The Community and Family Services International (CFSI) with support from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), implements the We Can Project (WCP) to facilitate post-disaster recovery and climate change adaptation in Southern Leyte Province and the CARAGA Region, the project aims to assist the recovery of 6,000 households (approximately 30,000 individuals) affected by Typhoon Odette, which devastated communities on December 16, 2021.

The WCP strengthens the capacity of local actors to promote protection, resilience, and sustainable recovery through four core components: Sustainable Livelihood, Local Disaster Risk Reduction, Social Protection, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).

Under the Sustainable Livelihood component, the project promotes income-generating activities that are sustainable, climate-resilient, and environmentally friendly. In Southern Leyte, WCP covers seven areas: the municipalities of Padre Burgos, Sogod, San Francisco, Pintuyan, Saint Bernard, San Juan, and the City of Maasin.

Among the 30 associations supported by CFSI in Southern Leyte is the Bongawisan Women’s Association (BWA) from Caritas Village, Brgy. Bongawisan, San Francisco. Established in 2015 with 32 members, the association has grown significantly to 72 active members—reflecting the community’s strong commitment to collective empowerment.

In July 2024, BWA received comprehensive livelihood support including essential appliances (a refrigerator and freezer), frozen goods, and groceries. This initiative was designed to strengthen the group’s economic capacity and empower women in a remote community located four kilometers from the town center, where access to markets and services remains limited.

In collaboration with the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Bongawisan, the association operates from one-story building they own, which was renovated and improved using funds from the 1% National Tax Allotment (NTA)—a portion of local government revenue allocated by the barangay for community development projects. Most recently, the barangay funded the construction of display shelves for their products, further enhancing retail capacity.

The group now successfully operates a thriving small enterprise, generating impressive monthly sales averaging PHP 40,000 to PHP 47,000, providing stable income for its members and their families. They offer not only their core products but also other in-demand items that serve the broader community. The association allocates 3% of its income to support the barangay, contributing to local development initiatives and strengthening their relationship with the community.

Beyond economic benefits, the support has also created a space for women to gather, connect, and engage with one another. This community hub contributes to improved mental well-being while enabling women to contribute meaningfully to their families’ financial stability.

As the We Can Project approaches its conclusion, CFSI remains confident that the training and support provided to 30 associations across Southern Leyte have equipped them with the necessary skills and knowledge—gained through technical training workshops—to sustain and expand their livelihood. The CFSI is hopeful that these efforts will not only prosper and grow but also continue to support the recovery of participants affected by the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Odette. With continued support from the BLGUs and LGUs, the solidarity and resilience among association members nurtured through the We Can Project are expected to grow even stronger.

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Story by: Juhairah Abdulnasser