COVID-19 Philippines Project #45696

COVID-19 Emergency Relief in the Philippines

by FundLife International

Summary

On April 22, Cebu, the Philippines 2nd richest province, extended its lockdown May 15. All people are ordered to stay at home, putting the most vulnerable families, who earn less than USD 5 a day and rely on the informal economy to survive at immediate danger of not having any food during the lockdown. FundLife is responding by making emergency relief packs for distribution to the most vulnerable children and families. Our estimate is there are 40,000 people in immediate need of urgent help.

$25,000
total goal

$5,538
remaining

282
donors

5
monthly donors

3
fundraisers

3
months

Challenge

The Philippines has massive poverty and inequity. Over 25 Million People live on less than USD 8 a day per household, and many of whom are dependent on the informal economy just so they can survive. As Cebu goes deep into its 45-day lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19, 1 in 4 families will not have access to any income and will rely on the government for support. However, with very limited resources and dealing with a health emergency, the local governments are already at breaking point.

Solution

FundLife is directly supporting several on-the-ground organisations who are delivering emergency food packs to those who are going hungry. One food pack costs USD 15 and keeps a family of 5 in food security for 10 days. In addition, FundLife is focusing on keeping children safe, in particular, adolescent girls who face an increased risk during the lockdown. We are providing hygiene packs and education leaflets to keep safe and avoid the spread of COVID-19.

Long-Term Impact

COVID-19 puts the already vulnerable at danger of not having enough food and thus expose themselves to the risk of contracting and spreading the COVID-19 amongst their already packed communities. A secondary impact of COVID-19 are on children at risk of abuse and exploitation. As families get more stressed and anxious with no food or income, children are the first to suffer and risk having long-term psychosocial issues.