499 Earthquake-Hit Families Receive Relief Packs

During the crisis of Mindanao Earthquake, CONCERN sent out an appeal for partners and funding agencies to help in the relief efforts aimed at affected communities in Mindanao. Peace Equity Access for Community Empowerment (PEACE) Foundation Inc. and individual donors heeded this call, with relief activities focused on affected residents.

Brgy Kanapolo evacuation in the Municipality of Magsaysay – one of the hardest-hit municipality in Davao Del Sur and is 7 – kilometer away from the accredited evacuation center by the municipality, received less responses and in dire need of food for survival.

On November 22-24, 2019, CONCERN and PMBDRN facilitated the purchasing and repacking in Davao City. Repacking was participated by students from Sta Ana National High School, University of Southeastern Philippines USEP, and Holy Cross of Davao College, who are active network members.

The actual delivery distribution was successfully held last November 27, 2019. The beneficiaries arrived and organized themselves according to Purok. The project served 499 families or 1,664 individuals.

The beneficiaries were very happy and grateful to have received the pack. They were surprised by the content of the standard food pack. According to the beneficiaries the packs are “kumpleto at marami” (complete and plenty). The hygiene kit pack was highly appreciated especially by women.

Aside from its direct assistance to the affected community, the relief operation has also increased the capacity of the partner network, the People Based-Mindanao Disaster Risk Reduction Network (PBMDRN). While it was a challenging process as it is their first time to directly involve in the relief delivery operation, it has taught them an efficient approach in identifying areas and beneficiaries and in the organizing systems of repacking and distribution.

CONCERN expresses its utmost appreciation and gratitude to PEACE Foundation and individual donors for their support to Brgy Kanapolo! We also thank our partner, PBMDRN and volunteers from Sta Ana National High School, University of Southeastern Philippines USEP, and Holy Cross of Davao College for making this Relief Delivery Operation possible.