Over its two-year implementation period, the ERRCM Project contributed to the achievement of the government’s peace and development agenda by helping internally displaced persons in Central Mindanao recover from the adverse effects of armed conflict. Notable achievements of the project include the following:
Improved living conditions and sanitation practices of the beneficiaries. With the construction of 1,000 new core shelters and repair of 813 shelter units, at least 10,722 individuals were provided with spaces for their own privacy and given protection from natural elements. At the same time, these beneficiaries were also provided access to sanitation facilities with the construction of 288 latrines (cubicles) across all sites.
Improved access to sources of water for drinking and general use. With the installation of 95 units of Level I water systems and the construction/rehabilitation of 25 Level II of the same, the Project provided immediate water access to about 30,000 individuals. This has reduced the beneficiaries’ average distance and fetching time by about 60%; minimized their reliance from open dug wells and rivers as water sources; and contributed in the improvement of their hygiene and sanitation practices.
Addressed the basic needs and improved the general welfare of communities to support their continued recovery. About 65,000 individuals – including those from neighboring barangays – were provided with immediate access to health services and affordable medicines with the construction/expansion of 28 barangay health stations (BHS), construction of two (2) nutrition posts and the establishment of 30 botika ng barangays (BnB, or village pharmacies).
Improved the productivity and income-generating ability of beneficiaries through livelihood opportunities and skills development training. The Project provided 122 livelihood packages to people’s organizations, assisted 120 individuals to acquire the national certification for competency in carpentry, and supported 4,980 families with bio-intensive gardening (BIG) and food-always-in-the-home (FAITH) initiatives. These interventions augmented or provided additional sources of income, provided opportunities for women and men to learn or improve on their skills, and helped promote food security.
Capacitated communities to manage and address local conflict, restore social cohesion and promote a Culture of Peace. About 9,800 individuals were able to participate in the various Culture of Peace activities, meetings and dialogues, which subsequently resulted to the reactivation of Barangay Peace and Order Councils, the formal and informal declaration of supported sites as peace sanctuaries, signing of peace covenants and resolution of boundary conflicts.
