Philippines: Enhancing Resilient Communities - Flagship Initiative Newsletter, June 2024

CaLP and Flagship Initiative organize cash training in Legazpi

The Flagship Initiative team, in collaboration with the Cash Learning Partnership (CaLP) and NORCAP, organized a Core Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) skills training in Legazpi City, Region 5, 24-28 June, which aimed to integrate the Flagship Initiative principles into Core CVA skills, enhancing participants' capacity for community-led disaster response.

Diverse groups of stakeholders, including local and community-based organizations, faith-based groups, representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), international NGOs, and UN agencies participated in the event.

The curriculum focused on understanding CVA policies, integrating CVA into team roles, using assessment information for response analysis, and modality selection. Additionally, it covered monitoring CVA and supporting program quality through collaboration and coordination.

These modules aimed to equip participants with comprehensive skills for effective disaster response and recovery.

The training emphasized the goal of empowering communities to lead in crises and emergencies. It highlighted building resilience as crucial for long-term community strength and adaptability.

Instead of focusing solely on needs and vulnerabilities, this approach identified and utilized community capabilities and assets. This inclusive strategy extended beyond disaster response, aiding communities in leveraging their strengths for sustainable development and a better quality of life.

Participants learned about the fundamentals of Group Cash Transfers (GCT), shifting decision-making from international agencies to affected communities, aligning with the goal of promoting community leadership in disaster recovery.

The course also included the Power Walk exercise, which highlighted societal inequalities and the importance of addressing power dynamics. Adapted to the local context, it served as a tool for understanding and addressing disparities in CVA interventions.

One participant shared her experience and some learning after CVA training.

"This training has significantly improved my understanding of CVA. I now feel confident in applying these skills to foster more community-driven disaster response and recovery efforts.”

"The focus on community capabilities and the introduction of Group Cash Transfers were transformative. It changed how I view disaster response and community empowerment,” another participant expressed.

The integration of the ERC Flagship Initiative into the CaLP Core CVA skills training serves as a significant step towards community-led disaster response. This training not only enhanced participants' skills but also reinforced the critical role of local communities in driving sustainable recovery and resilience-building efforts.