This report covers the period 1 January to 30 June
In Brief
Programme purpose: The disaster management programme focuses on strengthening disaster response and preparedness capacities of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) at the institutional level as well as disaster preparedness, mitigation and risk reduction at the community level; this is in line with IFRC's first strategic aim - save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disaster and crises. The health and care programme targets to contribute to healthy and safe living by addressing issues relating to HIV and AIDS, emergency health, and community health. The organizational development programme aims at increasing the capacity of PRC to address situations of vulnerability by enabling it to achieve the characteristics of a 'well functioning National Society'. Finally, the principles and values programme will promote the fundamental principles and humanitarian values of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, thereby contributing to advancing social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace.
Programme summary: In the first half of the year, PRC understandably prioritized completing relief activities in aid of families that were displaced by the typhoons of late 2009. As such, implementation of activities under this annual appeal was slow. Nevertheless, some notable progress was made as the National Society continued implementing long-term projects that it initiated last year. Under the health and care programme, implementation of HIV and AIDS project activities continued; peer educators undertook HIV and AIDS awareness campaigns to the benefit of 11,300 persons. PRC also joined forces with the department of health and other stakeholders - in a summit - to reaffirm its commitment towards preventing further spread of HIV in the Philippines. Also under the health and care programme, community health volunteers (CHVs) were recruited and trained in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur chapters; they undertook health promotion activities, reaching some 6,700 households. Upon conclusion of the relief phase of the ongoing typhoon intervention, the social services unit of PRC provided post-disaster psychosocial care for helpers (volunteers and staff). Meanwhile, the humanitarian pandemic preparedness (H2P) project was closed; it will now be a part of the community health component.