Build an Evacuation Centre in the Philippines

Summary

The residents of Banaba are working to ensure that they can resist and recover from the frequent flooding which devastates their community every year. Despite their best efforts, their work has been hindered by their lack of a secure base for their community activities or an evacuation center for the most vulnerable. We intend to build them just such a centre. This project will provide the funding we need to complete a three-story livelihood and evacuation centre in Banaba.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Banaba is facing an increased flood risk because of climate change. The community responded to this threat by forming a group called Buklod Tao. Buklod Tao is working to reduce the community's vulnerability by reinforcing riverbanks, building flood rescue boats, and environmental projects, but their work has always been limited by the lack of a permanent base. They've already had to relocate once, and the group will face the same threat again if we can't complete their new centre.

How will this project solve this problem?

On a day to day basis the centre will provide a place for craftsmen to build rescue boats, to exhibit Buklod Tao's container gardening trainings to help people become food independent, hold community meetings, and, crucially, organise community responses when typhoons are on their way. During floods, it will house the most vulnerable families. But while Buklod Tao's fundraising efforts have been amazing, they are still $25,000 short. They need donors like you to help them bride the gap.

Potential Long Term Impact

This centre will not only be a vital place of refuge for the most vulnerable residents in Banaba during floods, but will give a powerful community group the permanent base they need to build local resilience. By investing in this livelihood and evacuation centre, you'll be giving the community of Banaba the ability to meet their own needs for years to come.

Project Message

In Typhoon Ketsana, we learned that our existing evacuation centres were not safe - families were not safe. Now, we'll be able to give the people a place to feel safe no matter how big the typhoon.
- Ka Noli, Buklod Tao President

Resources

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