Humanitarian Assistance and Disasters

Two weeks after the devastation caused by Super typhoon Haiyan (locally known as “Yolanda”), A2D Project in partnership with Caritas Switzerland and other local-based organizations formed a consortium implementing emergency response for survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in Northern Cebu. The objective of the project was to provide basic emergency needs such as emergency shelter, food, non-food items as well as hygiene kits to around 14,000 families (approximately 70,000 individuals) affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the municipalities of Sta. Fe, Madridejos and Tabogon. The conduct of the emergency response project was guided by principles promoted by the Sphere Standards. Quality and accountability were defining features of our humanitarian work in order to ensure that survivors maintain their dignity and human rights in the midst of hardship brought about by the disaster.

Following the damage and needs assessment conducted by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of San Francisco, Camotes after typhoon Haiyan struck, the need for clean water was identified as among the highest priorities for assistance. In response to this, A2D Project, through the generous assistance of individual donors within and outside the Philippines, provided 20 pieces of Sawyer PointOne Water Filters to the Municipality of San Francisco to provide typhoon-affected communities greater access to clean and potable water. A2D Project distributed the water filters along with 20 water barrels to all barangays in the municipality including the MDRRMO and Municipal Health Office (MHO). A short training on proper handling and maintenance was also conducted to ensure that the benefits of the water filters can be fully maximized.