In the wake of Typhoon Carina, people in Manila have been a shining example of community-led relief efforts, with local networks mobilizing swiftly to support those most affected. Within hours of the City Council declaring a state of calamity, informal pages, community groups, and individuals on Facebook rallied to provide aid to the hardest-hit areas.
photo courtesy of Lisa Marie David/Reuters
The Philippines, frequently battered by typhoons and monsoons, has demonstrated the power of the 'Bayanihan' spirit—a cultural approach marked by communal cooperation and resilience. This response has proven highly effective in disaster response and highlights the need for incumbent agencies and international NGOs to support and integrate local efforts into their networks.
One standout effort was initiated by the Rockwell Run Club, a local running club based in Makati and CORA (Communities Organized for Resource Allocation), a local NGO who harnessed the power of local runners to raise funds and distribute relief bags. This initiative successfully reached 336 families with essential food and hygiene supplies in less than 24 hours, showcasing the efficiency and impact of locally-driven volunteer responses. Another example is Bike Scouts, a national community-led network made up of cyclists, who have the ability to assess, mobilize and access at rapid speed the communities that need urgent help, but have largely been ignored by traditional players in the space, and only relying on help of personal donations and volunteers.
The bayanihan spirit, a hallmark of Filipino culture, was on full display as neighbors and strangers came together, embodying true community solidarity.
However, this spirit of resilience is sometimes exploited by those in power, masking ongoing failures in adequately protecting vulnerable populations and planning for such inevitable events.
Photo Courtesy of Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
The response to Typhoon Carina highlights the urgent need for a shift towards supporting and integrating locally-led humanitarian efforts. International NGOs and UN leaders must intensify their commitment to the principles established at the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit. By doing so, they can ensure that aid reaches those who need it most, harnessing the unparalleled strengths of local communities.
If not, more and more people will continue to suffer and locally-led solutions will continue to be ignored.
Photo Courtesy of Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
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