International Care Ministries (ICM), a Philippine-based non-government organization (NGO), launched a recovery program that will support vulnerable communities in Visayas and Mindanao affected by Typhoon Odette. 

“We will bring our six-week recover program to over 22,500 families in the next six months to build resilience and help them heal so they can restart their businesses and savings,” said David Sutherland, ICM chief executive officer, at the Feb. 8 project launch. 

Because ICM has over 33 operational branch offices across the country, it has been able to strengthen connections with local pastors, community healthcare champions, and savings group leaders to deliver meals and reconstruct churches, he added. 

Since the typhoon hit in December 2021, ICM’s relief efforts have reached over 63,000 families and counting. These can be viewed via a monitoring dashboard which is updated in real time.  

Relief responses from the United Nations and the United States Agency for International Development have also ramped up due to mounting damages. This includes infrastructure damage of P17.7 billion and agricultural damage of P13.4 billion as of mid-January, according to various government agencies. 

While ICM is still continuing its relief efforts, the newly launched recovery program will mark a transition towards support in rebuilding lives and livelihoods.  

“We will implement projects in communities spanning seven provinces (Palawan, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, and Surigao),” said Mr. Sutherland, adding that they plan to expand the program in the future. 

“From February to May 2022, we aim to reach and serve over 20,000 families from 750 communities,” he added. 

Aside from goods and services, there will also be a technical aspect to the program, with small grants for communities including business box kits for restarting livelihoods and guided assistance from community leaders and partners. — B. H. Lacsamana