Western Samar is among the provinces forecasted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to face drought and dry conditions this year.
With the series of scorching heatwaves that the Philippines is experiencing, El Niño has evidently worsened the difficulties of many farmers in Western Samar. This includes 46-year-old Teresita Abides, whose family is struggling to cope with the daily challenges caused by the drought.
"Before, our two hectares yield around 70 sacks, but with El Niño, now it’s all gone," Abides said.
Among others, children, especially those most impacted by inequality and discrimination, bear the brunt and direct impact of the climate crisis. Because of this, Abides’ two children were also prompted to discontinue their studies and help her husband with work.
In response to the needs of children and families during El Niño, Save the Children Philippines, in partnership with the Western Samar Development Foundation (WESADEF) Inc., extended the first tranche of its conditional cash grant assistance worth P6,000, with P4,000 to be received in their second tranche, to 200 farming households in Western Samar, to support them for a climate-resilient livelihood.
They were also provided with five drought-resistant seeds to help sustain their food supply, which they can plant and cultivate in their own backyard gardens, capable of enduring dry seasons.
“As we all grapple with the scorching heat, families who rely on farming have been losing their livelihood escalating their struggle to support their children’s needs for healthy survival and learning,” said Faisah Ali, Humanitarian Manager of Save the Children Philippines.
The 200 farming families were also provided with technical and livelihood training sessions on animal production including vegetable, plant, and crop production to teach them sustainable agriculture practices and improve their livelihood opportunities.
“Our emergency response to the El Nino-stricken families provides crucial support to families' livelihood so that they will be able to afford food, and support the learning of their children, thus safeguarding their well-being and future amidst challenging climate crises,” Ali added.
With the cash assistance, Abides hopes it can ease their financial worries and help them find a better way to make a living despite El Niño's challenges. "I am grateful for the assistance as this helps us persevere. I immediately bought a pig yesterday, we will raise it and then sell it," Abides added.
Save the Children Philippines advocates for climate and adaptation measures to safeguard the well-being of children affected by the climate crisis under its Generation Hope Campaign.
“We are and will continue to experience the impacts of the climate crisis. For a largely agriculture based-economy like ours, it is imperative that we act collectively and immediately to build or enhance the resilience of the agriculture sector – thus securing our food and water sources. Droughts, heat waves, and other climate-related hazards will continue to intensify and will make children, who have contributed the least to climate change, continue to experience the injustice of being the most affected,” shared Rex Abrigo, Environment and Climate Change Advisor of Save the Children Philippines.
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Notes to the Editor:
The Department of Agriculture announced in April that the extreme heat and lack of rain had caused agricultural damage amounting to P5.9 billion.
Save the Children calls for urgent action on the climate crisis to create a safe, healthy, and happy future for children.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Ms. Kay I. Yeban Maatubang
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Mobile: 0917. 162. 1503
Email: Felycora.Maatubang@savethechildren.org