Building community, building hope
In Barangay Sibaroy, Bislig City, Philippines, life is slowly finding its rhythm again after a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the city in December 2023. The catastrophe left deep scars in the community, destroying homes and striking fear among the community. Amidst this recovery, Maya* focuses on caring for her young son while navigating the challenge of rebuilding their lives.
"As a mother, I can't stop thinking about the shock the earthquake left us with," Maya recalled. "I felt anxious because after a strong earthquake, the aftershocks would come unexpectedly. What I experienced was trauma."
In the immediate aftermath, the Government of Canada and the Humanitarian Coalition, through Oxfam Canada, supported efforts led by Oxfam Pilipinas and Community Organizers Multiversity, to help in the community's recovery. Initially, skepticism ran high. Fearful rumours about strangers coming to the community caused unease.
"At first, to be honest, we were worried and doubtful," Maya admitted. She shared that there were stories of strangers coming to the village to kidnap their children. Transparent communication and community engagement gradually eased those fears, building trust between the humanitarian workers and residents.
One of the project's crucial interventions was cash assistance. Maya received PHP 3,200 (roughly $78 CAD) which she used to purchase essential supplies like rice and household necessities.
"It was a big help. PHP 3,200 is a large amount, and we bought the basic things we needed at home, especially rice," she explained. This assistance provided immediate relief to families like hers, offering stability amid the chaos.
Maya also participated in a series of community training sessions. The Basic Gender Sensitivity Seminar brought women from the community together, fostering unity and cooperation, encouraging and empowering them to support one another.
"Barangay Sibaroy became united," says Maya. "Even mothers who rarely left their homes came out and participated."
Another effective initiative was the Violence Against Women and Children Forum, which gave Maya the tools to advocate for women's rights. "Who else could help women but us women?" she emphasized, reflecting on the collective responsibility she and her peers now feel towards one another.
Today, Barangay Sibaroy is on a path of recovery. While the trauma of the earthquake lingers, Maya and her neighbours have discovered strength through unity and support.
"Trauma doesn't disappear overnight," Maya said. "But together, we find hope."
*Maya's name has been changed for privacy reasons