Quick Action to Support Remote Communities During COVID-19

When COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, the Philippine government immediately put in place tight restrictions on the movement of people within and across communities. This has adversely affected the livelihood of many families still rearing from the harsh effects brought by displacement due armed conflict. There was no time to prepare as the pandemic spread across the globe and into local communities in just a matter of days. 

In Lanao del Sur, where the tragic Marawi Siege had already displaced thousands, COVID-19 cases surged rapidly. Families living in transitory camps found themselves trapped during lockdowns, cut off from food supplies and essential resources. Early Warning Early Response (EWER) volunteers alerted NP’s Civilian Protection Monitors about the dire situation in these communities. NP swiftly referred these concerns to local governments and aid agencies, prompting immediate assistance. Contributions from generous individuals also helped bring relief to the hardest-hit families. 

As the crisis unfolded, NP joined the government’s Coordinating Center for Mindanao on COVID-19 (CCMC19), tasked with monitoring pandemic-related challenges and ensuring timely responses. NP's reports provided critical information to the National Inter-Agency Task Force (NIATF) to shape policies and interventions across Mindanao.

Spreading Awareness, Preventing Infection

NP partnered with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Ministry of Health to launch an information campaign aimed at preventing COVID-19 spread in vulnerable communities. Working with local partners, NP placed educational materials like posters and streamers in key locations and collaborated on a radio program to reach remote areas. Civilian Protection Monitors visited IDP camps and host families to share health and safety guidelines, equipping communities with vital knowledge.

Women Leading the Way

Assisted by NP, women local partners immediately put their sewing machines humming to produce face masks made from locally-available Malong cloths to be distributed for free in their communities. There was a shortage of supply of commercial face masks during the initial onslaught of the pandemic, and this has to be addressed by producing locally-made face masks.

Strengthening Local Connections

In collaboration with government agencies and humanitarian organizations, NP promoted a referral pathway system, helping community members understand which authorities to contact for specific issues. These efforts fostered stronger connections between remote communities and government services, ensuring that even the most isolated families felt supported during a time of crisis.

Through these initiatives, NP Philippines demonstrated a rapid, multi-pronged response to the pandemic, prioritizing community-driven solutions and collaboration. These efforts not only addressed immediate needs but also strengthened local capacities to navigate future challenges.