News
Cebu in the Wake of the Storms: A Humanitarian Response Led by CECI and CONCERN
December 4, 2025In the weeks following the powerful September earthquake, a series of typhoons struck Cebu Island and nearby provinces in the Philippines, causing sudden flooding, landslides and major housing losses. In several barangays (local village units) along the Butuanon and Guadalupe rivers, families saw their homes submerged or destroyed, while evacuation sites were themselves compromised.
Already active in the region through the Sama-Sama Project, CECI and its local partner CONCERN were able to respond quickly. Their ongoing presence in the affected communities made it possible to launch an immediate humanitarian response funded by CECI’s donors, as needs continue to rise.
Emergency assistance focused on priority needs
Thanks to donations already amounting to CAD $120,000, the emergency response is supporting thousands of people across Cebu Island. Initial distributions have reached poor urban families and informal settlers living in high-risk areas along the Butuanon and Guadalupe rivers, providing rice, essential food items, drinking water and basic hygiene supplies including sanitary pads, soap, detergent and toothbrushes.
The response aims to reach around 20,000 residents in Metro Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu City, and may expand as fundraising continues.
Assessments conducted with barangay leaders and local organizations highlight ongoing needs for temporary shelter, safe water, health services, psychosocial support, and the recovery of livelihoods.
Building on the synergy with the Sama-Sama Project
Although this emergency action is not part of the original Sama-Sama activities, the synergy between both interventions is central.
The Sama-Sama project team’s ongoing presence in these barangays makes it possible to identify households most at risk, relay information quickly, support participation in local disaster risk management and recovery efforts, and document needs with authorities. This proximity also helps ensure that women and marginalized groups are actively involved in decision-making throughout the recovery process.
By reinforcing community leadership and civic engagement, the Sama-Sama Project helps ensure that the response remains inclusive, gender-responsive and aligned with the long-term priorities of local residents.
The Sama-Sama Project works to strengthen civil society in Nepal and the Philippines by increasing civic engagement and democratic participation among women and marginalized groups. It is implemented by CECI and its partners in Nepal and the Philippines (CONCERN, PRO PUBLIC, Campaign Nepal, and the Siddharta Social Development Center) and is made possible with funding from Global Affairs Canada.
An experienced partner on the ground
Founded in 1986, CONCERN Inc. is recognized in the Philippines for its response to major crises — from earthquakes to typhoons and landslides. The organization works closely with local authorities, the Philippine Red Cross, community groups, universities, and churches to ensure a coordinated and effective response.
A call for solidarity
Thanks to initial contributions, the teams were able to respond rapidly.
But the needs far exceed the available funds.
The donation page remains open!
Every contribution helps support more families during this critical period:
As Cebu begins a long phase of recovery, solidarity remains essential.
Your support can strengthen ongoing efforts on the ground and help communities regain stability and security.