Christian Aid in the Philippines

Christian Aid's work in the Philippines has now ended. We worked in the country for nearly 40 years, focusing on resilience and justice to address the persistent poverty and inequality aggravated by disasters and the risks of climate change.

Inspired by our new global strategy, Standing Together, we are deepening our interventions in fewer countries and living as good stewards within our means.

Our legacy: rebuilding more sustainable communities

One of the legacies of Christian Aid’s work in the Philippines is a movement of women, survivors of 2013’s Typhoon Haiyan, leading the drive towards renewable energy.

A collection of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to the climate crisis. Christian Aid’s partner, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), worked in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, to integrate renewable energy into disaster response, and rebuild safer, more sustainable communities.

Despite bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, women like Virginia – once a coconut farmer, forced closer to the sea by the Typhoon in order to survive – use solar power to support their families, and to prepare and respond to disasters. Fisherfolk can fish throughout the night, and the island’s only baker can sell bread at dawn.

Virginia and grandchildren fishing at night by solar light

Virginia and grandchildren fishing by solar light

I worked with women’s groups for two decades. It’s proven that when you put trust in their leadership, they will take off

- Maria Alexandra Prura , Christian Aid’s Country Director of the Philippines.

The Philippines: Learning Review

Our new report captures learning from our time working with local organisations in the country building climate resilience and strengthening civil society.

Find out more