Enhancing Resilient Communities (ERC) Flagship Initiative Guidebook: A new paradigm for grassroots and localized humanitarian action

Launched in 2022, the Flagship Initiative (referred in the Philippines as Enhancing Resilient Communities [ERC]), aims to transform humanitarian action by organizing assistance around the priorities of crisis-affected communities rather than aid providers. The ERC reflects a global commitment to scalable, community-driven resilience. Piloted in Colombia, the Niger, the Philippines and South Sudan, the initiative is guided by the strategic leadership of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) and the Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC).

In the Philippines, the ERC thrives through partnerships with international and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations, private sector allies, the Philippine Government and United Nations agencies. These efforts have yielded innovative solutions such as shock-responsive anticipatory action, community cash transfers, localized resilience frameworks and protected community livelihood assets. A strong gender and intersectionality lens ensures that these actions address the distinct needs of women, girls, other traditionally marginalized groups and persons with disabilities, living in their respective cultural and socioeconomic context.

This guidebook, a collaborative product of the Humanitarian Country Team in the Philippines, supported by the Government of Luxembourg and the European Union, consolidates these lessons and provides actionable tools for resilience practitioners and policymakers.