To support the livelihood recovery of communities affected by Typhoons Hagupit and Jangmi (both of which hit the Philippines in December 2014) in Biri Island, Northern Samar, the ILO collaborated with Kauswagan San Panginabuhi ngan Kapalibutan, Inc (Kauswagan), a people’s organization based in the municipality of Biri. Together with the Provincial Environment Natural Resource Office (PENRO), they implemented a 20-hectare mangrove rehabilitation project, which aimed to reduce the destructive impact of ocean waves on the island through the restoration of mangroves in Barangays Sto Nino and Kauswagan. The 15-day community-based activity employed 165 workers, 90 per cent of them women. Workers received minimum wages, personal protective gear, and social protection coverage including accident insurance, medical insurance, and pension benefits. The project was funded by the Government of Norway.

Ms. Jenny Espinola, president of Kauswagan signs the contract with the ILO. Acting as witnesses are Mr Aldin Beta-a, ILO Project Coordinator, Mr Danilo Bernaldez, representative of Northern Samar Federation of Community Based Forest Management People’s Organizations (CBFMPO), and Ms Camila Sarmiento, Provincial Government of Northern Samar-Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PGNS-ENRO).

Ms. Jenny Espinola, president of Kauswagan, and Mr Aldin Beta-a, ILO Project Coordinator, formalize the partnership between their organizations. Looking on are Mr Danilo Bernaldez, representative of Northern Samar Federation of CBFMPO, Ms Camila Sarmiento, PGNS-ENRO, and Mr Charlie Delorino, PGNS-ENRO field staff in charge of mangroves in Biri.