern Samar who children. They, too, can rebuild their homes,” shares rice and dried fish or noodles. That time there was no did not have access to clean toilets. Magdayo. relief goods. You can even see people washing their Then, ACF International arrived. One of ACF’s In March 2014, a consultative workshop was held clothes and wearing it back notwithstanding that it goals is to end open defecation, through implement- in Borongan City. It was attended by municipal san- is still wet,” she added. ing innovative solutions to the challenges of water, itation inspectors and non-government organization In March 2014, ACF International, together with sanitation and hygiene (WaSH), in the communities. partners. There, 129 barangays from the 11 Yolan- its funding partner Aid for Internation- ACF, in collaboration with UNICEF, also works da-affected towns in Eastern Samar were identified al Development – Office of the Foreign Disaster Assis- hard in its campaign to end child and maternal un- as target for the Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) project. tance (USAID-OFDA), arrived to implement a project dernutrition and mortality. “It has been my long-time dream that Gen. Macar- to rebuild the livelihood of the fisheries sector. In 2013, Typhoon Yolanda, considered the stron- thur become a clean community not only in front of “Even if it was uncertain that I would be chosen as gest typhoon ever to hit the Philippines, devastated our houses but the whole community as well,” Mayor a beneficiary, I had hope. I really prayed that I will Gen. MacArthur town, destroying homes and liveli- Jaime Ty then said. be chosen. I am a fish vendor with 15 kids, I know hoods, including water systems and toilets. “I am grateful that the eight barangays heeded God will not forsake me.” Mendaza recalled the The town’s remote and almost-inaccessible com- the call and initiated the Zero Open Defecation prac- time when ACF staff conducted house-to-house val- munities made it difficult for the families to have tices. I would also like to encourage the residents to idation for those who are listed under the fisheries access to basic social and healthcare services. In build their latrines and practice proper hygiene,” the sector. Gen. Mac Arthur, 18 communities are considered mayor added. And the good news came. geographically isolated. A year after Typhoon Yolanda, ACF, through “The day I saw my name as one of the beneficiaries “Sanitation has always been a problem in the mu- the generous support from its donors and with its of ACF/USAID project, I cried. I was thanking God nicipality. Every time we have year-end evaluation WaSH services, has reached over 240,000 people for bringing hope to our devastated lives,” she said. in the province, Gen. Macarthur gets a red mark in the three worst affected areas: Leyte, Samar and Mendaza has returned to fish vending. Her son, because of poor access to sanitation facilities. The Panay. Rodulfo Jr., also received P10,000 worth of fishing advocacy to promote proper use of latrines and sup- Page 6 | ACF Philippines Bulletin

1 2

3 our work IN PICTURES 1/ ACF and UNICEF launched its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) project in Masbate. The Scaling Up Sustainable and Resilient Basic Sanitation, Safe Water and Improved Hygiene Behaviour project aims to deliver clean water and improved practices on WaSH with key concepts on Disaster Risk Management to households, schools and day care centers in the municipalities of Aroroy, Cawayan, Milagros and Monreal in Masbate province. Photo by ACF International

2/ Vincent Stehli, ACF’s Operations Director arrived in Tacloban where he personally expressed the organization’s full support to the Philippines in its 4 long-term recovery efforts in Typhoon Yolanda- affected areas. “I’ve seen the destruction in the early months of ACF humanitarian response, but one year on, the Philippines has recovered quickly. Everything has changed and I see the difference, but many challenges need to be addressed,” Stehli said. He also acknowledged the staff who have devoted their life doing humanitarian work since the typhoon struck on November 8, 2013. Photo by Rosa May Maitem/ACF International

3/ The 7.2 quake in Bohol destroyed homes, infrastructures, livelihoods and the facilities needed for safe drinking and sanitation. With funding from UNICEF and the European Commission-Humanitarian 5 Aid, and the generous support of people from France, ACF complemented government efforts in addressing unmet needs of families in affected municipalities of Clarin, Inabanga, Maribojoc, Buenavista and Tubigon in Bohol through interventions on livelihoods recovery and rehabilitation of water facilities. ACF reached nearly 70,000 vulnerable people with access to water, hygiene, and sanitation, nutrition and permanent source of food and income. ACF is truly grateful and humbled by the response and support we have received from the great people of Bohol. In photo is a plaque of appreciation given to ACF International Philippine Mission by the municipality of Tubigon, Bohol. Photo by Rosa May Maitem/ACF International

6 ACF Philippines Bulletin | Page 7

7 Lessons from Yolanda

From page 1 4/ Each year, on October 15, millions of people from over 100 countries join together to celebrate ticularly those living in low-lying and moun- Global Handwashing Day. According to the UN, tainous areas, as they are the most vulnerable of the approximately 120 million children born in in this situation,” said Eduardo de Francisco, the developing world each year, half are living in ACF Operations Coordinator for Visayas. households without access to sanitation. To raise ACF provided food, clean water and hygiene awareness about the importance of handwashing with kits and non-food items, and shared practical soap to prevent illness and disease, ACF held a two- lifesaving ways to prevent water-borne diseas- day participatory activity for the internally-displaced es to the affected people in Dolores, Can Avid, persons (IDPs) at the Don Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Taft and in Eastern Samar, and the af- Sports Complex in on October 14 - 15, fected families in the municipalities of Mobo 2014. Photo by Sitti Mhuriza Mamasalagat/ACF and in Masbate with shelter kits. All in all, ACF provided lifesaving essentials to 5/ Congratulations to South Upi, 11,010 people affected by the typhoon. as three villages are now areas with Zero Open “Our teams were quickly deployed in the Defecation (ZOD). The initiative also won an award field, distributing food, clean water, hygiene for the municipal sanitary inspector as Best Sanitary kits, and shelter kits. Learning from the les- Inspector for 2014. Congrats Sir Rommel Erese! sons of Typhoon Yolanda, we can better sup- Best wishes from your partners at ACF International port people in need efficiently,” said Cristina Philippine Mission and UNICEF Philippines and the Sainz de Vicuña, Logistics Coordinator Emer- Department of Health. Photos by ACF International gency Pool, which was responsible for logistics, procurement and stockpile operations of ACF’s emergency relief work for Typhoon Ruby. “Typhoon Ruby is another blow to the Phil- ippines as the affected families are still reeling from the impact of Typhoon Yolanda. ACF’s goal is to combat hunger and respond to emer- gency situation that threaten men, women and children. Our teams are trained and ready to help the affected families caught in this crisis. We have supported nearly 700,000 people for our recovery projects in Typhoon Yolanda-af- fected areas, and will continue that crucial work,” de Francisco said. CF A “I’m thankful for the government and non-government organizations working tire- r iza/ a lessly for us. Please help us recover the liveli- hood we lost” Libanan said. hie L c hie 8 Rit

6/ ACF International provided livelihoods and access to safe water and sanitation and hygiene critical services, such as safe water, hygiene and facilities. Photo by ACF International sanitation facilities, which are essential to prevent New ACF Offices public health risks and malnutrition in Leyte and 7/ ACF works to mainstream gender equality within the Iloilo, two of the worst-hit provinces by Typhoon organization and across its programs – food security Open in Surigao and Yolanda. With funding from the government of Canada and livelihoods, water sanitation and hygiene, nutrition, Compostela Valley through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and and mental health and care practices – with nutrition Development (DFATD), the projects support 115,000 at the center of its strategy and mandate. The need for highly vulnerable people, including children under integrating gender mainstreaming in ACF derives from ACF is currently implementing the five, pregnant and lactating women, persons with its own mandate: “Fighting against hunger, misery multi-year project “Strengthen the Disaster disabilities and chronic illness, single female-headed and all risk situations that threaten men, women and Prevention and improve the efficiency of households and the elderly. In photo are ACF Country defenseless children.” To achieve ACF’s vision of a the response to Humanitarian crises in the Director Javad Amoozegar, ACF Operations Director world without hunger, both men and women play a Philippines” with funding from the Spanish Vincent Stehli and Canadian Ambassador to the key role in addressing and responding to the causes of Agency for International Development Philippines Neil Reeder during the photo exhibit and hunger and malnutrition. ACF is committed to ensuring Cooperation (AECID). The project, in press conference for , one year after that all its programs are sensitive to gender issues of partnership with Save the Children (SCI), in Manila. “We are thankful for the commitment of the the local community and that every effort is made to reinforces resilience initiatives of the local Canadian government to help the affected families empower women and men in the process of addressing governments, communities and schools recover what they have lost, their welfare and self- nutrition, food and water issues. Photo by Rosa May in the provinces of Compostela Valley sufficiency. We cannot reduce malnutrition without Maitem/ACF International and Surigao del Sur. “ACF is commited to clean water and livelihoods to meet the needs of the supporting households, communities and local affected families,” said Amoozegar. In Iloilo province, 8/ The New Zealand Aid Programme continues to governments build their own resilience through ACF continues to implement cash-based interventions support the work of ACF International that makes a capacity building on Disaster Risk Reduction in the towns of Sara, Batad and Concepcion to help tangible difference to the lives of people in Arakan, and Climate Change Adaptation in order to recover lost livelihoods. In Tacloban City, Tanauan, President Roxas and through hygiene ensure long term development,” said Javad Sta. Fe, Jaro, Alang-alang, City and Albuera promotion, sanitation, and community and school Amoozagar, ACF Country Director. in Leyte province, ACF launched projects to ensure water projects. Photo by ACF International Page 8 | ACF Philippines Bulletin

Office Addresses: City: 2nd floor Eurovilla 4 Bldg. 853 A.Arnaiz Avenue, Legaspi Village, Makati City, Tel/Fax: +63-(2)8401808; +63-(2)6593598 Masbate City: Tiongson Subdivision, Masbate City Roxas City: 1511 JYT Bldg. 3rd Fl. Altavas St. Roxas City

national Tel/Fax: +63-(036) 6201 079 r Training of Trainers for Good Governance in Cotabato. Tacloban City: 2nd Floor

CF inte CF Uytingkoc Building, Avenida A Veteranos, Brgy. 24, local development council; no less than one fourth (1/4) of the Tacloban City Empowering members of the organized council must be comprised of NGOs. General MacArthur: Brgy The local development council is mandated to initiate a compre- 6, Sumiguen Street, Gen. Participatory hensive multi-sectoral development plan. However, meaningful MacArthur, Eastern Samar participation of NGOs in special bodies has yet to be fully max- Cotabato City: 2nd Floor LBC imized, as well. Office Building, #90, Governance Far from remaining on paper, principles of participatory gov- Avenue, Corner Notre Dame ernance are being harnessed in 132 barangays in five municipal- Deewai Rodriguez Avenue, 5, ACF Advocacy Coordinator ities in North Cotabato Province. This endeavour is called “Em- Cotabato City powered Participatory Governance towards Progress in North Tel/Fax: +63-(64) 421-6526 CITY—To empower means to share pow- Cotabato Communities” which is a project funded by the Euro- er. In a decentralized state, local governments in the Philippines pean Union and implemented by ACF International, in cooper- Kidapawan City have degrees of power according to their tier. The tier closest to ation with Dela Salle University’s Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Amas Capitol Compound, Brgy the people is the barangay. There are over 42, 000 barangays all Governance and Land Acquisition, Housing and De- Amas, Kidapawan City, over the Philippines. velopment Foundation, Inc. (MinLand). The collaboration is at North Cotabato As the basic political unit, the barangay local government the early stage of its second year of implementation. Tel/Fax: +64 278-7102 serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of gov- An All Trainers Conference was held on January 13 and served Zamboanga City ernment policies, plans, programs, projects, and activities in as a moment of reflection for the participatory governance cham- 2nd Floor Galvez Building the community, and as a forum wherein the collective views of pions from both the local government units and the NGOs. NGO 468 San Jose Road the people may be expressed, crystallized and considered, and representatives expressed renewed hope for LGU-NGO collabo- Baliwasan, Zamboanga City where disputes may be amicably settled (Local Government ration as they beamed with pride that barangay officials actual- and City Code of the Philippines). ly take time to listen to them. This response motivated them to The barangay LGU is mandated to perform a range of activi- improve their knowledge and skills on participatory governance. ties and it is distinct compared to other LGUs. At the helm is the Admittedly, they expressed the need to learn more about policy facebook.com/ACF.Philippines who performs not only executive but legisla- advocacy particularly the intricacies of ordinances and fiscal pol- facebook.com/acfcareers tive, and judicial functions. In the periodic elections, apart from icies, gladly, there are still opportunities for learning. one barangay captain, seven barangay kagawads (councilors) This project is ACF Philippines’ first foray into good governance. ACF_Philippines are elected. The journey is not easy; field coordinators work tirelessly to facili- Consistent with its decentralization policy, the state provides tate the processes in all 132 barangays. For one, the creation of the ACFphilippines avenues for participatory governance. In the barangay, this is barangay development plan is not an overnight process. manifested in the provision stating that along with certain qual- A positive change was gleaned in a certain barangay when the www.actionagainsthunger.org ifications, there shall be a barangay assembly composed of all leadership agreed to the re-alignment of the 2015 budget to be www.accioncontraelhambre.org persons who are actual residents of the barangay. The barangay more responsive to the needs of the community members as re- [email protected] assembly is mandated to meet at least twice a year. However, layed by the NGO leaders. When policies become realities, field the barangay assembly as an avenue for two-way discussion be- coordinators and volunteers find renewed energy to uphold the For feedback: tween elected leaders and members of the community has yet to call for empowered participatory governance. 0916 445 5949 be fully tapped. Another avenue for participatory governance is ACF is implementing the project EPG-Progress until January [email protected] the space designated for non-governmental organizations in the 2017. The ACF Quarterly Newsletter welcomes contributions of personal experiences or reports of ACF activities. We also welcome letters to the editor containing comments or opinions or matters of interest in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. CF

A We reserve the right to edit the /

m letters for purposes of space, time or clarity. Letters should include name, address and Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in North Cotabato. contact number. Rosa May Maite May Rosa