Relief Efforts in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the most hazard-prone countries in Asia and the Pacific. Annually, some 20 tropical cyclones cross the country. According to the World Bank, more than 1,000 lives are lost every year on average, with typhoons accounting for 74% of the fatalities, 62% of the total damages and 70% of agricultural damages. The country is also highly exposed to climate change and geologic hazards including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The combined impacts of natural disasters in the Philippines hinder development and engender high rates of poverty.
In the Philippines, CARE has focused largely on disaster response, emergency preparedness, livelihoods recovery and integrated risk management programs. CARE’s recent responses in the Philippines include typhoon Pablo (Bopha) in 2012, Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, Ruby (Hagupit) in 2014, Lando (Koppu) and Koppu (Melor) in 2015, Karen (Sarika), Lawin (Haima), Nina (Nock-ten) in 2016, the earthquake in Surigao City, Marawi armed conflict and Tembin (Vinta) in 2017, and Mangkhut (Ompong) in 2018.
Programmatic work in the Philippines focuses on sexual and reproductive health & gender-based violence response, increased community resilience, innovations in disaster preparedness, and livelihoods recovery.
CARE has worked in the Philippines since 1949.