Philippine’s: cbm Canada’s Partner Hard at Work

According to the Philippine government, more than 1 million people have been affected by Tropical Storm Washi, and thousands are still at risk of disease that can cause disability or death.

“cbm’s partner continues to work diligently to meet the urgent and ongoing needs of the most vulnerable who have been affected by the Philippine’s disaster,” says Ed Epp, cbm Canada’s Executive Director.

Flash floods and landslides have left more than 429,000 displaced and injured over 4,000 people. There are over 1,200 fatalities.The hardest hit cities were Cagayan de Oro and Iligan at the north end of the island.

cbm’s Partner

cbm’s local partner, the Philippine Service of Mercy Foundation (PSMF), based in Cagayan de Oro, is helping coordinate relief efforts between and among government agencies and local organizations.

“cbm’s partners are doing their best to ensure that people with disabilities and their families are safe and their specific needs are being included in emergency response operations,” says Epp.

Our partners continue to search for persons with disabilities in the affected areas where more than 40,000 homes were destroyed or damaged.

cbm’s Intervention

Thousands of Filipino’s are crammed into 53 overcrowded evacuation centres. PSMF reports that people with disabilities are displaced, isolated and marginalized at these centres. Many have gone to live with friends, families or their damaged residences.

PSMF created fast-lane queues for vulnerable persons at the evacuation centres, and oversaw the construction of four dry pit latrines. At four of the largest evacuation centres, PSMF fielded volunteers to facilitate free-play activities for children as an initial psychosocial intervention.

Non-food items are being distributed to people with disabilities in communities outside the evacuation centres. PSMF is ensuring that medical relief supplies contain items such as catheters, epilepsy and hypertension medication, hearing aids, glasses, crutches and walkers.

Immediate emergency needs

Priorities for authorities include cleaning up debris, decongesting evacuation centres, and finding shelter for displaced families whose homes have been destroyed or inhabitable.

Emergency needs include clean water, soap, food, blankets, temporary shelters, water-purifiers, medicines, clothes, sanitation and post-traumatic stress counselling.

cbm’s partners are a life-line for people with disabilities. During emergencies like the Philippines, cbm’s clients desperately need our help.

“Your gift will help prevent disabilities wherever possible and save, sustain and rebuild the lives of people with disabilities,” says Epp. “Please pray for the thousands of people affected in the Philippines, for the rescue workers, and cbm’s partners.”

South East Asia is one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions.

To learn more, please visit our Philippines Emergency page.