CONCERN, through the support of the Pampanga PDRRMO and the Masantol MDRRMO, conducted capacity-building sessions on Gender-Integrated Community-Based DRRM from November 15 to December 15, 2022 in six barangays along the leftbank of the Pampanga River, which are affected by flooding.
The participants learned about disaster risk reduction, climate change and gender, and the importance of disaster preparedness to reduce the impact of disasters in their community.
This training is part of the Capability Building for Disaster Risk Reduction Practitioners among coastal communities in Masantol, Pampanga, funded by the Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, and implemented with the support of the Municipality of Masantol.
We are reaching out to our networks, partners, volunteers, and the public to generate resources, goods, and support for the families affected by the recent floodings in Misamis Occidental due to the strong rains brought about by the Shear Line event experienced by our countryfolk in different parts of the country. We accept donations in cash thru:
Metrobank: Account Name: Center for Emergency Aid, Rehabilitation and Development Inc. Account Number: 007-296- 51099-4 and GCASH: Proleta Gomez / GCASH#: 0956 – 816- 0435
For in kind donations, our drop off points are in: Lot 12, Road 3, Block 3, Phase 1, St. Jude Village, San Agustin, City of San Fernando, Pampanga and Door 8, Dimson Apt., Tinikling St., Lanzona Subdivision, Matina Crossing, Davao City.
As of the moment, survivors in and outside evacuation centers are in need of food, water, clothing, and hygiene items.
This response is in partnership with People Based Mindanao Disaster Risk Reduction Network (PBMDRRN), a collection of individuals, organizations, institutions who are committed to respond to those affected by hazards and disasters in Mindanao.
Civil society organizations in Cebu, with the support of We Effect, convened to express solidarity and raise support for the Marawi Siege victims on October 16, 2022 at the UCCP-CENDET in Cebu City.
The activity was also held to launch the “Justice for Marawi, Justice for All” campaign in Cebu. It featured a photo exhibit, cultural performances, signature campaign and solidarity messages from the Association of Men Religious and Mission Societies of Cebu (AMRAMSOC), Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya, KILUSAN-Cebu, Commission on Interfaith Dialogue of Archdiocese of Cebu, Muslim Council of Elders Visayas (Region 6, 7 & 8), Carolinian Political Science Society (CPSS), Independent Vendors for Empowerment and Development-IVEND and CONCERN.
The activity was organized to commemorate the Marawi Liberation Day on October 17, 2017 when President Rodrigo Duterte declared the โliberationโ of Marawi after the terrorist group leaders have been killed. Five years have passed but the victims of the Marawi Siege are still displaced.
The campaign – Justice for Marawi, Justice for All – calls for the safe and dignified return to the city through people’s participation in the Marawi Rehabilitation process. They also call on the government for truth, justice, and accountability for the impacts of the Marawi Siege.
Fr. Jose S. Bagadiong, Jr, SVD Chair, Association of Men Religious and Mission Societies of Cebu (AMRAMSOC) Justice for Marawi Justice for All JMJA Convenor
Ms. Emalyn Aliviano Spokesperson, Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya, KILUSAN-Cebu
Rev. Fr. Alvin C. Raypan for Archbishop Jose S. Palma, DD Chair, Commission on Interfaith Dialogue, Archdiocese of Cebu
Imam Najeeb M. Razul Chairperson, Muslim Council of Elders Visayas (Region 6, 7 & 8)
Ms. Kezea Katrina Andrada President, USC, Carolinian Political Science Society (CPSS)
Ms. Wilma Cabo President, Independent Vendors for Empowerment and Development-IVEND
CONCERN, with the support of the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF), and together with the local government of Bucay, Abra, extended assistance to 305 families affected by the M7.0 Earthquake that hit northern Luzon on July 27, 2022.
At 8:43 AM, 27 July 2022, a major Magnitude (Mw) 7.0 earthquake shook the provinces in northwestern Luzon and adjacent areas including Metro Manila. The earthquake has an epicenter located 17.64ยฐN, 120.63ยฐE – 003 km N 45ยฐ W of Tayum (Abra), and a depth of 17 kilometers. The earthquake set off landslides in the mountainous region and caused damage to property and infrastructure. In Bucay, Abra, there were 6,226 families or 20,522 individuals affected.
The Relief Delivery Operations (RDO) provided affected communities with basic food and non-food items, including hygiene kits to alleviate the dire condition of those displaced inside and outside the evacuation center. The implementation of the project included the following phases – data gathering, planning, data validation and beneficiary selection, canvassing of goods, procurement of goods, repacking, and distribution.
CONCERN is grateful for the support of PEF (Peace and Equity Foundation) for the Relief Delivery Operation at Brgy. Pakiling in Bucay, Abra. CONCERN also appreciates the support of the Municipality of Bucay and BLGU of Pakiling for assisting with the implementation of the project.
Please check the link for the project details and the specific duties and qualifications for each position. We will only accept applications made through the application form.
Deadline for applications depend on the position being applied for.
Depending on the volume of applications, we may be unable to respond to your queries immediately. We will prioritize communicating with shortlisted applicants. Thank you for your patience.
The Center for Emergency Aid, Rehabilitation and Development (CONCERN) Inc. held its 15th General Assembly on May 21, 2022 at the Immaculate Conception Church, Sta. Maria, Bulacan and via Zoom.
The General Assembly welcomed five (5) new members: Valiente Bertes, Marvin Dulfo, Proleta Gomez, Rosemarie Trajano, and Evelyn Volante.
ED Gomez presents the CONCERN Accomplishment Report during the May 21, 2022 General Assembly
Executive Director Proleta “RR” Gomez presented the three-year Accomplishment Report of CONCERN. Amidst the pandemic, CONCERN continued its capacity-strengthening, DRR mainstreaming, women empowerment, and emergency response projects. Treasurer Ma. Antoniette “Tonette” Orejas reported the Financial Highlights which showed the need for resource generation to pursue the development programs and projects planned for the next three years.
The members also held the Election of Trustees:
Msgr. Rev. Alberto R. Suatengco
Fr. Jose Bagadiong, Jr.
Ma. Antoniette T. Orejas
Atty. Milagros Isabel A. Cristobal
Norika C. Ishikawa
Dr. Virginia C. Cuevas
Dr. Nenita G. Sta. Ines
Engr. Valiente V. Bertes
Proleta N. Gomez (ex-officio)
The members also expressed their full support to the development of programs, resource generation and network-building efforts of CONCERN. Msgr. Suatengco thanked the members in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao for joining the meeting.
CONCERN Members during the May 21, 2022 General AssemblyCONCERN Members and Staff during the May 21, 2022 General Assembly
CONCERN, together with the Visayas Disaster Risk Reduction Network, and with the support of the Peace and Equity Foundation and Saup Cabalen PH, conducted the relief delivery operations for the survivors of Tropical Storm Agaton in Baybay City on May 18, 2022.
Relief packs included food, water, face masks, hygiene, and sanitation items and were distributed to 151 families from Barangay Kantagnos housed at the Baybay City Senior High School Evacuation Center.
CONCERN extends its heartfelt gratitude to its partner organizations – VDRN, PEF and Saup Cabalen PH for supporting the effort.
CONCERN also recognizes the Baybay City DRRMO and CSWDO, Baybay City Senior High School Camp Manager Ms. Marylou Creo and Brgy. Kantagnos Captain Michelle Duyaca Cipe, and Relief Coordinator Ms. Malou Evangelista and the youth volunteers from Brgy. Kantagnos for their assistance.
Relocation efforts of the Babay City LGU are now underway for survivors from Barangays Mailhi and Kantagnos.
Kindly send the transaction slip via Messenger or email info@concerninc.org specifying the purpose, so we may verify and acknowledge receipt of your donation.
Donations will be managed by the Visayas Disaster-Risk Reduction Network Inc., a collective of professionals, individuals and CSOs who respond to the needs of the most vulnerable communities affected by disasters and;
the Center for Emergency Aid, Rehabilitation and Development, a non-stock, non-profit organization established in 1986 to address and support the needs of disaster victims and communities at risk, registered with SEC and DSWD.
Let’s help provide relief to our kababayans in Visayas.
Update as of April 15, 2022
CASUALTIES: 137
MISSING: 26
DISPLACED: 494,607 families or 1.6 million individuals / 218,310 displaced individuals are currently in 1,033 evacuation centers.
DAMAGED HOUSES and INFRASTRUCTURE: 9,622 houses and 43 infrastructure (Visayas and Mindanao)
DAMAGE TO AGRICULTURE:
P186 million (NDRRMC figures for Visayas and Mindanao)
P639.7 million (Dept. of AGriculture figures for Visayas and Mindanao)
โBe happyโฆ struggle to be happy โโ Ms. Niza Concepcion
This is the challenge shared by Ms. Niza Concepcion to the IDP youth participants during the online-blended Communication Advocacy Training last March 29-31, 2022 in Naawan, Misamis Oriental. She expounded that the youth must face the realities of today with pure grip and compassion in communication and to positively and gracefully take steps to commit and fulfill its cause for pushing their existing campaign and advocacy.
The activity was attended by 15 youth IDPs from the different temporary, permanent and home-based shelters from Marawi City. They are gathered to draw out creative contents that can be used as an โInformation, Education, Communication โ(IEC) output in promoting IDP Rights advocacy and upscaling of the campaign of the Reclaiming Marawi Movement.
On the first day, Ms. Rose Trajano of the In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity Movement (iDEFEND) discussed the relevance of truthfulness and the threat on the shrinking democratic spaces in her discussion โSituation of the Current State of Disinformation in the Philippinesโ.
Ms. Rose highlighted the different forms of disinformation that persist in social media today and how this falsification of narratives manipulates peopleโs perception and shape public opinion.
She also shared the significance of freedom of expression to the โadvocatesโ and โdefendersโ in order to counter false narratives and present facts that describe and narrate the real condition and situation of the people.
She challenged the youth to continue what they have started in communicating the truth, to be just, to not cower from threats, and to not settle in silence.
On the second day , Ms. Niza Concepcion, Communications Committee Head of iDEFEND gave her talk on โAnalyzing and Countering Existing Narratives of Disinformation”, giving emphasis on a โheartwired approach.”
“The heartwired approach to research focuses on the ways that emotion, values, beliefs, identity and lived experiences combine, and often collides, to shape peopleโs attitudes and behaviors.”
Ms. Niza stated that whatever the campaign is, it is important to understand the target audience. In order to support and develop clear messaging, it is also essential that the campaign objectives support the communication strategy. This way, it can effectively deliver and connect to peopleโs lives.
Ms. Niza also provided a workshop on writing counter-narratives, putting relevance on the genuine condition and the real connection of the people towards their struggle. This has portrayed a description of what is the truth and showed the lived experience of the people.
Ms. Niza also shared the concept of โhope-based messagingโ, the content to which translates fear to hope, problem to solution, against to for, threat to opportunity and victim to hero . This signifies that the strategy for change is hope.
In the afternoon, Mr. Jhay de Jesus ; iDEFEND National Coordinator shared a presentation on “Communication Mapping: Ways to Effectively Develop Content and Tools in the Promotion of the IEC outputโ.
Mr. de Jesus presented a communication map that shows the continuity of developing a relatable and effective message from knowing the issue at hand to the frequency it is being shown or promoted to the target audience.
He then facilitated a workshop on โCommunications Strategy” by giving examples from RMMโs campaign core issues and calls. He shared a template that would help RMM’s communication team develop an IEC output that is creative, clear, and effective in both promotion and seeking immediate support and commitment from the various stakeholders in providing adequate and long-term solutions in response to its calls and demands.
During the synthesis, they were able to share their commitment in taking part of a โright-based communication advocacyโ that will further strengthen their skills in an effective, efficient and truthful communication that they see necessary in pursuing the campaign they have started.
Because it is an online-blended training and workshop-based, the participants managed to actively engaged in the course of discussion through direct participation in the exchanges of insights and learnings and asking of relevant questions to the resource speakers/facilitators.
At the end of the training, the participants were able to draft a communication plan and suggest content that can be further developed as an IEC output.
————————————————————————–
CONCERN Inc., with the support of We Effect, continuously supports the political empowerment of the IDPs of Marawi, in partnership with Reclaiming Marawi Movement through the โCapability Assistance for Peopleโs Initiatives at Transformative Actions and Leadership in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience to Disastersโ or CAPITAL in CCARD Project.
On March 8, 2022, sixty (60) women IDPs from the transitional shelters of Marawi City and close municipalities of Saguiran and Matunggao, including the youth, gathered to commemorate the International Womenโs Day with the theme โBreaking the Biasโ.
CONCERN Inc. organized an online-blended forum/discussion for the International Womenโs Day celebration entitled โDifferent Faces of Women in Times of Warโ. This aims to exchange experiences on the different faces of women during and post-conflict situation, their socio-economic, psychological and emotional condition; to provide an understanding on the vulnerability of women in times of disaster; particular effects of war and conflict in their lives; and to be able to craft and present the Marawi IDP-Womenโs Agenda.
Marawi City was destroyed because of the armed-conflict between the military and the ISIS-terrorist group almost five years ago, on May 23, 2017 that lasted for 5 months, until its liberation on October 17, 2017.
Most of the affected displaced individuals and communities were scattered within the city and nearby towns and municipalities. Majority stayed in evacuation centers while others became home-based evacuees and eventually have settled in the temporary shelters. Most families were confronted with issues to basic services, food security, and livelihood and have suffered from emotional burden and psychological trauma. The latter put the IDP women and children vulnerable to protection issues and particular need for intervention.
The human-induced disaster had a particular impact on women. They have assumed roles in protecting their right to a place that is secure and safe for their loved ones, but have been deprived of a critical voice in the community when it comes to consultation and decision making, which should be addressed.
In the morning of March 8, Ms. Nobaisah Sunggod of Al-Mujadilah Development Foundation Inc. shared her experience as a community volunteer in the post-conflict areas. She said that women are engage in activities and interventions that contribute to their well-being. She shared some experiences of Meranaw women in promoting womenโs rights in the communities.
The IDP women of Reclaiming Marawi Movement also shared some of their experiences; answering the question – “Kumusta ka bilang Babae?” , “Anu-ano ang naging karanasan mo noong panahon ng gyera at ngayong nakatira ka sa temporary shelters?”
Dr. Dalomabi Lao Bula, retired professor of Mindanao State University-Marawi Campus
During the sharing, Dr. Dalomabi Lao Bula challenged the Meranaw women regarding their role and participation towards reclaiming their rights. In the existing campaign of Reclaiming Marawi Movement, she shared the breakthroughs of women of their calls for truth, justice and accountability and explicitly explained the significance of the forum as an avenue for them to continuously engage their concerns and issues and seek long-term resolutions for their continued cause.
Atty. Virgiana Lacsa Suarez of Kaisa Ka discussed โWomen in Disaster and Armed Conflict”. In her discussion, she shared that womenโs vulnerability to Disaster and Conflict stem from a number of factors โ political, social, economic and cultural. She added that seventy percent (70%) of the 1.3 billion people living in conditions of poverty are women and that in urban areas, 40 percent (40%) of the poorest households are headed by women. Additionally, she emphasized the heightened burden and violence that women experience in conflict and post-conflict zones. Conflict is an added stress that aggravates womenโs vulnerability; during conflict, women faced heightened domestic violence, sexual intimidation, human trafficking and rape. There are also human rights concerns that are prevalent that lacks of intervention during displacement, which includes inequitable access to assistance, education and training.
Atty. Suarez posed a challenge to the women IDPs to โbe a part of the solutionโ and that in spite of womenโs vulnerability; women play a crucial role in the prevention and resolution of conflicts that recognize their full, equal and meaningful participation as women.
In the afternoon, Ms. Emalyn Aliviano of Kilusan Cebu shared her discussion on the โCurrent Disaster Situation in the Country, particular on the concept of War and Militarismโ. Ms. Aliviano explained the situation of women in the Philippines describing the character of the present administration as anti-women, misogynistic, with systematic violence against women. She presented some of the data on the current state of women in the society with the facts and figures on reported attacks, citing some women who have been critical and who have pushed legitimate caused for human rights and justice.
At the end of the forum, CONCERN Inc. facilitated the crafting of the IDP Womenโs Agenda. The IDP Womenโs agenda will state the immediate and particular concerns and needs of women in Marawi who are currently affected with the long displacement and are unable to return to their lands.
CONCERN Inc., with the support of We Effect, continuously supports the political empowerment of the IDPs of Marawi, in partnership with Reclaiming Marawi Movement through the โCapability Assistance for Peopleโs Initiatives at Transformative Actions and Leadership in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience to Disastersโ or CAPITAL in CCARD Project.
