Kalinga, Philippines – More than 600 households in Kalinga have received much-needed rice assistance following a series of typhoons that struck the Cordillera region between October and November 2024. The onslaught began with Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in October and culminated with Typhoon Pepito in mid-November, leaving widespread damage. The compounding effects of these six consecutive typhoons severely impacted the region, particularly rice farmers in Kalinga, whose crops were in the critical vegetative stage during the storms.
In response to STS Kristine, CorDisRDS immediately activated its Emergency Operating Structure (EOS) to closely monitor the impact of the storms. At the same time, partner People’s Organizations (POs) across Cordillera provided damage reports from their respective communities. Initial assessments after the STS Kristine suggested minimal damage; however, as the succeeding storms continued to batter the region within a period of a month, their compounded impact became increasingly severe.
Beneficiaries attentively listen to the orientation, learning about the relief delivery operation and assistance process.
Beneficiaries in Asibanglan, Pinukpuk, Kalinga, listening to the Orientation for the Relief Delivery Operation
Rice farmers in Kalinga faced widespread losses, as their crops were at a vulnerable growth stage (vegetative stage) when the typhoons hit. Additionally, this harvest season followed a period of extreme drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon, which had already left many farmers with little to no yield earlier in the year. With their livelihoods further devastated, many farming communities were left struggling to recover.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, CorDisRDS, in collaboration with Timpuyog dagiti Mannalon iti Kalinga (TMK), conducted a Relief Delivery Operation (RDO) in selected barangays across Kalinga. The distribution of rice assistance aims to ease the burden on affected households, ensuring they have access to essential food supplies as they work towards rebuilding their livelihoods.
A beneficiary joyfully carries his rice assistance home, grateful for the support.
Beneficiaries head home carrying their rice assistance, a vital support for their families.
This initiative was made possible through the coordinated efforts of CorDisRDS, TMK, partner Peoples Organizations (PO), volunteers, and local government units. The Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Kalinga and other LGUs played an important role in supporting the relief efforts through logistics.
CorDisRDS and its valued partners remains committed to providing aid and advocating for disaster resilience in the Cordillera region.