Capturing learning from a Typhoon Odette Community-led Humanitarian Action
Atoyay, Socorro, Surigao del Norte
They are not even neighbors. They don’t belong to the same barangay, although all of them are residents of the Municipality of Socorro, Surigao del Norte, in the Bucas Grande Islands.
But they are a community, and had been helping each other now for the last five years. They meet regularly – each time their husbands come from the sea, and shares of the income are released.
It was not difficult for them to come up with a name for their group: Atoyay Sailors Wives Group. And Ms. Jackie Lou Maturan, wife of boat captain Loloy Maturan, was elected President. She had been acting as their leader anyway.
Few days after Typhoon Rai/Odette devastated their home island on December 16, 2021, these women gathered together and began supporting their recovery, particularly in food relief and shelter repair.
Help from outside took a long time. Roads, even the few concrete ones in Socorro were damaged. Boats had to be repaired. So they helped each other.
It became a natural psychosocial support. They met and talked about their Odette story, and in the process found comfort in being listened to.
They first talked about their losses. It was very difficult. Everything they built and saved for in the few years was gone. But they were not hopeless. The sea is still there.
Later, they talk about solutions. What is it that they can do to help each other?
When the idea of a Survivor and Community Led Response (sclr) was introduced to them by ECOWEB staff Jonathan Lozano, they welcomed it.
Of course they were used to other forms of aid and relief. They are listed, and they line up. But this one meant they are engaged in the process.
“We have been doing that anyway,” Jackie said. Her leadership is not just because she is the wife of the manager and captain, she has proven herself to be good in financial management – keeping records of sales, cash advances, and receipts.
Many said the reason why their fishing business flourished from one to five canters now is the perfect combination of Kap Loloy’s fishing acumen and Jackie’s wise financial management.
The first they got as aid from ECOWEB was rather small – 20 solar lamps from Latter Day Saints Charities. With 76 members, they decided well, adding to the vulnerability score their own knowledge of one another.
It is a good start. They said. It would have been better if each one received a lamp, but still they welcome the opportunity to decide which families were a priority.
It was an easy task. They have known each other for years now. They know who needed the most. The list was easy to make.
What was difficult was to explain to other neighbors who are non-members why they are not included. Many members attempted to offer an explanation. But after a while, they gave up. Let the neighbors talk. They said.
When they were informed that they will receive from ECOWEB several kinds of vegetable seeds for their communal garden, the women expanded the one they have at present – on top of the mountain.
The soil is clay and not suitable for vegetable farming. But the officers are old-timers here. They know what to do. They applied fertilizers and added supplemental fertile soil.
When the seeds were distributed last March 30, 2022, they scheduled a planting activity right away, deciding which ones to plant first based on the season.
When asked what is it that they learned from this ECOWEB sclr approach, Jackie said in her dialect. “We were taught to plan well. We are guided in making a project proposal. We know how to make a project budget. These are very useful.”
They submitted a plan to start a pig breeding business.
“Live pig is very expensive here in Socorro. The Asian Swine Flu prohibitions meant no pig or pork can enter the islands. Many families start their own piggery now – for business or own consumption. And piglets are very few and expensive. So we will be able to support poor families and earn at the same time,” Jackie defined the rationale of their business.
Someone said, “And we have several members who are experienced in pig raising. They will be in charge of that.”
So what is the biggest challenge as of now?
“Marites!” And they laughed referring to the colloquial name for women who love to gossip.
Yes they have neighbors who are jealous of their group and tend to make gossips. But they have learned to deal with them.
“We will work hard, and hopefully can reach out to them.” One of them said. All others nodded their heads.
