April 2025 – The Visayas Primary Healthcare Services, Inc. (VPHCS), in partnership with the Camillian Disaster Service International (CADIS), successfully completed the second year of the project “Building Disaster Resilient Communities in Informal Settlements in Cebu City, Philippines,” marking significant progress in disaster preparedness, community health, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment among four urban poor communities in Cebu City.
Implemented in Sitio Lawis, Barangay Pasil; Sitio Tierra Dulce, Barangay Inayawan; Sitio Wang Yu, Barangay Mambaling; and Sitio Nangka Ville, Barangay Quiot, the project continued to strengthen community resilience through the active participation of local people’s organizations and community volunteers.
Strengthening Disaster Preparedness
Throughout the year, community members intensified their efforts to reduce disaster risks and improve safety in their neighborhoods. Regular meetings of people’s organizations helped reinforce disaster preparedness plans, while sustained clean-up drives were conducted to address drainage problems and reduce flooding risks.
A major highlight was the conduct of fire safety seminars and practical fire drills in all four project sites in collaboration with the Cebu City Fire Station. Residents received hands-on training on fire prevention measures and the proper use of fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers were strategically installed in the communities to improve emergency response capacity and enhance community safety.
Community Health Workers Continue Vital Services
Trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) remained at the forefront of promoting health and wellness in their communities. They regularly conducted blood pressure monitoring, weight checks, health education sessions, and provided assistance to residents suffering from common illnesses.
CHWs also promoted the use of herbal medicines such as lagundi syrup and herbal liniments, while continuing to provide ventusa (cupping therapy) for residents experiencing muscle and back pain. Through informal health discussions and community outreach, CHWs helped increase awareness about disease prevention and healthy lifestyles among families in the four sitios.
Advancing Food Security and Livelihood Development
The project further strengthened food security and economic resilience through community-led initiatives. Feeding programs continued in several communities, providing nutritious meals for children and encouraging collective responsibility among residents.
In June 2024, participants attended Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) trainings that enabled them to identify local resources, skills, and opportunities that could be transformed into sustainable livelihood activities. The training encouraged communities to recognize their own strengths and mobilize local assets for development.
Several income-generating projects emerged during the year. In Sitio Tierra Dulce, members of the Homeowners Association successfully produced and marketed herbal ointments and candles, generating additional income for the organization while promoting community entrepreneurship.
Building Partnerships for Sustainable Development
Recognizing that community development requires strong partnerships, VPHCS and CADIS worked closely with local government units, churches, and community organizations throughout the year.
Partnerships with barangay councils were strengthened through the signing of Memoranda of Agreement with newly elected barangay officials in Pasil and Mambaling. These partnerships reinforced local support for disaster preparedness, health promotion, and community development activities.
The project also engaged parish priests and church leaders who expressed their commitment to assist communities during emergencies and disasters by providing shelter, material support, and spiritual care.
Promoting Environmental Stewardship
Environmental protection remained an important component of the project. In May 2024, residents participated in Laudato Si’ seminars that highlighted environmental responsibility, climate change, and sustainable living.
Community members also joined the Walk for Creation in Cebu City on October 4, 2024, demonstrating their commitment to environmental advocacy and the protection of the planet for future generations.
Enhancing Leadership and Project Management Skills
To prepare communities for greater self-reliance and sustainability, VPHCS conducted a series of capacity-building trainings from January to April 2025. Participants attended workshops on feasibility studies, project proposal development, project management, financial management, and leadership development.
These trainings equipped community leaders with practical skills to design projects, access funding opportunities, manage resources effectively, and strengthen their organizations. The initiative is expected to help communities sustain and expand their development efforts beyond the life of the project.
Four Associations Gain DOLE Accreditation
One of the most significant accomplishments of the second year was the successful accreditation of all four people’s organizations as workers’ associations with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
This achievement provides formal recognition of the associations and opens opportunities for government support, funding assistance, skills development programs, and other benefits. The accreditation also strengthens the credibility and legitimacy of the organizations as they continue advocating for the needs and welfare of their members.
International Delegates Visit Cebu Communities
In March 2025, delegates attending the 10th CADIS Asia Pacific Leadership Conference visited Sitio Nangka Ville and Sitio Tierra Dulce to witness firsthand the impact of the project.
Delegates from India, Taiwan, Australia, Thailand, Italy, the United States, and the Philippines met with community leaders and residents, listened to their stories, and learned about the challenges and achievements of the communities. The visit highlighted the resilience, determination, and leadership that have emerged through the project and strengthened solidarity among CADIS partners across the Asia-Pacific region.
Building a Strong Foundation for the Future
Over the past two years, the project has empowered 972 households living in vulnerable informal settlements to become more resilient, healthier, and better organized. Communities have strengthened disaster preparedness systems, improved access to primary health care, launched livelihood initiatives, and built stronger partnerships with local government and civil society organizations.
As the project concludes, VPHCS and CADIS look forward to supporting the next phase of community development focused on sustainability, community ownership, livelihood expansion, policy advocacy, and advanced health promotion programs.
The success of the project demonstrates that when communities are organized, empowered, and supported through meaningful partnerships, they can overcome challenges and create lasting positive change for future generations.
