Philippines
CFSI operations in the Philippines are multi-faceted and aim to address the complex realities of armed confl ict, natural disasters, persecution, and severe poverty. At present, much of CFSI’s work is focused on people affected by armed confl ict and natural disaster in Mindanao and the Visayas. In this complex environment, CFSI provides humanitarian assistance and contributes to early recovery, reconstruction, and development. Since the country is prone to typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, flooding, and other disasters, CFSI provides emergency relief and recovery services including psychosocial support to survivors. CFSI is also increasingly investing in disaster risk reduction (DRR) in vulnerable communities. CFSI works across the archipelago to protect refugees, stateless persons, and asylum-seekers from other countries, continuing a record of service since its inception in 1981. In Pasay City, CFSI organizes communities to prevent the exploitation of children and youth, and to promote their welfare.
Partners of CFSI, specifically, the Government of the Philippines and the World Bank, have long-standing cooperation on development issues in the country. These cooperative efforts are guided by agreed-upon policies, such as the Environmental and Social Safeguards Framework (ESSF), which aims to ensure that development activities are environmentally and socially sound, as well as sustainable. CFSI supports the ESSF in connection with its responsibilities as a Trust Fund Recipient of the World Bank and a partner of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) for the multi-donor Mindanao Trust Fund for Reconstruction and Development Programme.