On April 28, 2020, thermos vacuum flasks, beddings, soaps, and kitchen utensils were distributed to displaced fisher folks and marginalized community in the town of San Jose de Buenavista in Antique. 

Enhanced community quarantine by this time has impacted people’s livelihood in that coastal town. But fire broke out in the area most recently, which quickly compelled the local government to double its effort in providing assistance. An initial assessment was conducted to find out the fisher folks’ immediate needs and to avoid duplication of relief goods. According to them, sufficient relief food items and clothes have been provided; what they needed were kitchen items. 

The Antique Federation of Non-Government Organizations (AFON), through its member organization, PROCESS Panay, in partnership with a local women’s organization, Barangay Justice Advocate (BJA) distributed the thermos vacuum flasks and soaps. 

The Hatique Igcabuhi Center-Hublag Evelio or the Diocesan Social Action Center of Antique distributed kitchen utensils and beddings to the displaced families.

The households appreciated the relief effort of the two organizations because they were provided with what was most essential for them at that moment. Relief effort for them is ongoing. 

By: Lorena Navallasca, Antique Federation of Non-Government Organizations (AFON) and Raul M. Hular