ILO Manila Staff Union Action Programme in Response to Typhoon Yolanda,

Transcription

1 ILO Manila Staff Union Action Programme in Response to Typhoon Yolanda, Compiled by: ILO Manila Staff Union Officers,

2 Contents 1. BACKGROUND RATIONALE SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES Internal Solicitation from ILO Manila SU Members of Contributions (in cash or in kind) for the affected families by the Typhoon Yolanda Support to ILO Manila SU Members families affected by the typhoon Support to the Medical Relief Mission, 20 Dec 2013 in the affected areas of Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar (Provision of medicines and medical supplies) Support to the ILO Emergency Employment Programme (EEP) Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - long sleeved work uniform to 1,000 displaced workers engaged in Tacloban, Bohol, North Cebu, etc Provision of hand tools for emergency employment workers in affected areas in Negros Occidental Provision of learning kits for school children in Yolanda affected Indigenous Peoples (IPs) Communities in Coron, Northern Palawan BUDGET AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN PARTNERSHIPS AND IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS ANNEXES Annex 1: List of Fund Contributions Annex 2: Support to ILO Manila SU Members Families Annex 3: Medical Mission Activity Report... 9 Page 1

3 1. BACKGROUND On 8 November 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) locally named Yolanda hit the country and impacted nine regions, 44 provinces and over 600 municipalities and cities in the Philippines, creating substantial damages to infrastructures, houses, seaports, airports, hospitals, churches, public buildings and private establishments. Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) had a direct impact on an estimated 5.6 million workers. Of these, 40 per cent (2.2 million) were women and 20 per cent (1.1 million) are youth aged 15 to 24. Moreover, 44 per cent (2.4 million) of those affected were vulnerably employed with limited income and social security prior to the disaster. Furthermore, of the 2.4 million affected vulnerable workers, 52 per cent were from the agriculture sector, 42 per cent from service and 6 per cent from industry; 42 per cent were women, wherein 3/5 belong to the 25 to 54 age group. Provision of opportunities for more productive and decent employment must be seen especially at the aftermath of the destruction is seen as a national priority. Taking on from the mantra of build back better, support must be offered to the vulnerable groups in order to allow them to recover from their losses and the impacts of the disaster, improve their resilience to future disasters and ensure that they will move beyond the cycle of being victims again, in the event of another disaster. The ILO has a wealth of experience in responding to disasters of a similar nature and scale to Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). This includes providing emergency employment, skills training and livelihood recovery in disaster-affected communities in Indonesia and Sri Lanka in post 2004 tsunami, typhoons and flooding in Myanmar, Pakistan and India, and the earthquakes in Pakistan and Haiti. The ILO Manila Staff Union, compelled by the desire of its members to be able to contribute and extend help to the affected, has agreed that it would take positive action and join the appeal for support from its own network. Proactively, the ILO Staff Union Manila has also developed a programme of action on how it can maximize the current exposure to programme areas being covered by the ILO, at the same time, extend relevant advocacy among fellow workers on decent work and other core ILO themes and issues such as child labour, etc. The country office is currently initiated local action in six areas, where some of the ILO Manila SU Members are also deployed, in their official capacities. But as assistance will never be enough to fully cover the needs, there are still gaps that can accommodate additional assistance that the ILO Staff Union may offer to support. 2. RATIONALE The most immediate goal of the ILO Manila SU Yolanda Action Programme is to be able to respond to the most immediate needs of its members families who have been affected by the typhoon. Further on, it would look at relevant activities that will also engage the rest of the members to be able to offer relief to affected groups such as displaced workers and vulnerable women and children. Page 2

4 3. SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES The Action Programme consists of different component activities which the ILO Manila SU has handled and can take lead in, to substantially contribute to the response efforts: 3.1. INTERNAL SOLICITATION FROM ILO MANILA SU MEMBERS OF CONTRIBUTIONS Description: (IN CASH OR IN KIND) FOR THE AFFECTED FAMILIES BY THE TYPHOON YOLANDA At the onset of the typhoon, the SU Manila members immediately felt compelled to provide help to its fellow Filipinos in need. They immediately mobilized among themselves cash donations from both local and international staff, relief goods and food items and clothing. Adding to this initial solicited amount, the ILO Staff Union likewise donated 10 per cent of the proceeds from the SU fund raising activity, (Red Card shirts sale). Status: In partnership with St. Scholastica College, the relief goods and clothing were sent to its counterpart school in Tacloban in November The amount solicited among the staff and the share of proceeds from the SU fund raising activity were pooled together to form the initial funds for the ILO Manila Staff Union Action Programme in Response to Typhoon Yolanda. Further on, this fund was likewise receiving contributions from ILO Staff Union in other countries, i.e. Bangkok, Islamabad and Kathmandu (Annex 1) SUPPORT TO ILO MANILA SU MEMBERS FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THE TYPHOON Description: Some SU members are hailing from the provinces of Leyte and Tacloban. Unfortunately some of their families have been adversely affected when the storm surge and typhoon. As traditionally being done, these SU members were provided with financial assistance to enable them to support immediate emergency needs and recover some asset losses by their families. Status: Five SU members were provided with the financial assistance (Php20,000 each), to provide immediate support to their affected families residing in Tacloban area (Annex 2 in a separate sheet). The financial assistance provided was sourced from the combined fund contributions from ILO offices in Bangkok, Islamabad, Kathmandu and Manila. Page 3

5 3.3. SUPPORT TO THE MEDICAL RELIEF MISSION, 20 DEC 2013 IN THE AFFECTED Description: AREAS OF SULANGAN, GUIUAN, EASTERN SAMAR (PROVISION OF MEDICINES AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES) During the recent General Staff Union Meeting held last 06 December 2013, the members approved to support the next medical mission of the Yolanda Medical Relief (YMR) ( YMR is a medical group based in Manila and the U.S. that seeks to coordinate medical efforts to Typhoon Yolanda victims. It was endorsed to the group by one of the SU member, wherein one of their doctors in the team was a former classmate. After introduction and endorsement to the YMR Team, the Staff Union coordinated with them directly and donated Php52, worth of medicines and medical supplies. Status: Last 18 December 2013, several boxes of medicines were delivered to the ILO Office as part of the medical relief that were brought by the YMR Team, led by Dr Tammy Razon, to Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar for their medical mission last 20 December 2013 (Annex 3). The cost was sourced from the combined fund contributions from ILO offices in Bangkok, Islamabad, Kathmandu and Manila SUPPORT TO THE ILO EMERGENCY EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME (EEP) PROVISION OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) - LONG SLEEVED WORK UNIFORM TO 1,000 DISPLACED WORKERS ENGAGED IN TACLOBAN, BOHOL, NORTH CEBU, ETC. Description: The key programme of the ILO Country Office (CO-MNL) to provide immediate Livelihood Relief to the affected families was the roll-out of EEP, together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). CO-MNL has combined its programmable resources with contributions from within the ILO (ROAP and HQ), as well as private sector donors in order to meet the requirements. As discussed by the Country Director with the SU Representative, this can be an opportunity for the SU to support its own programme and expand its outreach to the affected areas, particularly in Tacloban, the worst hit area. With the anticipation that contributions from other SU units are forthcoming, the Manila SU affirmed the partnership by providing part of the PPEs of the Emergency Employment workers, which is to provide 1,000 pcs long sleeved uniform shirt. Page 4

6 Status: As this initiative was committed with the anticipation of additional contributions specifically coming from HQ, the SU ventured to move ahead with the commitment in order to meet the urgency of the request from CO- MNL. The 1,000 pcs of long sleeved uniform shirts are already available for distribution in three major areas of the emergency employment roll-out: Tacloban, Bohol and North Cebu. The cost of Php140,000 was committed, but still unfunded, to-date PROVISION OF HAND TOOLS FOR EMERGENCY EMPLOYMENT WORKERS IN Description: AFFECTED AREAS IN NEGROS OCCIDENTAL Following the roll-out of the ILO emergency employment, other requirements to enable the workers to carry out their tasks of clearing and debris management in their respective communities would include simple hand tools (spades, rakes) and wheelbarrows. A request from the site, who has been experiencing difficulty in sourcing out these tools in the far flung communities, was also communicated to the SU for support. This would include for SU to purchase these tools and ship/send them to the work areas. Status: Considering the logistical challenges and the constraint that some funds are still forthcoming and not yet available, the SU did not commit to cover this request. However, SU indicated its interest to support continuing work in the area, when resources become available PROVISION OF LEARNING KITS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN IN YOLANDA AFFECTED Description: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES (IPS) COMMUNITIES IN CORON, NORTHERN PALAWAN As relief for Typhoon Yolanda pours over the Eastern Visayas area (Leyte, Samar), some areas which has also been damaged by the typhoon has not been getting as much attention. Such areas include the island communities towards the west of the Philippines, like those in Northern Palawan. Specifically, Barangay Malawig and Buenavista of Coron, Busuanga Island, has experienced not only the strong winds and rains of the typhoon but a storm surge as well, in the low lying coastal areas. These wiped out settlements and community infrastructure for the IP communities, the Tagbanuas, especially in Malawig. Since the onset of the storm, children has stopped coming to school, mainly because these, together with their houses, were damaged. In the first two weeks of Page 5

7 December, the repaired infrastructure were converted into make classrooms and the children were accommodated, however, formal lessons could not start yet. This was mainly because there were no school books and teaching materials available for use after what they have were destroyed, and kids don t have school supplies and learning materials left as well. To help them get the children back to school and back to learning, being given these learning kits for the 180 children enrolled in the elementary school will be a big boost. The ILO Country Office has a small project team, composed of SU members, who are facilitating the roll-out of emergency employment and livelihood interventions in the Municipality of Coron. The distribution of the assistance can be channelled through them. Status: Considering the constraint that some funds are still forthcoming and not yet available, the SU did not commit to cover this request. However, SU indicated its interest to support continuing work in the area, when resources become available. 4. BUDGET AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Below is the breakdown of the budget and implementation plan for each of the key activities presented. Component Activity Schedule Cost Details/Status Dec Jan Feb 2.1 Support to five ILO Manila SU Members families affected by the typhoon Delivered 100, Funded/ Completed 2.2 Support to the Medical Relief Mission, 20 Dec 2013 in the affected areas of Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar Delivered 52, Funded/ Completed 2.3 Mission cost: To assess and to deliver the PPE-long sleeved uniform to 1,000 displaced workers in Tacloban Committed 24, Funded/ Committed Provision of PPE - long sleeved work uniform to 1,000 displaced workers engaged in Tacloban, Bohol and North Cebu 140, *Funded (to be implemented in 2014) Page 6

8 Component Activity Schedule Cost Details/Status Provision of hand tools for emergency employment workers in affected areas in Iloilo, Panay Island 30, *Funded (to be implemented in 2014) 2.4 Provision of learning kits for school children in Yolanda affected IP communities in Coron, Northern Palawan Mission cost 30, , *Funded (to be implemented in 2014) TOTAL Php402, *Funds were provided by SUC and SUAF. 5. PARTNERSHIPS AND IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS The ILO Manila Staff Union has engaged with these following groups for the various implementation activities under this action programme. ILO Country Office Manila The ILO Manila SU coordinates directly with the local teams deployed in various locations in the affected areas, mainly reaching out to teams in Tacloban in Leyte, Ormoc in Samar, Bantayan in Northern Cebu, Coron in Northern Palawan and in Negros Occidental. Yolanda Medical Relief (YMR) ILO Manila SU coordinated directly with Dr. Ryan Paraiso and Dr. Tamy Razon as the team leaders. St. Scholastica College The ILO Manila SU partnered with them for the collection of relief goods and clothing, which were sent to Tacloban. DOLE Regional / Provincial Offices For ease in facilitation especially for accessing the areas where the emergency employment activities are taking place, direct coordination is being done with the respective DOLE Regional Offices (Region 8, Region 7, Region 6 and Region 4B). Page 7

9 6. ANNEXES 6.1. ANNEX 1: LIST OF FUND CONTRIBUTIONS List of funds and contributions received by ILO Staff Union Manila Particulars Amount (USD) Amount (PHP) Staff and SU Bangkok 3, , Staff and SU Islamabad , Staff and SU Kathmandu , Staff and SU Manila 10, SU-Manila: 10 per cent of total sales of Red Card T-Shirts 3, Staff Union Assistance Fund 100, Staff Union Committee 125, TOTAL USD3, Php402, Page 8

10 6.2. ANNEX 2: SUPPORT TO ILO MANILA SU MEMBERS FAMILIES Support to ILO Manila SU Members Families and Relatives Affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Presented in a separate sheet) 6.3. ANNEX 3: MEDICAL MISSION ACTIVITY REPORT CO-Manila Staff Union Initiative for Typhoon Yolanda Victims: Support to Yolanda Medical Relief, Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar 20 December 2013 During the recent General Staff Union Meeting held last 06 December 2013, the members approved to support the next medical mission of the Yolanda Medical Relief (YMR) ( One of the agenda of the said SU meeting was to identify relevant allocations and recipients of the funds that were donated from other ILO Offices in support to Typhoon Yolanda victims in the Philippines. YMR is a medical group based in Manila and the U.S. that seeks to coordinate medical efforts to Typhoon Yolanda victims. It was endorsed to the group by one of the SU member, Ms Ana Valencia, wherein one of their doctors in the team is a former classmate, Dr Ryan Paraiso. After introduction and endorsement from Ms Ana to the YMR Team, the Staff Union coordinated with them directly and pledged to donate Pesos: Fifty Thousand (Php50,000) worth of medicines. YMR, through Dr Paraiso, requested the SU Team to directly place the orders to their accredited pharmaceutical supplier Applied Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ( This will enable us to maximize the quantity of the medicines to be purchased instead of buying in a commercialized drugstore like Mercury Drug. Last 18 December 2013, several boxes of medicines were delivered to the ILO Office as part of the medical relief that were brought by the YMR Team, led by Dr Tammy Razon, to Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar for their medical mission last 20 December The team wanted to accomplish the following goals to: (i) give medical care to the locals (RELIEVE); (ii) spread Christmas cheer (RELIEVE Page 9

11 and REVIVE); and (iii) look for long-term projects in the community (REVIVE). They were able to bring approximately 700 kg of medicines and supplies and approximately 500 kg of toys and gifts to the people of Samar. The team provided medical free consultations and minor surgical procedures by the doctors and specialists to more than 800 patients, with only the failing daylight, as there is still no electricity in this part of Samar. Adult cases were mostly chronic illnesses (hypertension and diabetes). Since most have no access to pharmacy, the team saw many cases of uncontrolled hypertension and hyperglycaemia. They were also able to provide maintenance medications for at least three months and some cases of upper respiratory tract infections and diarrhea. Among the pediatric population, there were cases of respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, impetigo and some primary pulmonary tuberculosis, for which they were able to provide a full 6-month course of medication. Surgical cases were mostly cyst excisions. They were also able to give tetanus vaccination to 350 people. The group wished they could have brought more vaccines, as there were many more residents who wanted to be vaccinated. The surplus of the total medicine supply was donated to the Sulangan Health Center, care of their Nurse-in-Charge. These medicines would go a long way in helping other people in the area with no access to medicine. Page 10

12 ILO Staff Union Medical Assistance to Yolanda Medical Relief for the Typhoon Yolanda Survivors in Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar The YMR also teamed up with Tulong Kusina, a group of Chefs involved in feeding programmes for Yolanda Survivors. They have been serving food at Villamor Air Base for Project Salubong. YMR also organized a mini-concert with no grandeur, no stage, no spotlights except for hand-held rechargeable lamps and sitting on monoblock chairs. Some musicians travelled with the team and they managed to stir the hearts of every person in the audience with their music. After the concert, the team gave out more gifts of 500 adult T-shirts and 200 Hygiene Kits. The Staff Union may identify future collaboration with YMR through their next activities. YMR plans to help rehabilitate the community and help set-up a self-sufficient health care system. The team said that in rehabilitation a community, they will assist the people in rebuilding their homes in order to decrease the illnesses brought about by overcrowding and support possible interventions on their livelihood (fishing boats, fish pens/cages, etc.). Page 11