Moving forward step by step
The situation on Isla Pulo, an island about 10 km north of Manila, changes drastically depending on the season. During the dry summer months, rice and corn are cultivated. However, during the rainy and typhoon season, a large part of the island is regularly flooded. The houses made of thin plywood, rusted sheet metal, and worn tarpaulins are no match for the cyclones that occur around 15 times a year. The homes of families living in poverty are damaged, often even destroyed.
Quirara and her husband Rommel live with their two-year-old son on the island.They earn their living by harvesting and selling water spinach. This brings in about EUR 2.50 per day, which is just enough for two meals. There is practically nothing left for other expenses, such as repairs to their hut.
Our partners met Quirara during a disaster relief project in Pulo: »I saved money for two years to replace our tarpaulin roof with galvanized iron sheets. I prayed for someone to supplement my small savings so that I could buy the materials.« Her joy was boundless when she learned that she was one of the 36 families we were able to support with weather-resistant building materials to rebuild their homes.
By repairing the storm damage, we are improving the living conditions of the residents step by step in a sustainable way.
