Extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary responses. In all these, we vow to recover together.
One of the core values of SEARICE is social inclusivity, and in all its endeavors, SEARICE has been committed to providing targeted responses and assistance to the most vulnerable. As we navigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to its continuing projects centered on capacity-building, the organization through its partnerships with several institutions in Vietnam, the Philippines and Lao PDR has delivered immediate assistance to farming communities.
Vietnam
In the province of Lao Cai, home to 33 ethnic groups who live in rural communes, we have successfully conducted Farmers Field Schools (FFS) on establishing Diversified Integrated Farming Systems (DIFS) in four different communities. This was done in partnership with Initiatives for Community Empowerment on Rural Development (ICERD) and Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-Department of Lao Cai province (CP & PPSD). A total of 75 farming households received training, 301 received immediate agricultural inputs and support, and 226 are in the process of diversifying their farming systems. These numbers are continuously growing as farmers continue to reproduce the inputs initially provided to share with other farmers, and exchange knowledge to diversify their farming systems.
Lao PDR
In partnership with the National Agriculture and Forest Research Institute (NAFRI) and a multitude of other public institutions, organic livestock raising and vegetable production training were conducted in three communities in Xaysathan District. These communities are among the poorest in the country, and who experienced chronic food shortages exacerbated by the pandemic. In addition to the training, two schools and several households received agricultural inputs (livestock and seeds) to be shared with the members of the community. Our partners also built greenhouses and livestock cages for the target communities.
Philippines
In partnership with local farmers’ organizations and local government units (LGUs), SEARICE conducted a two-pronged response to our partners in several communities in the country. First, training and agricultural inputs were provided to several farming communities in Mindanao who were greatly affected by the pandemic lockdowns. These were conducted in six communities in two provinces. Second, in response to the devastating effects of the typhoons which further magnified the vulnerabilities caused by the pandemic, SEARICE conducted relief operations in several communities in Rizal province, and extended rehabilitation support in Quezon and Aurora.
We affirm our commitment to continue supporting our partner communities towards recovery. And beyond this, we continue the call for the radical transformation of our food systems, towards a more inclusive, post-COVID 19 world.
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