Alma takes a public role
Alma, a flower-shop owner living near a river, joined preparedness sessions through HI’s LEAD project and became a community ambassador. “I realised that as a person with a disability, I too could save lives,” she said. She urged her town to involve people with disabilities in planning and activities. [1]
Relief must reach people
Nanay Policarpia, a blind farmer affected by February’s floods, said the designated evacuation centre was too far away. HI’s ACCESS project brought food assistance close to her home. In October 2023, HI had already identified participation by women, older people and disabled residents as central to its Philippine disaster work. [1][2]
Prepare the route before the emergency
HI advocacy officer Jennifer M’Vouama had explained in November 2021 that preparedness includes accessible shelters, evacuation routes, mobility aids and practice exercises. Her account emphasised adapting responses to different circumstances. Alma’s subsequent participation put residents’ own knowledge into that work. [3]