Philippines Microfinance Community Mobilises in the Wake of Typhoon Ketsana
Posted by admin on 18 November, 2009
The Filipino microfinance community has reacted swiftly to the disastrous typhoons which hit Manila on the 26th September and 3rd October.
BWTP Network members Alalay Sa Kaunlaran, (ASKI) Inc., Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc., and TSPI have each launched campaigns to assist clients recover from the disaster which greatly affected the regions of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Pampanga, Laguna and Quezon.
It is now estimated that up to 858 people died in the twin typhoons and over 200,000 still remain in evacuation centres, while more than 8 million have been affected.
In their wake, the microfinance community in the Philippines is mobilising to respond to the needs of clients, especially those in urgent need of food, water, medicines and clothing and building materials.
Of the BWTP Network members responding to the disaster, KMBI has reported that up to 10,000 of its client and staff were affected by the typhoons.
ASKI, which has microfinance operations in Northern and Central Luzon, was greatly affected by the typhoons. As of October 19, 2009, ASKI Disaster Coordinating Council recorded 5,943 effected clients in 426 barangays (districts), 21 ASKI staff, 1 death and damage amounting to Php 65,932,400.
Latest reports from TSPI show that close to 20,000 of its 500,000 clients were seriously affected by the disaster.
With a large rice harvest loss expected as a result of the typhoons, and the consequent risk of food prices once again rising, the work of the NGO and MFI sectors is essential in supporting the needs of microfinance clients and the broader community in recovering and coping within this disaster.
Donate to BWTP Network member organisations working in the Philippines by following the link below:
ASKI
ASKI is conducting relief operations in areas affected by typhoons Ketsana and Parma. Donations in cash and/ or in kind are accepted.
Website: http://www.aski.com.ph/typhoonstories.html
KMBI’s HOPE Fund
Your donations shall be used as loan fund exclusively available for KMBI program members whose enterprise was destroyed by the typhoon Ketsana. By allowing them access financial resources again, rehabilitation would be more easier for them as they endeavor rebuilding their enterprises, their lives, and their families. This innovative program allows women microentrepreneurs to become economically productive the soonest possible time to recover what has been lost to Ketsana.
Website: www.kmbi.org.ph/wordpress/?page_id=1198
TSPI’s Calamity Fund
TSPI has launched a campaign to raise donor funds. Immediately following the crisis, TSPI launched the distribution of relief goods and will continue to campaign for more. TSPI seeks support partners and donors who are willing to share in this campaign program.
Website: www.tspi.org/donations.php
