© Handicap International |
Handicap International has operated in the Philippines since 1988, in a situation marked by poverty, frequent natural disasters and armed conflict. For more than thirty years, the Mindanao region of the Philippines has been beset by chronic instability, with more than 30,000 people displaced from their homes.
The organisation has defined four key priorities: improving rehabilitation services, supporting community-based rehabilitation, prevention of chronic debilitating diseases and responding to emergencies through medical, psychosocial and rehabilitation activities and the training of humanitarian stakeholders.
Building on its extensive experience, Handicap International has been taking action since 2003 in response to emergency situations in the Philippines. In October 2009, our team mounted a relief operation following the passage of typhoon Ketsana. In October 2010, the country was struck by another storm, Typhoon Megi, and our teams took action again to support victims of the disaster. Since October 2011, the country has been hit by several more large typhoons, causing millions of people to be displaced from their homes.
Key Facts - The Philippines
• Population: 93.6 million
• Household Consumption: $2,018 per year
• Life Expectancy: 72 years
• Human Development: ranked 97th out of 169 countries
Source: UNDP HDR 2011
Our projects
 | Typhoon Washi emergency aid (December 2011)
Following typhoon Washi, a tropical storm that affected the lives of 1.1 million people last December, Handicap International took immediate action to provide emergency aid to the victims. From 20th February 2012, Handicap International teams will begin using mobile teams to supply aid to highly vulnerable individuals, including people with disabilities and the inhabitants of isolated areas. |
| Mainstreaming disability in natural disaster risk reduction activities
Provinces of Cantaduanes and Albay (from May 2010)
Assisting civil society through national awareness and training programmes for natural disaster risk reduction actors; mainstreaming disability in actions performed by 'Action Contre la Faim - Spain' in eight barangays* in the province of Cantaduanes; training of two local organisations to case-manage the specific needs of the most vulnerable people (people with disabilities, the elderly, the chronically-ill) during natural disasters. |
| Typhoon Ketsana victim assistance (Oct 2009-June 2010)
In the wake of Typhoons Ketsana, Parma and Santi, this project was set up in Angono, Tanay and San Mateo in the province of Rizal.
Meeting the specific needs of the most vulnerable groups in communities affected while responding to the needs of the population as a whole. Setting up disability and vulnerability focal points (DVFP) to meet the needs of extremely vulnerable people and members of their households. The construction of emergency shelters and the clean-up of the affected areas. |
 | Cardiovascular Diseases Project
Davao, Mindanao (2010-2013)
Extending the “Diabetes” project to include cardiovascular diseases by enhancing and developing local capacities. The project works towards implementing an integrated approach to preventing, controlling and managing complications and disabilities. |
| Solid waste management project (2007-May 2010)
The project aims to improve conditions in the most disadvantaged households in Cotabato City based on the innovative and coordinated implementation of a recycling system and the promotion of a healthy environment. The main goal is to reduce environment-related health risks in more than 10,500 households over the long term. |
 | LID Panay project (2009-2012)
In six municipalities in Iloilo and Antique de Panay.
Supporting civil society - assisting local governments, disabled people's organisations and service providers to develop basic services that take into consideration the needs of people with disabilities. |
*Barangays are the smallest administrative unit - districts comprising 50 to 100 families.
