Philippines
In the Philippines, Oxfam's focus is on sustainable livelihoods, education, conflict resolution, and disaster preparedness.
Promoting a peaceful future
The central region of Mindanao has experienced nearly 40 years of fighting between government troops and Muslims seeking independence.
- Over 120,000 people have died as a result of the conflict
- Tens of thousands of people have been displaced
Although the region is rich in oil, minerals and agriculture, the conflict has stunted development and Central Mindanao remains one of the poorest regions in the Philippines.
How Oxfam is helping
One of the things we are doing is to provide training to teachers to help them promote peace and unity to children who have been badly affected by the years of conflict.
Children have the right to education and a peaceful environment. Their learning is affected by fighting, and they need to feel physically and emotionally safe.
Moniera Kalimpo, Teacher from Datu Montawal
Making a living in the midst of conflict
Regular outbreaks of violence in central Mindanao have weakened and disrupted the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
For many it is a real struggle to produce enough to feed their families. Increasing numbers of farmers rely on expensive chemical fertilisers to grow their crops – yet this extra expense pulls many deeper into to debt.
How Oxfam is helping
Oxfam has been working with communities to improve their agricultural skills and knowledge, through introducing practices such as using organic fertiliser. This helps increase farmers’ incomes and ensures they have more secure food sources.
I used to buy commercial fish feed but now I know how to make it by mixing rice grain, dried fish, and leaves. I save a lot of money.
Bapa Jimmy, farmer, Minandao
Other development work
- Campaigning for good-quality basic education for all
- Supporting education projects
- Helping communities be prepared for natural and man-made disasters
Typhoon Frank (Fengshen)
Oxfam is providing support to around 60,000 people affected by Typhoon Frank (Fengshen) which battered parts of the Philippines on 22 June 2008.
A disaster-prone region
Because of its geography and location, the Philippines is the most disaster-prone country in East Asia.
At the end of 2004, powerful storms and a typhoon hit the province of Quezon. Hundreds of people died and thousands of families were made homeless. In December 2006, devastating typhoons struck again, destroying 80,000 houses and displacing 400,000 people.
How Oxfam responded
In both emergencies, we responded quickly to provide clean water and sanitation. In 2004, water tanks purchased through Oxfam Unwrapped helped reach some 7,000 families. Our work then shifted to public health, cash-for-work and shelter projects.
