Typhoon Mangkhut Emergency Response in Cagayan

Giving: the key to success, fulfilment, and a life of prosperity. The world needs more compassionate people who go into the world and give their all for the betterment of less privileged in the society. They are the ones who have the desire and confidence to stand up and add value to other people’s lives by being a blessing to others.

Barangay Santiago, a hidden paradise behind mountain ranges, is considered an indigenous community where there is a limited source of living. No current, no clean water source, rough roads and the like. Limited in all sources in the sense that the produce in the rice fields and the river are the only source of income they could turn to. Some are engaged in carpentry and other jobs but seasonal in nature.

GlobalGiving and Global Peace Foundation helped the community and its people in particular through the gifts given in 2019 which provided them with solar lamps, water purifiers, disaster kits and other basic needs. These pieces of blessings helped the families realize some of what they previously considered as only dreams in life. Solar lamps became important tools so their children can do their assignments, while it also helped them carry out household chores more conveniently when the night comes. More so, the water purifiers filtered their cloudy water to be safe for drinking, and the disaster kits provided them the necessary basic tools and materials to help them prepare in case they become vulnerable to calamities.

These significant blessings gave the people more positive outlook in life: to work harder, do greater, and aim higher. They now have high hopes for a brighter future, thanks to everyone who helped provide what they consider as great blessings, and those who embodied how humanity is truly the greatest gift from God.

The Philippines is prone to many types of disasters due to its location in the globe as part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Therefore, it is vulnerable to natural hazards and climate change related disasters. Disaster are major restraining factors in the development process that can eradicate years of local development investments just in few minutes or hours. Disaster risk reduction is an integral part of the development efforts through equitable and inclusive mechanisms that are designed to protect people from harmful effects.

After the distribution of disaster preparedness kits last August 28, the Global Peace Foundation and the Municipal Government of Sanchez Mira collaborated in capacitating the 50 families in Barangay Santiago. During the seminar, the Honorable First Councilor Napoleon Sacramed delivered his inspirational message encouraging everyone to always be grateful with all the love and support of their stakeholders towards the community's development and take ownership of the kits donated by Global Giving and Global Peace Foundation. Hon. Sacramed cited the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in Climate Change Mitigation and Environmental Protection. IPs play key roles in combatting the effects of climate change and global warming and even our increasing problems in managing environmental problems. Mrs Sheila Pascual, Barangay Santiago Elementary School Principal, shared practical and basic first aid techniques that can help them cope with emergencies using indigenous materials and the kit provided to them.

The Municipal Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Council (MRRDMC) Officer of Sanchez Mira, Mr. Jovi Biado, conducted the training on disaster preparedness and environmental management to increase the participant’s capacity to analyze different crises and risks that are prevalent in their everyday environment. Families were happy to learn basic and important techniques for their lives and for the safety and security of the environment.