An inspirational story of community resilience from the Siargao Islands, Philippines in the wake of a Category 5 storm.

Super Typhoon Rai resulted in an estimated US$18M worth in damaged property. Over 91% of the housing stock in the 20 barangays of Del Carmen suffered damage. 80% of the coconut trees in the entire island were destroyed, affecting the entire coconut-based industry and the farmers whose livelihoods depend on it. Fisherfolk were greatly affected as well, their boats and gears heavily damaged. 

The people of Siargao were down, but not out.

Recognised in 2021 as the #1 island in Asia by Conde Nast and listed in TIME magazine as one of the 100 greatest places, civil society, NGOs, government agencies and the people themselves banded together to address the immediate relief needs of the people through housing rehabilitation, food security and other critical social services. 

Siargao Islands is actively building back better, and planning to ensure future natural disasters will not have the same level of impact. For more info on how you can assist Siargao in recovery, and a coordinated response, please contact:

Alfredo Coro II, Vice Mayor, Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, Philippines| This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.| +639178054017

Riavida Soriaga, Relief Operations, Del Carmen, Siargao Islands, Philippines| This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.| +639565669481

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