Transitioning From Relief to Recovery in the Philippines

In March 2014, PWA staff visited families and community leaders in three of the hardest hit barangays (villages) on Busuanga Island. Since the November 8 Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda, PWA has served these barangay fishing and farming families providing meals, water, blankets, shelter, hygiene kits, and supplies.  With relief needs being met, the barangay leaders, farmers, and fisherfolk are asking Peace Winds America to join them in rebuilding their neighborhoods and homes, and in regaining their fishing and farming livelihoods.

In response, PWA and our local partners* are focusing on recovery, distributing the much-need farming, fishing, and housing supplies.  We are purchasing plywood and nylon netting to help fisherfolks repair their boats and nets, which were badly damaged or destroyed.   Other high-priority items include livestock (swine, chickens), seaweed culture (ropes and seeds), rice seed and farm tools.  All families especially need plywood, tools, and galvanized sheets to rebuild their homes as they move from housing shelters.  Before the rainy season begins in late May, the communities are seeking carabao (water buffalo), which multiple families share to help prepare their rice paddies for planting.

PWA and local partners are committed to work side-by-side with these communities as the farmers and fisherfolk strive to restore their livelihoods and homes over the next twelve months.

*Our recovery partners are the Citizens Disaster Relief Corps (CDRC) and the Southern Tagalog People’s Response Center (STPRC)

READ MORE > about Peace Winds’ work in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan.