Rebuilding after disaster in the Philippines

On October 26, 2022, Typhoon Paeng made landfall in the Philippines and the Sama-Badjao community in Bato, Leyte was severely affected. Although there were no casualties, 48 Luma Badjao (traditional stilt houses) were washed away due to massive flooding and strong winds, affecting 208 families.

An emergency response was immediately organised and implemented by Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation (ERMF) Philippines with local partners, providing emergency assistance of basic necessities. A rapid damage assessment and needs analysis was gathered to support an application for assistance. With support from ERD, a proposal for 20 emergency shelters for 58 Badjao families was granted by Misean Cara.

The Badjao families now have safe luma – a place to live – in a culturally-appropriate shelter (modernised stilt houses). Five months after Typhoon Paeng caused severe damage to the Community, 20 units of Luma Badjao were formally handed over on March 25, 2023, witnessed by the ERMF Philippines Board of Trustees, partners from local government and other stakeholders. Janet, one of the project beneficiaries, expressed gratitude on behalf of her family during the handover ceremony:

‘Our luma before was made of light materials and barely could hold 5 family members together, but now I am so blessed that we have a luma that is safe and has enough space for us.’

Many thanks to Misean Cara and ERD private donors for supporting this project and the Sama-Badjao community.