When disaster strikes, communities are not simply recipients of aid – they are among the first to respond and the ones who know best what they need to recover. This principle continues to guide ECOWEB’s work in Cebu as it strengthens partnerships for more community-led and resilient responses.
ECOWEB recently met with Pagtambayayong – A Foundation for Mutual Aid, Inc. for a strategic coordination and partnership discussion. Pagtambayayong has long been dedicated to serving vulnerable families and communities in Talisay City.
The meeting builds on months of collaboration following Typhoon Kalmaegi (Tino), when Talisay City was among the hardest-hit areas in Cebu. Through appreciative inquiries conducted after the disaster, ECOWEB worked closely with community organizations under DUPCA to identify locally driven priorities and support community-led recovery through microgrants funded by HELP Germany, AWO International, and Resilio Foundation.
During the meeting, ECOWEB shared its organizational background and major programs, highlighting the Survivor- and Community-Led Response (sclr) approach. The discussion also covered ECOWEB’s emergency and recovery responses following Typhoon Tino and the North Cebu earthquake.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion:
Complementary Interventions: Both organizations committed to aligning efforts to build more resilient communities that are empowered to lead their own development and disaster response initiatives.
Strategic Resource Mobilization: With LGUs currently in their budgeting season, the organizations discussed ways to support communities in accessing public funds and resources, ensuring that local programs, projects, and activities reflect community priorities.
Expansion & Future Plans: ECOWEB presented upcoming plans and interventions for Talisay City and other strategic areas across Cebu.
Stronger Coordination Networks: Both organizations agreed to strengthen coordination and engage additional local partners for more effective and unified action.
More than an exchange of plans, the meeting marked a shared commitment to turn partnership into coordinated action – linking community priorities with local resources, strengthening local networks, and expanding opportunities for communities to lead their own recovery and resilience efforts.
Pagtambayayong expressed enthusiasm to partner with ECOWEB and explore integrating the sclr approach into future interventions. Moving forward, both organizations will work toward stronger collaboration in Talisay City and other areas across Cebu, helping build communities that are better organized, empowered, and prepared to respond to future crises.
