Community Engagement 101 Training: Communication, Accountability, Community Participation and Common Service Partnerships

AIM Conference Room, Camp John Hay, City 18-22 April 2016

DOCUMENTATION REPORT Community Engagement |

CONTEXT Since 20122, the has been a pilot country in mainstreaming an integrated and coordinated The training, dubbed as Community Engagement approach on community engagement, with CoP at 101, was organized and facilitated by the the national level and various technical working Humanitarian Country Team’s (HCT) Community of groups at the field level. Practice (CoP) on Community Engagement1 and was However, despite responding to category level three held from 18-22 of April. The training was part of and several small to medium scale emergencies enhancing CoP’s in-country strategic (preparedness) since 2014, some challenges persist that call for and operational (response) capacities and resources. consistent mainstreaming of inclusive coordinated The HCT’s CoP advocates for Community approach of the CoP members both strategically Engagement not just as a corporate priority agenda and operationally. but for it to become a central component of the These include: overall disaster preparedness and response. 1.) Understanding and applying all available or Since 2014, the CoP, both at the national and field identified technologies and community level, brings in emerging partners and technology engagement mediums in preparedness and so that both humanitarian responders and affected response; communities can be connected and can work closely together in the overall preparedness and 2.) Organizing a more collective effort to conduct, response. consolidate and analyze feedback from the affected communities and close effectively the Community Engagement is more than just the two- communication loop as part of improving the way communication between affected communities humanitarian response programming including and humanitarian agencies or within and between addressing the evolving needs of the affected communities themselves. communities (from response and transition to early It is also highly based on both principle and practice recovery); that communities’ meaningful participation and 3.) Maximizing common service partnerships informed collective decision in humanitarian and within the CoP networks and the affected preparedness processes is essential and that their populations or at-risk communities and in the access to life-saving information and feedback is a process, if needed and required, replicate it in future critical form of aid as well essential in the transition responses; process from emergency to early recovery. 4.) Being inclusive means the need to deal with It should enable affected people to meet their more partners, accommodate various initiatives, immediate and evolving needs, address their facilitate diverse dialogues and identify activities or vulnerabilities and build on their pre-existing pilot projects on common key messaging, conduct capacities, channels, networks and structures. of assessment, sharing of information and documentation of good initiatives and best practices. CHALLENGES

The CoP on Community Engagement is a large network of experts, specialists and practitioners TRAINING’S EXPECTED OUTPUT3 under the Philippine HCT that works on an 1. Identify activities or initiatives that can be integrated and coordinated approach on implemented and eventually mainstreamed as part Communication, Accountability, Community of Common Service Partnerships within the CoP Participation and Common Service Partnerships. members/partners; Composed of more than 40 organizations, the CoP is an inclusive, strategic, and operational network 2. Identify entry point to improve and since members are not limited to UN agencies. It innovate existing platforms on Communication, also includes international non-government Accountability and Common Service Partnerships; organizations (INGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), media (humanitarian and mainstream), private sector, faith-based groups, Telecommunication Company and the government. 2 With support from OCHA-Regional Office Asia-Pacific (ROAP) and Communicating with Disaster Affected Communities (CDAC)- Network 3 Please see separate section on the identified activities as part of 1 Co-funded by UMCom, NASSA/Caritas, IOM and UN-OCHA the action points Community Engagement |

3. Expand the inclusive network and https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/philippines/ membership of the CoP; document/assessment-community-consultation-and-closing- communication-loop

4. Map the existing and evolving in-country 6. Summary of the Community resources, capacities and technologies in Engagement Mediums in Natural Preparedness preparedness and response. and Response (prepositioning relationships, resources, capacities and strategic action plans – TRAINING SESSIONS/ACTIVITIES4 including activation of field level working group and provision of technical support from the CoP);10 1. Framework on Community Engagement in preparedness and response (including history, https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/system/files/document best practices and challenges on how it evolved s/files/phl- since 2012);5 community_engagement_mediums_in_natural_disaster_preparedne ss_and_response_2015_gil_1.pdf https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/system/files/document s/files/framework_on_community_engagement_0.pdf 7. Weather 101: Tropical (use of weather portal navigation via mobile application 2. Information Management and Data and field trip at weather station set up by Weather Sharing (its interdependent relationship to Public Philippines and co-managed by the LGU-Baguio Information, Community Engagement, Humanitarian City); ID and the Digital Humanitarian Network)6; https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/system/files/document https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/system/files/document s/files/weather_101_-_tropical_cyclone.pdf s/files/information_management_and_data_sharing.pdf 8. FireChat Application (tracking rumor and 3. Crosscutting thematic issues for misinformation using the Open Garden’s FireChat Community Engagement (protection, children, application, Case Studies in Chennai, Kashmir and elderly, person with disability, gender, protection Marikina); against sexual exploitation and abuse, gender- based violence, El Nino phenomenon, accountability https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/philippines/d ocument/firechatapplication to affected population, civil military coordination, and local church networks by the NASSA/Caritas);7 9. SMART’s Batingaw (use of information https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/philippines/ board/frontline SMS and discussion on the document/crosscutting-thematic-issues-community-engagement Humanitarian Charter Connectivity);

4. “Messaging to” versus “Communicating https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/system/files/documents/ files/smart_batingaw.pdf and Engaging with the communities” (provision of life-saving information, getting the feedback and 10. Rappler’s Agos powered by E-Bayanihan facilitating dialogue, tracking rumors and online platform (reporting workshop via Twitter, misinformation – for example, the Ebola crisis);8 Facebook, Agos Alert map and Digital Humanitarian https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/system/files/document Network); s/files/messaging_to_versus_communicating_and_engaging_with_t he_communities.pdf https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/system/files/document s/files/rappler_agos.pdf 5. Assessment, Community Consultation and Closing the Communication loop (Rapid 11. FEBC’s Humanitarian and Emergency Information Communication Accountability Radio Programming (Demo on the basic radio Assessment, transparency forum/dialogue and programming, developing key messages and role community participation); 9 play);

https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/system/files/document s/files/febc_humanitarian_programming.pdf

4 The link to all slides and presentation: 12. SkyEye’s UAV drone in pre and post- https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/philippines/a ccountability-affected-populationscommunications-communities- disaster (practical tips in flying actual drone, sharing community of information and making the data accessible for 5 Presented by UN-OCHA 6 Presented by UN-OCHA 7 Presented by IOM, FAO, HelpAge/COSE, Plan International, NASSA/Caritas and UN-OCHA 8 Presented by UN-OCHA 9 Presented by World Vision 10 Presented by UN-OCHA Community Engagement |

humanitarians, government agencies, local TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS & DISCUSSIONS government units and the affected communities); 1. Day One: Frameworks, humanitarian https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/system/files/documents/ online platforms, baseline information, files/skyeye_uav_drone.pdf crosscutting thematic areas, assessment, public 13. IOM’s Community Resource Map (pilot information versus two-way communication and testing using custom mobile application and community consultation integration of RICAA in the use of the CRM platform); Frameworks https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/system/files/document One of the main components from day one was the s/files/crm_-_iom.pdf review on the various frameworks and concepts that shaped the evolution of community 14. EngageSpark’s Voice IVR and SMS engagement in preparedness and humanitarian (workshop on collecting and sending information action in the Philippines since introducing it within using SMS and voice surveys, setting up hotline for the HCT and Inter-Cluster Coordination (ICC) in voice messaging and recording of feedback); 2012. https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/system/files/document s/files/engagespark_voice_and_sms.pdf

15. PARA and UMCom’s basic Ham Radio Training (ethics/policies/regulations on the use of amateur radio, hands-on training/workshop on the basic use in preparedness and response); 11 https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/philippines/ document/links-philippine-amateur-radio-association-website- and-ham-radio-0

16. Additional presentations and sharing from START Network, EMI and GSMA12 (the link and possible collaboration between international non-government organizations that are members of These include the integration of two questions on the START network as well as part of the CoP on information needs and preferred communication Community Engagement; technical components and channels of the affected communities as part of updated findings on a major earthquake in Metro Bopha intervention in 2012; creation of the Manila and how it may improve the minimum first field level working group in partnership with preparedness and response actions of the CoP; and the government after Zamboanga siege (2013); lastly, advocacy to mainstream and pilot good conduct of joint/coordinated assessment and series initiatives on humanitarian connectivity charter in of transparency forums after the Bohol earthquake partnership with the mobile telcos in the country). (2013); merging of Communications with Communities (CwC) and Accountability to Affected https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/system/files/document Populations (AAP) after (2013); and s/files/earthquakes-causes_and_impacts.pdf lastly, the creation of the CoP on Community 17. Simulation Exercise (utilizing minimum Engagement as part of enhancing the minimum preparedness and response actions for major preparedness and response actions of various earthquake in scenario)13 organizations in 2015. https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/philippines/ document/documents-simulation-exercise The CoP has its own terms of reference14, strategic action plan and expanded its role, both in preparedness and response, to Communications, Accountability, Community Participation and Common Service Partnerships. 11 Philippine Amateur Radio Associations (PARA) and United Methodists Communication 12 http://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/programme/disaster- response/earthquake-preparedness-philippines-importance- simulations 13 Facilitated by CoP Core Group members: UN-OCHA, IOM, World Vision, Plan International, UMCom and FEBC 14 Approved by the HCT in 2015 Community Engagement |

It adheres to the principle and now a good practice hours after the emergency to capture the lifesaving that Community Engagement should be continuous needs of the affected communities).16 (within Humanitarian Program Cycle and minimum preparedness actions) and it is by far, the Aside from being the source and reference for any mechanism to help achieve the overall baseline information, assessment results and other accountability in humanitarian response and humanitarian reports, those online platforms transition to early recovery. became avenues for partners to share and provide other source of documents, photos and video clips Preparedness, based from 2015 response, ensures that were considered valuable for any major the sustainability of the CoP as an inclusive platform informed decision or influence in the overall to facilitate common service partnerships, support humanitarian programming. innovations/technologies’ capacity and sharing of good initiatives and best practices.

While in response, since 2012, it strengthens the capacity of various members/partners on information sharing (not limited to assessment and data on the community consultations).

It also improves available feedback mechanism and enhances the level of community participation and accountability to the affected communities.

The latter would require more advocacies and improvements in terms of establishing community engagement issues, a standing agenda (in response and recovery), and ensuring that voices of the affected communities can influence or be integrated Situational reports and other real time documents in the overall HCT’s informed decision making. coming from local CSOs and other local networks are now a consistent source of lifesaving In line with the changing coordination and information to both humanitarian agencies and the operating environment, the CoP with its more than affected communities. 40 members are working within the multipolar strategic system in preparedness and complying Crosscutting thematic areas with a more centralized approach via inter-cluster system in the actual response.15 Most of the clusters’ issues were considered priority by the CoP in terms of contextualizing key Humanitarian Online Platforms messages and linking it in the process of establishing two-way communication mechanism. Day One also re-emphasized the importance of However, for this training two-hour sessions were having an inclusive humanitarian online allotted to at least nine crosscutting thematic platforms and making it more accessible both in areas. preparedness and response to various organizations. These nine areas were recurring to series of minimum preparedness and response in the These include the use of Humanitarian ID, access to Philippines. Philippine Response Info website (with Community Engagement section) and CDAC Network Message These include overall protection and AAP, children, Library, Digital Humanitarian Network (DHN, used gender (with gender-based violence or GBV and days before a particular emergency occurs and 72 Protection against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse or PSEA components), civil military coordination, El Nino, elderly, people with disability and importance 15 Aside from its members, both in preparedness and response, the CoP being a crosscutting group, worked with a more diverse organizations including the national governments agencies, local government units up to the Barangay level and the affected or at- risk communities. It continues to engage with the private sector 16 While OCHA maintains the secretariat on Community and in the process of exploring the civil-military coordination in the Engagement site and activation of the DHN, the online platforms humanitarian action. have been consistently serving all 40 plus members of the CoP since typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Community Engagement |

of local church or other volunteer networks in Messaging to and engaging with the affected preparedness and response. population here requires education and more advocacy components to address other underlying Another consideration of putting emphasis on the factors including local culture, practices and even said areas was to enhance referral pathways (both in capacities. armed-conflict and natural disasters) and identify innovations on analyzing and reporting feedback To adapt some good initiatives in the Ebola affected within the CoP and at-risk communities. areas within the Philippine context, the session addresses the following questions: It is crucial that it captures the most vulnerable, at- risk, most affected, less vocal and visible,  What should we be doing better in marginalized and those within the geographically order to understand how people isolated areas. receive, give or share and trust information?

- Contextualize or “laymanize” key messages and information by not just merely translating it to local dialect;

- Take into account cultural differences, local politics and relationships;

- Not just know but work directly, if possible and needed, with stakeholders and target audience (appropriate messaging);

- Build on community experience and also balance it with science-based “Messaging to” versus “Communicating with” information (indigenous, local knowledge and practices versus Public information and communicating with innovation); communities’ relationship were challenging and more often than not, tricky. While public - Make the community understand the information can be considered as one platform importance of accountability where affected communities can access life-saving mechanisms; information, in most cases, public information was not maximized to reflect community voices. The  How do we improve our system and main issue is not the absence of feedback network in capturing, distilling and mechanism but more of using it and not limiting the sharing appropriate key messages, life- context of the messages (as in the case of canned saving information? information) that humanitarian agencies send across. - Identify a success metrics within the CoP or at least per agency member on The concept and practice of “less is more” in the four major components of messaging to and communicating with might be Community Engagement; effective and can stimulate immediate discussion and dialogue between and among affected - Staff capacity (each should know how communities. However, it can be used as a tool as to engage communities, know local well for spreading rumors, black propaganda, and language, understand local networks, most of the time, misinformation. systems and policies);

The Ebola crisis was a classic example, where in a - Have a focal and dedicated staff/focal severe and chaotic situation, rumors and person; misinformation can spread quickly alongside the infection itself; its impact can be unprecedented. Community Engagement |

- Partnership with local leaders or within as well as an entry point to a more in-depth the Barangay (on information conduct of community consultation. 17 dissemination; The conduct of a joint or coordinated assessment - Engaging most vulnerable, at-risk, and sharing of information within the humanitarian affected and marginalized groups agencies at the field level remains the core operational mandate to close the communication  What coordinated mechanisms and and feedback loop. resources do we need to have in order to better track rumors and But reflecting community voices consistently and misinformation? making it more than just a standing agenda at the HCT and other strategic level was more challenging. - Landscape assessment (grassroots It needs additional positive pressure from various level and get to know the community; agencies and more case studies to make a strong know the context thoroughly); advocacy.18

- Joint and coordinated conduct of Integrating various global and local protocols, Rapid Information Communication policies and standards was helpful in facilitating Accountability Assessment (RICAA) common grounds among or within CoP on the and community consultations (with interdependent links of two-way communication, government and other concerned community participation and accountability. organizations); The conduct of RICAA and the process of - Bridge the gap between humanitarian establishing accountability/feedback mechanism and mainstream media and its link to must continue to be more inclusive and work within the humanitarian community; the frameworks of making information more accessible, open to various opportunities for  What mechanisms or capacities do we community consultations and promote wider need to have to better adapt and participation. coordinate our messaging or communications work for effective 2. Day Two: Community Engagement Mediums community engagement? in Disaster Preparedness and Response and Common Service Tools 1 (Weather 101 and - Improve rumor tracking system early warning system links, use of FireChat (validate it with field reports, when communication lines are down, secondary data, dedicated staff and SMART’s information board and ensure to have a counter-mechanism Humanitarian Connectivity Charter) to mitigate if not reduce the communication risk); Community Engagement Mediums

- Establish formal partnerships with Not all of CoP members were active or engaged in media or communication groups; the previous emergencies. This session was a reminder that while a lot of activities and initiatives - Media citizen engagement (principles, have been invested in preparedness, more protocols, platforms and capacity innovations and making it more accessible as well building). as inclusive to the CoP members is crucial as part of improving the minimum response actions of the Baseline information, RICAA and Closing the CoP. There is a clear relationship of the CoP communication loop (strategic) and field level (operational). The same goes with the shifting of roles and functions in line Lastly, more than just a common tool for the CoP with the minimum preparedness and response members and partners, the use of Rapid actions. Information Communication Accountability Assessment (RICAA) not only addressed the immediate information needs and preferred communication channels of the affected 17 Typhoon Haiyan in 2014 and Hagupit in 2015 communities 72 hours after a disaster. It was proven 18 Haiyan, Hagupit and Koppu; Zamboanga post- conflict Community Engagement |

Responding to natural disasters in the last two years lifesaving information (during response) as part of have been proactive so far and achieved some informed decision making, for instance, from the successes in providing the minimum response Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management actions. But there is a need to come up with a Council before and after an emergency or disaster. concrete strategic national action plan in an armed- conflict situation. The CoP needs to contextualize The use of the platform can serve as one of the the prepositioning initiative in Mindanao affected reliable references by the CoP considering that areas. Weather Philippines will continue to augment the function or mandate of the Philippine Atmospheric The session served as a reminder as well to the CoP Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration members that information, be it in preparedness (PAGASA). and response can come from various sources including government agencies, humanitarian The platform has yet to establish a mechanism with organizations, mainstream media and media the government in the information sharing and for development agencies, telecommunication, private the CoP to use the platform as one of the reference sectors, family, friends, relatives and local tools in crafting key messages on early warning government units (up to Barangay level) and systems up to the evacuation procedure and setting potentially or at-risk communities. up of a feedback mechanism.

Lastly, there is a need to balance the use of new CoP’s support may be needed to contextualize the technologies and indigenous practices in messages and other information. connection with the ongoing prepositioning of the CoP on its capacities and resources. All these should The field visit at Baguio’s weather station19 provided be contextualized both in natural emergency and a good example on the good coordination and armed-conflict. sharing of information, as part of preparedness, with the local partners especially among and within the local government units.

FireChat application

The use of FireChat as a Common Service tool for the CoP members in preparedness is gaining momentum. If all communication/power lines (including internet and other online platforms) are down, using a platform or app like FireChat can be crucial to both humanitarian and affected communities.

Weather 101 and Early Warning System FireChat has yet to be tested and used in an actual emergency and maybe within the context of armed- Since in 2015, the online platform conflict. A lot of efforts have been invested in of Weather Philippines has been used extensively by preparedness especially in the context of typhoon, the CoP while its technical staff has been proactive flooding and earthquake. in providing updates and information to all of its members. As part of innovation and further mainstreaming it as a common service tool, the CoP is supporting the There is a need to use the platform, especially from use of FireChat to combat rumors, misinformation CoP members that are active on the ground, to link and most likely any propaganda that may affect or weather updates or information with any existing impact future emergencies and responses. More or early warning system (EWS) at the local level and additional pilot activities can further validate and ensure that this will complement a locally improve the app. contextualized communication protocol (CP) and in the process it can be translated into an effective As presented and discussed, in a highly complexed evacuation procedure (EP). situation, information may not be immediately

The three components (EWS-CP-EP) are big factors to consider in an effort to save lives, achieve zero 19 casualties in preparedness; then the use of any Managed by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) Community Engagement |

available and it may take time to confirm other Increasing if not total dependence on the use of causes and consequences. mobile phone is dangerous in line with the big expectations from both government and This provides a fertile ground for rumors because humanitarian agencies responding to small-medium individuals and at-risk or affected communities do scale emergencies over the last two years. not receive the info they need and some of the facts they desire in the various stages of emergencies and While the commitment and strong working disasters. People have the tendency to fill in the relationship and partnership with various agencies blanks, improvise news and spread rumors they have been in place in most phases of the Philippine hear. DRRM, regulating or over-regulating disaster preparedness and response activities of telcos can Another component being considered is to be counter-productive rather than more useful in incorporate the feedback section that would make the long run. the use of FireChat more engaging to users.

It would complement the ground work of FireChat’s “foot soldiers/volunteers” stationed in the identified areas in Metro Manila for earthquake minimum preparedness and response.

SMART information board and humanitarian connectivity charter

The commitment of SMART as a leading MNO supporting the Humanitarian Connectivity Charter in the Philippines further strengthens the main agenda of the CoP to integrate questions on information needs and preferred communication channels of the affected communities in the assessment template of The one-size fits all approach will not always work the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) as this may affect the overall reputational and and with the Rapid Emergency Telecommunication capacity risk of a particular MNO and may impede Team (RETT) under the National Disaster Risk any innovations in the process. Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).

Aside from inclusivity in the provision of free SMS, 3. Day Three: Common Service Tools 2 calls and battery charging stations in an event of an (Crowdsourcing via Agos powered by E- emergency, the main goal of the humanitarian Bayanihan, Humanitarian Radio connectivity is to create a more coordinated and Programming, UAV drone in pre and post predictable response to disasters among or within disaster and Community Resource Map) the telecommunication networks. Crowdsourcing via Agos The use of the information board20 in preparedness and response has been proven useful for Just like the use of SMS, calls and other online government agencies and some humanitarian platforms, humanitarian agencies and affected organizations in responding to small and large scale communities are now dependent on the use of emergencies including typhoon Haiyan. From social media as well. weather updates to other early warning and lifesaving information, Infoboard is another tool that While in preparedness this may be more useful, in can be utilized by the CoP as a common service to the actual response the impact varies. further mainstream two-way communication before and after an emergency. The case of typhoon Koppu was a classic case. It was a particular response where consolidated feedback or information coming from social media (direct tweet and posts from affected communities) 20 were not necessarily given immediate actions or Smart has also been utilizing the short messaging service (SMS) technology for disaster management. Its SMS-based consider by concerned government agencies and service called Infoboard is also being used by the OCD, other humanitarian organizations as lifesaving. government agencies, as well as local government units as communications tools before, during and after disasters. Community Engagement |

Rappler shared to NDRRMC and the CoP the proactive in working directly and/or within clusters consolidated search and rescue needs of people and other emerging humanitarian organizations. within Central and Northern . How the information was used and even translated into The use of humanitarian radio has evolved in terms concrete actions were the big questions. of integrating other platforms to improve two-way communications. From usual public service The use of social media and the way Agos announcements, distribution of crank radios, crowdsourced data contributed a lot when inviting various clusters to be part of a regular UNOCHA activated the Digital Humanitarian humanitarian programming, it has so far maintained Network (DHN) in 2015 as part of the minimum engaging local journalists and affected communities preparedness and response actions for typhoon themselves. Hagupit. Lately, the radio team is incorporating the use of This includes mobilizing in-country online standby SMS and social media for two-way communication. task force that helped analyze real time data days The team was even involved in the conduct of before the typhoon hit identified at-risk areas. The RICAA, helped LGU set up feedback mechanism and information somehow was used by other managed to capacitate some CoP members to be government agencies and humanitarian part of the surge radio team. organizations to make informed decision in the actual response. UAV drone in pre and post-disaster

Just like the gap between messaging to versus The use of drone, aside from social media, can be a communicating with, Agos platform was all about game changer as well in disaster preparedness and testing inter-agency capabilities, just like the response. common service partnership within the CoP).

Using social media is also about developing culture of preparedness and establishing protocols and regulations to work together. For instance the use of hashtags, sharing of crowdsourced information and closing the communication loop by engaging affected communities online).

Humanitarian Radio Programming

Under many circumstances, when all communication or power lines are down, emergency/humanitarian radio is one of the most reliable two-way communication platforms for humanitarian agencies and the affected communities. While in typhoon Haiyan it was used as part of post- disaster assessment, responding to typhoon Koppu The engagement of humanitarian radio was one example where drone can be influential in programming in the country since typhoon Haiyan providing big data before and at the height of an has improved. More than just common service emergency. announcements, localizing key messages and prepositioning of the radio in a suitcase, it became Both government and the humanitarian community benefitted from the aerial photos and video clips on various affected areas in Central and Northern Luzon. In the process, that information became part of improving the humanitarian programming.

But in many ways, there is still a need to continue to work with LGUs, especially at the Barangay level. This includes capacity building and establishing links to assessment (like RICAA) and informed decision making, for instance, on evacuation Community Engagement |

procedure, and helping improve local disaster on the robust use of SMS and voice call messaging preparedness and contingency plan. on education campaign.

Community Resource Map As one of the common service tools that the CoP would like to use in the minimum preparedness and Community Resource Map (CRM) can be utilized by response actions, members especially the INGOs integrating the RICAA and improving the system as and CSOs are encouraged to share more content, a tool monitoring PSEA and eventually, this could info and collected data. help establish effective referral pathways to augment existing feedback mechanisms. The idea is to financially incent humanitarian and development organizations with wider scope and This approach would be an added value in the way influence on the ground to leverage various the CRM was used to report inappropriate behavior programs and initiatives including addressing that ranges from abusive language, various feedbacks from the affected communities misappropriation of goods, request for informal and other concerns from the LGUs. bribes, blackmail, and notification of abuse cases, drug trafficking and other illegal or threatening behavior. Direct feedback from beneficiaries via online remain a challenge so it is crucial to further mainstream CRM as one of the tools that CoP can use especially in monitoring further access to information during displacements and in the camp management.

Used and piloted during typhoon Haiyan, CRM needs to improve its system and other technical components. Feedback from the CoP especially on data protection and confidentiality would be the entry point.

4. Day Four: Common Service Tools 3 (EngageSpark and Ham Radio for CoP Ham radio for CoP responders responders) Just like the emergency radio in a suitcase, the use EngageSpark of ham radio in the previous emergencies in the country was considered valuable by the CoP Voice calls (including pre-recorded voice responders. messaging) was one of the tools that INGOs used in communicating and engaging with affected Through the in-country networks of the Philippine communities from two previous emergencies. Amateur Radio Associations (PARA), initial capacity building has been adapted by the CoP. It was an The first was the post-Haiyan initiative through cash entry point, aside from getting a call sign and transfer programming and the preparedness licenses, towards institutionalizing the CoP ham activities for typhoon Hagupit that highlights early radio networks in the Philippines. warning that leads to safe and effective evacuation procedure at the Barangay level. An impact of 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Metro Manila will not only limit and overwhelm the EngageSpark worked with INGOs based in Eastern deployment of humanitarian responders within the and Central Visayas to launch campaigns via voice mega city and neighboring provinces. It will calls to reach out more affected communities definitely affect its capacities and other resources. mostly located or residing within geographically isolated areas. When all communications and power lines are down, ham radio surely will come handy against the The added components of using voice calls were: use of mobile phones and other gadgets. the translation in local language and dialect, sharing of contents and collected data with other INGOs However, the challenge right now is how to make and affected communities and the strong advocacy the use of ham radio geared towards communicating and engaging with the affected Community Engagement |

communities. So far, prepositioning and actual use of it is more on the advantage of humanitarian It’s given that in reality, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake responders to communicate within its circle. impact may greatly affect the CoP’s overall preparedness mechanisms that are in place. These While it may entail a different degree of protocols include the prepositioning of staff, capacities and and technical capacity, the CoP is working with the resources within Metro Manila area. The overall local radio network to make it more accessible, as a level 3 response may entail the support from CDAC two-way communication platform, to the affected Network as well as other global and regional communities. counterparts.

5. Day Five: Simulation Exercise

The main agenda of the first CoP’s earthquake simulation exercise was to test its minimum preparedness and response protocol on effective coordination (CoP and field level working group), technical support (on messaging and setting up of various communication and feedback platforms) and advocacy (linking CoP, ICC, HCT and other networks for a more inclusive informed decision making to improve humanitarian response and preparedness programming). In response, activation of the CoP field level working group will be crucial in the same level as the activation of identified Common Service Mechanisms. This is to address the minimum two- way communication and accountability platforms.

The entire exercise may not ideally capture the expected minimum preparedness and response actions from the CoP members. This was based on the roles and functions given to each participant were not focused on its expertise and agency- specific role.

But to provide a more realistic situation, the But in the end, the SIMEX does provide approach was to make it a bit hardcore with more opportunities for innovations (on the tools and chaotic and challenging scenario injects. The idea is community-based approaches to engage various to put every CoP member out of their comfort zone actors) and enhancement of using various common and not just to focus on the pre-existing capacities service mechanisms. and resources. Community Engagement |

ACTION POINT(s) PER SESSION

Action points per session will be a joint or collective undertaking of the CoP rather than per agency or member tasking.

Session 1 (Frameworks on Community Engagement)

 The CoP will continue to expand its memberships to other networks with capacities and resources on community engagement (with emphasis on innovations , partnerships and working on common service tools);

Session 2 (Information Sharing Management)

 All documents, (including reports and case studies), video clips and other links or references coming from the CoP members can be uploaded for wide info sharing via the Philippine Humanitarian Response Info website (on Community Engagement Community of Practice section);

 Continue to coordinate and work with the CDAC network for information sharing, research; use other sources or references and other support deemed necessary.

Session 3 (Crosscutting thematic issues for community engagement)

 Identify capacity building and training on GBV, PSEA and the link of community engagement with the humanitarian civil-military actions;

 Conduct mapping of any good practices on referral pathways in order to improve the existing feedback mechanisms of the CoP;

 Utilize and identify avenues to work with existing network or system of volunteers like NASSA/Caritas, Philippine Red Cross and the Diplomatic League of the Philippines.

Session 4 (“Messaging to” versus “Communicating with Communities”)

 The CoP will develop a more localized/contextualized message library section on various clusters and other thematic areas via the Philippine Humanitarian Response Info website;

 The process will involve coordination and working with the CDAC network on the existing messages available online and other good practices used in various emergencies.

Session 5 (Assessment, community consultation and closing the communication loop)

 Review of the RICAA template (including additional or advanced workshop and capacity building for the CoP members);

 Review of Community Consultation Feedback form (including additional or advanced workshop and capacity building for the CoP members);

 Mapping of feedback tools that could be integrated as part of the Common Feedback Service;

 Mapping of other capacities and resources to enhance the link at the national (strategic) and local level (operational). Community Engagement |

Session 6 (Weather 101)

 Localize weather information, updates, advisories and other forms of early warning systems;

 Identify and pilot response preparedness activities with emphasis on EWS-CP-EP).

Session 7 (FireChat)

 As part of innovation, to work with DHN once activated in order to capture the evolving needs of the affected communities 48-72 hours after an emergency (when all communication/power lines are down);

 To further test or pilot the platform for rumor tracking and how it could help improve the CoP’s feedback mechanism;

 To include the possible conduct of RICAA and sharing of results;

 To tap local networks of the church, Red Cross volunteers and the Diplomatic League.

Session 8 (Smart: Infocast)

 As part of innovation, to work or pilot activities with other CoP’s Common Service Tools like Humanitarian radio programming and UAV;

 As part of Humanitarian Connectivity Charter, to help push the agenda with the RETT on the inclusion of questions related information needs and preferred communication channels of the affected communities (as a baseline data for the CoP within 24-48 hours after the emergency)

Session 9 (Agos powered by Ebayanihan)

 CoP can continue to tap Rappler’s expertise and support its platform for crowdsourcing information and monitoring feedback;

 Develop crowdsourcing report template for common information or data sharing and provision of aid intervention

Session 10 (Humanitarian Radio Programming)

 To include the conduct of RICAA and sharing of the results in the overall radio programming;

 Aside from frontline SMS, social media distribution of crank radios and conduct of community consultation, to explore the use of UAV, FireChat and EngageSpark for common messaging and feedback

Session 11 (UAV drone in pre and post-disaster)

 To come up with a policy brief and case study on the use of drone in preparedness and response; Community Engagement |

 As part of innovation, to work with FireChat on the potential transfer and possible analysis of big data

Session 12 (Community Resource Map)

 To integrate RICAA as one of its new components (this will complement HCT’s use of Kobo Tool in the conduct of assessment);

 Can work with Humanitarian Radio on the feedback platform and information sharing at the ICC level

Session 13 (EngageSpark)

 To pre-record localize/contextualize CoP’s messages and other lifesaving information;

 As part of innovation, explore its link to Community Resource Map for receiving and analyzing feedback from the affected communities;

Session 14 (Basic Ham Radio)

 Advanced training for the CoP members;

 To institutionalize the official CoP frequency;

 Pilot training on humanitarian-affected communities’ two-way dialogue (on protocols and emergency use)

Session 15 (On other network and the private sector)

 INGO members are encouraged to work directly with the START Network;

 CoP to explore more joint collaboration with the private sector like PDRF

Session 16 (Simulation Exercise)

 To review (and finalize the detailed version) the Minimum Response and Preparedness Operations Protocol of the CoP;

 To update the CoP’s strategic national action plan Community Engagement |

FEEDBACK ON DAY TO DAY SESSIONS & ACTIVITIES

Overall, the five-day training achieved good rating based from various feedbacks from the participants. Each session attained good to excellent remark and did not generally have an average rating below 3.

Framework on Community Engagement

Information Sharing Management

Crosscutting Thematic Issues for Community Engagement Community Engagement |

"Messaging to" versus "Communicating and engaging with communities"

Assessment, Community Consultation & Closing the Communication Loop

Weather 101/ Community Engagement |

Field Trip: Weather Station Set Up by Weather Philippines and Co-Managed by the Baguio City LGU

Open Garden: FireChat Application

Smart: Infocast Community Engagement |

Agos Powered by Ebayanihan Online Platform

Humanitarian & Emergency Radio Programming

UAV Drone in Pre and Post Disaster Community Engagement |

Community Resource Map

Engage Spark

Basic Ham Radio Community Engagement |

Simulation Exercise Community Engagement |

Resource Speakers/Facilitators

April Mercado, Mark Bidder, UMCom-Special OCHA- Projects Manager Philippines Head of Office She has led the creation of the He has 25 years ham radio of experience in communications the network of the United Methodist Church in the management Philippines and has worked with the CoP as well and coordination of humanitarian affairs, most as with the field-level working group in various of which have been served in Africa and Asia. emergencies since 2013. Before coming to the Philippines he headed IRIN, the humanitarian news and information service founded by OCHA. He has also previously worked with Oxfam, UNDP, WFP and Gil Francis Arevalo, OCHA UK Aid. Focal Point on Community Engagement

Since 2003, he has Jing Rey Henderson, worked in different NASSA/Caritas- capacities in Communications various and Development organizations like Coordinator the Philippine Daily A communications Inquirer, Save the Children-US, YMCA- professor for eight Japan, Oxfam-GB, UNFPA and UNDP, years, she has been the focal point in gaining experience in the fields of media, humanitarian communications and communication, humanitarian/ emergency preparedness initiatives of NASSA/Caritas. response, DRR and climate change.

Miguel Almario, IOM- Marina Azcarate, Open Garden-Head of Global Community Engagement Officer Marketing Currently the co- An advocate of innovation, chair of the CoP, he partnerships and cross- has been on the pollination of culture or forefront since ideas, she leads the global typhoon Haiyan in marketing of Open-Garden, 2013, a pioneer in peer-to-peer mainstreaming the mesh networking technology and the creator of use of Community Resource Map in FireChat, the first mobile messaging app that preparedness and response (aside from its works even with limited or no internet access use on monitoring displacement issues). and mobile phone coverage. Community Engagement |

Nick Brown, Aivon Guanco, World Vision- EngageSpark- Humanitarian Accountability Manager Humanitarian Technology and Active since typhoon Haiyan, she is tasked to Director of Business provide leadership, Development technical guidance and monitoring in the He has ten years of experience within the integration of sustainability and research sectors, working in humanitarian various capacities for Just Screening, MSCI and accountability Innovest Strategic Value. His passion and principles and practices interest for humanitarian work led him to into the Emergency Response. Her engagement specialize in permaculture design, rapid shelter with World Vision includes providing technical construction, digital humanitarianism and the support to its Response/Surge team and other future of ‘Disaster Response 2.0 technologies’. external partners.

Matthew Cua, Dave Michael SkyEye-CEO Valeriano, Weather Philippines-Vice With President and General background in Manager science and business He provides the management, overall managerial, technical and creative leadership to the CSR he is a young innovator who believes that initiative of the Aboitiz Group in partnership combining sustainable technologies and with MeteoGroup, an international weather business models can lead to a more inclusive organization. With 10-year experience in water social progress. industry and deep background in finance, part of the goal he is pushing, both with the organization and external partners, is to mainstream Weather Wiser Nation.

Thelma Pascua, PARA- Lou Gepuela, President Rappler- Community Popularly known as Coordinator for DU1IVT within the ham DRR and Climate radio network across Change the Philippines, she serves as the Chief He is an active member of the NDRRMC Operating Officer of PARA since 2014. She has Emergency Telecoms Cluster and Rapid been active mobilizing PARA in several Emergency Telecoms Team and one of the focal emergencies to support the government and points of Rappler’s civic engagement arm. humanitarian community in creating two-way communication using ham radio. Community Engagement |

Alberto Aduna, FAO-Emergency Coordinator

Novaleeh Conception, Smart-Senior Manager For six years, he has been the focal point of With a university integrating AAP within the degree in Journalism framework of emergency and Master’s degree coordination in FAO. Prior on Development to that, he has more than Management from 20 years of experience in the Asian Institute of rural development work in Management (AIM), the Philippines. she aptly serves as the lead for Community Partnerships of Smart. She was directly involved in working with NDRRMC in the conduct of various trainings on Angelo Melencio, Plan International-Program communication and innovation. Quality and Accountability Manager

He was a member of Plan International’s global emergency roster. He has been a Roger Ricafort, Start manager of various Network-Regional humanitarian programs Learning Adviser and projects focusing on (Disasters and livelihoods, health, community engagement and Emergencies some DRR-related undertakings. Preparedness Program)

He has decades of experience in international Magnolia Fernandez-Yrasuegui, FRR/FEBC- development as well as humanitarian work. Team Leader Currently, he teaches development management, planning and leadership. Since typhoon Haiyan, she was part of the Alpha team working with the CoP and other humanitarian community on emergency Lawrence Aporto, OCHA-Information radio programming. She Management Analyst was the team leader during typhoons Hagupit and Active in the Koppu. humanitarian sector since typhoon Haiyan, he is aiming to continue to contribute his skills Leonilo Millanes, and experience in Weather Philippines- promoting Senior Meteorologist environmental awareness while at the same time integrating With previous work humanitarian response and recovery in the experience at PAGASA, process. his team is in charge of the creation of weather updates and other weather-related stations across the country. Community Engagement |

Harry Pasimio Jr., EMI-Urban Resilience Specialist Alvin Tobias, WeatherPhilippines-Operations and Maintenance Officer He currently leads EMI’s effort to His team is mainstream risk- responsible for the sensitive land use deployment and planning at city to municipal level. As a land use maintenance of the planner, he has more than 15 years of foundation’s network experience conducting policy research and of automated critical analysis on various development issues. weather stations across the country.

Tristan Arao, OCHA- Emergency & Olly Parsons, Preparedness Support GSMA-Market Manager Within OCHA, he provides various levels of Under the banner of support to civil military the GSMA coordination, Humanitarian government liaison and Connectivity secretariat to the emergency and response Charter, he works preparedness working group. with Mobile Network Operators to support capacity development and coordination efforts prior to, during, and after Mark David Rutaquio, DZAS/FEBC-Radio disaster and crisis. Announcer/Producer

He is part of the FEBC-FRR Alpha team that was deployed Nikki Meru, FAO-Communications Officer during Haiyan, Hagupit and Koppu. Aside from Aside from being one emergency of the focal points for programming, he also Community handles two Engagement, she’s programs that focus on youth empowerment. part of the UN inter- agency communications working group. Lia Priscilla Neri, Weather Philippines- Sustainability SpeciIalist

As part of the sustainability team, she is responsible for espousing the foundation’s advocacy and communicating its #WeatherWise initiatives to various stakeholders.