Philippines: HI provides clearance kits to people affected by typhoon

Following the passage of Typhoon Mangkhut, which struck the northern Philippines on 14th September, Humanity & Inclusion teams traveled to the municipalities of Kalinga and Ifuago to identify the needs of disaster-affected people.

The typhoon destroyed or damaged more than one million hectares of crops. In Pinukpuk, 90% of maize plantations and 60% of rice plantations were destroyed. The disaster hit farmers particularly hard.

HI supplied aid in the municipality of Pinukpuk (Kalinga province), one of the worst affected areas. We distributed 80 clearance kits, consisting of wheelbarrows, shovels, knives, hammers, gloves, etc. to families in 23 villages. These kits were shared with villagers who will use them to clear roads and public areas. They benefited more than 40,000 people.

More than 1,500 low-skilled workers were also involved in these clearance tasks (clearing roads, repairing pipes, etc.) and received cash for work. These activities were carried out in close collaboration with local government units.

"This project mobilizes a traumatized community around a collective project. It’s really positive. It strengthens ties and helps them overcome the shock of the disaster. All workers receive a small sum of cash from HI in return, which they could use to buy food at the market. These actions are beneficial for everyone," explains Reiza Dejito, Director of HI Philippines.