The Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA) Luzon continues its two-year project with the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) entitled, “Enhancing the productive and disaster risk reduction and management capacities of rural women in Luzon, Philippines”. Early this year, Ms. Elizabeth Baja of UNDEF had a meeting with PhilDHRRA and its implementing partners/ members (Institute of Social Order, Center for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development, and Mandiga Ob-Obbo Community Center, Inc.) for updates on on-going activities and how the project has been contributing to the betterment of the lives of its beneficiaries. The project requires the implementing agency to conduct a Participatory Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (PVCA) study to serve as a guide in strategic planning of the project team and the communities. After consolidating the PVCA results, map validations were arranged in Batangas, Quezon, and Kalinga with the help of the community members. The validations determined if the results (vulnerable and hazardous areas as well as nearby evacuation centers) were correctly plotted. The validated maps were then installed in strategic areas in all barangays covered by the project. The hazard maps were part of the instructional, educational and communication (IEC) campaign of the project and served as guides for the community members to distinguish vulnerable areas in times of disaster and natural calamities.

In April, PhilDHRRA Luzon Secretariat had its 3rd Quarterly Feedback for the UNDEF project at the Partnership Center in Quezon City. ISO, CARRD, and MCCI presented all activities done for the 3rd quarter of the on-going project. These activities included the hazard map installations, monthly community meetings and consultations, mapping, and monitoring. Aside from the staff of the 3 partner organizations, LGU (local government unit) representatives from the different project sites were also present in the meeting. Before the month ended, ISO held a study tour in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay with representatives from PhilDHRRA Luzon, Libo Fishers and Farmers Association (LiFiFa), and Pag-itan Fishers Association (PFA). The study tour aims to equip farmers and fishers with adequate technical information to develop their own social enterprise. LiFiFa and PFA chose aquasilvi as their main livelihood program to further develop. Karunungan sa Gagmay Mangingisda sa Concepcion (KGMC), a fisherfolk association based in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay which centers in coastal resource management, hosted the study tour for LiFiFa and PFA. With the help of KGMC chairperson, Robert Ballon, these fishers learned a lot about aquasilviculture and mangrove reforestation.

PhilDHRRA Luzon called a mid-year assessment also for UNDEF to get updates and address raised issues during monthly consultations with the community. Module development and training of trainers (ToT) have also been conducted.