{"id":1275,"date":"2013-12-05T13:07:21","date_gmt":"2013-12-05T05:07:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/balaymindanaw.org\/main\/?p=1275"},"modified":"2013-12-05T13:07:21","modified_gmt":"2013-12-05T05:07:21","slug":"responding-to-disasters-responding-to-communities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/balaymindanaw.org\/main\/2013\/12\/05\/responding-to-disasters-responding-to-communities\/","title":{"rendered":"Responding to Disasters, Responding to Communities"},"content":{"rendered":"

Consolidated DREAM Update No. 6<\/p>\n

November 25-30, 2013<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

\"yolandabanner\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Prior to Super Typhoon Yolanda\/Haiyan<\/b><\/p>\n

When Tropical Storm Sending\/Washi,<\/b> in December 2011, brought massive floods in the riverside barangays of Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City and some in Bukidnon, Balay Mindanaw was deeply moved to respond and became involved in emergency assistance. Being serious to take part in building resiliency, this task became part of Balay Mindanaw\u2019s regular peace and development work.<\/p>\n

Over a thousand dead and thousands more injured while homes were damaged, including those staff members of Balay Mindanaw Group who were affected by the flood. Realizing the massive destruction that happened directly right at its base, Balay Mindanaw decided to take part in relief operations, rehabilitation and disaster preparedness towards resiliency building. With the support of friends and donors, it adopted several barangays and relocation sites in Cagayan de Oro City, making the community-based and collaborative approaches possible in its disaster response initiative until now.<\/p>\n

In the aftermath of the Tropical Storm Pablo\/Bopha<\/b> in Decemebr 2012, Balay Mindanaw again considered focusing in one worst-hit barangay in Baganga, Davao Oriental and in Sta. Josefa, Agusan Sur. With the even more massive devastation brought about by the typhoon, Balay Mindanaw pursued not just relief distribution but also psychosocial development, reconstruction and socio economic development. Soon Balay Mindanaw called our new initiative, the Disaster Response, Risk-Reduction and Management, Emergency Assistance Mission or what it now calls the DREAM Program<\/b>.<\/p>\n

In other partner barangays of Balay Mindanaw, where armed conflicts still prevail, Balay Mindanaw have also sent relief goods for those affected by the man-made and natural disaster in Misamis Oriental, North Cotabato and Maguindanao, and in Zamboanga City with the latest siege.<\/p>\n

Recently, Balay Mindanaw also made relief operations following the magnitude 7.2 earthquake<\/b> that hit first and foremost Bohol in October 15, 2013. Balay Mindanaw decided to focus in 2 barangays after an actual assessment on the ground, in collaboration with local government and non-government agencies as well as international groups and donors.<\/p>\n

The barangay or community-based approach has been very helpful in ensuring resiliency, community cooperation and empowerment. This approach brings about the understanding of refusing to be dependent on what is only given, remaining to be victims but choosing instead to survive and be a resource of strength and courage to rebuild their lives as a family and as a community.<\/p>\n

The Aftermath of Yolanda\/Haiyan<\/b><\/p>\n

Now with the grave aftermath of the typhoon, magnitude of destruction, displacements and death brought about by Super Typhoon Yolanda\/Haiyan in the Visayas in November 8, 2013, Balay Mindanaw is once again responding and mobilizing other resources for support. From its on-the-ground assessment and planning, it opted to focus in Leyte and Panay Provinces. Teams were sent to each of the provinces and organized the first wave of relief operations and medical assistance in barangays and evacuation centers in Ormoc, Leyte and in coastal communities in President Roxas , Capiz. A total of 2,009 relief food packs and water were provided to these unserved barangays.<\/p>\n

Three weeks after the first wave of relief operations, a re-examination of the damages and of people affected, the teams had set up its temporary operation centers in Ormoc and Iloilo. Overwhelming local and international resources came at the onset and are still coming with actual volunteers and materials like medicines, wheelchairs, tents and shelter kits, etc.<\/p>\n

With clearer community needs as well as enough resources committed, Balay Mindanaw sets out its next waves of relief operation, with more food packs including water as basic need, hygiene kits and shelter repair kits and temporary shelters, assistance in rebuilding houses, livelihood and community centers like health centers and schools.<\/p>\n

Here is the list of areas being served by Balay Mindanaw DREAM as of November 30, 2013:<\/p>\n