Update on Global Communities Humanitarian Efforts in the Philippines

Update on Global Communities Humanitarian Efforts in the Philippines
Following the devastating effects of Typhoon Haiyan in many Filipino communities last month, Global Communities deployed an experienced team to assess the situation in northern Cebu, eastern Samar and Leyte, which confirmed that shelter and livelihood support remains the top two priority needs throughout the affected zones. While some roof damage plagued many areas, others suffered a complete destruction of homes. In addition, the storm caused widespread damage to household livelihoods, destroying both personal and collective assets and disrupting critical productive activities practiced in the region. In response to these needs,  Global Communities identified a local manufacturer in Bisay who produces a range of products for export. This manufacturer has developed a sophisticated system which outsources much of the production of the components of its products to women working from their homes. While they are focused on re-establishing their own facilities, the artisans they rely on for the bulk of production had their homes, raw resources and production materials damaged or destroyed by the storm. Global Communities is assisting these artisans with repairing their homes and resuming production by providing material support for shelter reconstruction. This approach addresses the shelter, livelihood and protection needs of the target population and allows them to get back on their feet.
Global Communities always coordinates with the national government, UN system, USAID/OFDA and other NGOs and donors working in an emergency response and transition setting. As in other disaster sites, our shelter work in the Philippines takes into consideration the role of host communities and land tenure. We take a comprehensive, neighborhood-based approach that takes into consideration the  role of the community, infrastructure, protection, water and sanitation, and market access in our development of transitional housing.