My name is Edward, and I am currently transitioning into a new role serving as the Executive Assistant to the General Secretary for the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP).
I’ve been working with NCCP for about 12 years. In my previous role as Humanitarian Response Manager, I managed the emergency response team. So, whenever there’s a disaster, whether it’s a small, medium or a large-scale disaster, it is the emergency response team that usually takes care of the response until the rehabilitation phase.
The other major section I worked on was the disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation program. So, whenever there is no disaster, we call it peace time. During peace time, we handle the capacity building program, so I coordinate with church and community leaders to implement these projects.
In one community for example, food security was a significant problem. Before our program, the residents would have to travel to the main town just to buy vegetables. So, we provided training and taught the participants how to produce organic fertilisers as well as pesticides and herbicides made from organic materials. Now, instead of going to the mainland just to buy the vegetables, it is now the women who supply the vegetable needs of the whole community. They now feel more confident and can earn their own income.
We also work with local churches through regional ecumenical councils to conduct workshops so that the community is prepared when there is a disaster. The churches have the trust of the full community and really understand the local context. So, we provide them with the necessary skills and empower them as community leaders.
I really believe in the mission and vision of NCCP that is contributing to the work of the churches in providing what Jesus has promised, the abundant life for all. This does not only mean having food on the table or having good shelter – this also entails experiencing justice and righteousness, especially for those communities who are being exploited or abused.
I think my work is really important, because not all people are given the chance to raise their voices, to amplify what is really happening in the community. I think that is the main role of the churches, and NCCP, to help amplify these voices and the stories coming from the communities themselves. I always find inspiration and strength from the communities that we serve.
My appeal to the people in Australia is to continue supporting programs that empower communities because it is only when communities are empowered that they will be able to raise their voices and assert their rights.
Thank you,
Edward
Download this Peace Mail in PDF here.
Local partner profile: The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP)
The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone and climate vulnerable countries in the world, making preparedness and adaption critical. Act for Peace’s local partner, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) are working to ensure fewer people are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, climate change induced disasters and increased development.
The staff at NCCP are working to strengthen the capacities of churches and communities to develop locally led approaches to protect communities that are now more vulnerable to displacement.
Your support is making a huge difference:
Last month, Act for Peace Partners like you came together and raised $35,378.32 to support people uprooted from their homes by conflict or disaster. Thank you.
Please pray:
- For church leaders living in the Philippines, that they can better protect their communities from natural disasters.
- For local staff like Edward, who are working tirelessly to train and empower local communities.
- For governments in the region to work effectively for the wellbeing of all their people.
