ILO supports victims of earthquake in the Philippines
Thousands of workers were badly affected when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Central Visayas, Philippines in mid-October. Preliminary estimates of the International Labour Organization (ILO) show that 440,000 workers have been affected by the quake in Bohol.
Thousands of workers were badly affected when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Central Visayas, Philippines in mid-October.
The deadly earthquake destroyed livelihoods and damaged houses, roads, bridges, schools, century-old churches and heritage sites.
Preliminary estimates of the International Labour Organization (ILO) show that 440,000 workers have been affected by the quake in Bohol. One of the hardest hit areas in Bohol is Loon, where 3,000 people depend on fishing as main source of income. After the earthquake, Loon’s shoreline was elevated and increased. Sulphur emissions have affected seawater quality, while seagrasses and mangroves are slowly drying up, resulting in reduced fish catch and income. The earthquake has also cut off major roads and bridges. Travel to Loon from the main city now takes over 3 hours instead of just 30 minutes, impacting on people’s ability to access basic services and livelihood opportunities.
“We need a convergence strategy with a focus on rebuilding livelihoods first. When people are given the opportunity to earn money, you restore their dignity and hope to rebuild their broken lives and homes,” said Lloyd Peter Lopez, the mayor of Loon.
Mayor Lopez is currently living in a makeshift tent with other affected families, after the earthquake damaged his house. Farmers and fishers are still afraid to go back for fear of landslides and aftershocks and need food and water.
Lopez favours a sustainable approach to ensure the livelihoods of his citizens. “I still believe in the saying that if you teach a man to fish he will eat for a lifetime.” Prior to the earthquake, Mayor Lopez was pushing for a comprehensive livelihood strategy in Loon based on a vocational training centre. The centre will provide free skills training for future carpenters and masons. The centre also aims at expanding livelihood opportunities for young people.
According to Lopez, damages to agriculture and fisheries caused by the earthquake have compounded the need for better jobs and livelihood opportunities.
“The ILO agrees with the government that after the crisis is an opportunity to build a better future for the victims and to ensure that people are not left vulnerable or exploited afterwards”, Lawrence Jeff Johnson, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines said.
The Organization has already raised US$220,000 following the earthquake in Bohol and the crisis in Zamboanga. The ILO is now reaching out to its national and international partners for further support.
Media and Public Information
ILO Country Office for the Philippines
+63 2 580 9905 or 580 9900
Email
Mr Simon Hills
Disaster Response and Livelihoods Development Officer
ILO Country Office for the Philippines
+63 2 580 9904 or 580 9900
Email
The deadly earthquake destroyed livelihoods and damaged houses, roads, bridges, schools, century-old churches and heritage sites.
Preliminary estimates of the International Labour Organization (ILO) show that 440,000 workers have been affected by the quake in Bohol. One of the hardest hit areas in Bohol is Loon, where 3,000 people depend on fishing as main source of income. After the earthquake, Loon’s shoreline was elevated and increased. Sulphur emissions have affected seawater quality, while seagrasses and mangroves are slowly drying up, resulting in reduced fish catch and income. The earthquake has also cut off major roads and bridges. Travel to Loon from the main city now takes over 3 hours instead of just 30 minutes, impacting on people’s ability to access basic services and livelihood opportunities.
“We need a convergence strategy with a focus on rebuilding livelihoods first. When people are given the opportunity to earn money, you restore their dignity and hope to rebuild their broken lives and homes,” said Lloyd Peter Lopez, the mayor of Loon.
Mayor Lopez is currently living in a makeshift tent with other affected families, after the earthquake damaged his house. Farmers and fishers are still afraid to go back for fear of landslides and aftershocks and need food and water.
Lopez favours a sustainable approach to ensure the livelihoods of his citizens. “I still believe in the saying that if you teach a man to fish he will eat for a lifetime.” Prior to the earthquake, Mayor Lopez was pushing for a comprehensive livelihood strategy in Loon based on a vocational training centre. The centre will provide free skills training for future carpenters and masons. The centre also aims at expanding livelihood opportunities for young people.
According to Lopez, damages to agriculture and fisheries caused by the earthquake have compounded the need for better jobs and livelihood opportunities.
“The ILO agrees with the government that after the crisis is an opportunity to build a better future for the victims and to ensure that people are not left vulnerable or exploited afterwards”, Lawrence Jeff Johnson, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines said.
The Organization has already raised US$220,000 following the earthquake in Bohol and the crisis in Zamboanga. The ILO is now reaching out to its national and international partners for further support.
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| ©ILO/M. Rimando |
For further information please contact:
Ms Minette RimandoMedia and Public Information
ILO Country Office for the Philippines
+63 2 580 9905 or 580 9900
Mr Simon Hills
Disaster Response and Livelihoods Development Officer
ILO Country Office for the Philippines
+63 2 580 9904 or 580 9900