In the aftermath of the flash flood that devastated the municipalities of Balabagan and Kapatagan, Lanao del
Sur early this year, many farming families have been left struggling with the loss of their primary sources of livelihood. Crops were destroyed, and essential farming tools were swept away, and rebuilding their lives and
livelihoods posed immense challenge.
In response to this urgent need, the MARADECA Emergency Response Team, in partnership with Give
to the World, carried out an early recovery assistance initiative on April 3-4 targeting 291 severely affected
families to jumpstart the process. The affected families received farming tools, vegetable seeds, and fertilizers
to help them resume planting, rebuild small gardens, and recover their means of living.
“This assistance allows us to start again. Even the tools and seeds give us a reason to move forward. Sukran bo,” said one farmer from Kapatagan. The assistance was based on Rapid Needs Assessments conducted in coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDDRMOs), and barangay leaders. This collaborative process ensured that the intervention was timely, contextually appropriate, and targeted families who were severely affected. With a strong local presence and help of community-based organizations and an understanding of the community context, MARADECA mobilized resources, coordinated logistics, and ensured the transparent distribution of early recovery assistance.