In partnership with Start Network, a consortium of local civil society organizations in Surigao del Norte is implementing the Start Ready Project which strengthens community preparedness by undertaking anticipatory actions three (3) days before a typhoon’s impact.
Anticipatory Actions include distribution of multipurpose cash assistance, distribution and orientation on the use of water filtration tablets, shelter reinforcement, and protection of livelihood assets. These actions will be undertaken around 72 hours before a typhoon will make landfall in CARAGA Region. The anticipatory actions will be made as soon as Start Network Governance Team declares activation, based on pre-agreed triggers and thresholds.
The Start Ready Project is implemented in the Municipalities of Mainit, Sison, Tagana-an, and Dapa in Surigao del Norte Province. This project is implemented by CARE Philippines and Agri-Aqua Development Coalition (AADC), in partnership and collaboration with MINCODE, MASS-SPECC and partner cooperatives BAUGMPC, SAFRAGEMC, PIMCO, and SOEMCO, as well as local government units at the provincial, municipal, and barangay levels.
Last April 23, a Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) was conducted to test the consortium’s assumptions and pre-agreed protocols and standard operating procedures, particularly for participating island barangays. The SIMEX began at 7:00am with weather updates and risk monitoring, and followed by pre-activation activities. By 9:50am, the Start Ready Anticipatory Action was Activated with a Very High scenario and a Gale warning was also issued. This activation allowed partner households in the island barangays to use their Cash Vouchers to purchase essential goods from partner stores in their neighborhood. Common items bought were rice, sugar, coffee, eggs, and spices and seasonings. By 11:30, the Gale warning was lifted. As such, distribution of multipurpose cash assistance through the PinoyCoop system took place as soon as the distribution sites were ready. Vulnerable individuals were given priority during the distribution. By 4:00pm, all participating eight (8) island barangays have received their cash assistance. The SIMEX was concluded at around 5:00pm when all SIMEX Core Team Members were en route back to the mainland.
On April 24, a day after the SIMEX, a Post-SIMEX Assessment was immediately conducted to gather insights and recommendations to improve the implementation of anticipatory actions in the island barangays. MINCODE Executive Director, Ms. Raizsa Mae Anayatin, facilitated the Post-SIMEX Assessment which was actively participated by Start Network, CARE Philippines, AADC, MASS-SPECC, SAFRAGEMC, LGU representatives, partner household representatives, store owner representatives, and SIMEX Observers from PDRRMO, MDRRMO, MSWDO, and other volunteers. They shared the challenges and gaps they observed, as well as strategies and solutions made to address immediate concerns. The recommendations and suggestions generated from the SIMEX and the post-SIMEX Assessment will serve as inputs to improve the implementation of Start Ready Project and contribute to increasing community preparedness for typhoons in Surigao del Norte.
Photo Credits: Zhynnon, AADC, CARE
MINCODE 