02/06/2026
๐๐๐ค๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฐ: ๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ | True to the spirit of Pakighimangraw, Yeb Saรฑo, SIKATโs Executive Director, together with the SHARPER team, visited selected partner communities in Dolores, Eastern Samar to directly engage with residents and listen to their lived experiences. The visit was intentionally conducted to gather firsthand narratives of change and impact from partner communities, particularly on how SIKATโs vision is translating into lived realities at the household and community level.
The visit also included a courtesy call with Municipal Mayor Dr. Zaldy Carpeso, who expressed strong support for the ongoing SHARPER 2.0 project and reaffirmed the local governmentโs commitment to working closely with SIKAT in advancing resilience, livelihood development, and disaster risk reduction and management in the municipality. Saรฑo, in turn, expressed appreciation for the municipalityโs consistent openness and partnership, stressing the importance of shared responsibility in community development work.
From there, the team proceeded to Japitan, Malobago, Dampigan, Dapdap, Barangay 02, and Barangay 12, where they met with self-help groups, fisherfolk associations, farmers association, and barangay officials. The discussions focused on livelihood conditions, disaster management systems, governance practices, and the everyday challenges faced by communities.
Self-Help Groups (SHG) across the visited areas shared how they continue to sustain livelihood activities such as rice retailing, mini-store operations, and loan management. Most groups operate savings and emergency fund systems, along with rotational leadership that allows members to take turns in managing records and responsibilities.
Despite rising prices and tighter markets, SHG members said their internal lending systems continue to help households manage daily needs while keeping money circulating within the community. Several groups also shared plans to register formally to secure livelihood insurance and strengthen long-term stability.
Beyond income, members emphasized how the groups have strengthened trust and cooperation among households. While savings are primarily intended for emergencies and special needs, some groups have started using excess funds to support community initiatives such as feeding programs and gift-giving activities for solo parents. These efforts, initiated last year, are now being sustained as part of their collective commitment to support vulnerable members in their communities.
Barangay officials shared that disaster risk reduction systems have improved through regular drills, clearer assignment of DRR leadership roles, and more effective early warning practices. Communication during emergencies has also improved through public address systems and handheld radios provided by SIKAT, the use of group messaging, and Starlink connectivity provided by DICT, especially in areas where mobile signal remains weak.
Village officials repeatedly pointed to preemptive cash assistance as a major form of support that enabled vulnerable families to prepare ahead of disasters, particularly during Super Typhoon Odette and Typhoon Tino. It allowed households to purchase food, medicine, and other basic supplies before evacuation became necessary. Many also reflected on their experiences during major typhoons such as Ruby and Yolanda, which continue to shape how communities understand and practice preparedness today.
Still, common gaps remain. Water systems, sanitation and hygiene facilities, CCTV cameras, solar streetlights, and evacuation infrastructure were repeatedly raised as urgent needs. Flooding also remains a major concern in several areas, particularly in communities near rivers and agricultural zones. While disaster preparedness has improved, officials stressed that basic services and infrastructure must continue to catch up.
Fisherfolk associations in Dampigan and Malobago shared similar stories of progress and pressure. Tilapia production and livestock raising have generated income through multiple harvest cycles, and these associations have begun reinvesting earnings into hog raising as livelihood expansion. However, demand in local communities often exceeds supply, showing both the success of the initiatives and the need for continued support to scale production.
Across all communities, the visit highlighted a consistent message. Impact stories are visible in livelihoods, SHGs, and disaster management, but long-standing gaps in basic infrastructure continue to shape vulnerability. Community leaders emphasized that sustained support and partnership remain essential.
As part of the visit, the team physically went around community livelihood sites, including small physical stores, rice retailing stores, tilapia ponds, and livestock raising areas. They also inspected key community systems such as water supply facilities and early warning systems (EWS), allowing the team to directly observe both the functionality and the gaps in these essential services.
The Pakighimangraw became more than a visit - it became a reminder that what we write in reports is not far from what communities are actually going through: the changes they are seeing, the struggles they are still facing, and the progress they are slowly building. It also reinforced why it matters to keep showing up, staying close, and ensuring that these stories of growth are not only documented, but truly heard, shared, and carried forward toward .
