On July 24, 2024 Typhoon Carina, intensified by the Southeast Monsoon, left a significant impact on numerous communities in the Philippines. It brought heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding affecting 1,317,111 families across all regions.

Many communities faced power and water shortages. Although transport disruptions were minimal, classes were canceled in 503 areas and work was halted in 476 areas, impacting thousands of people.

The damage to infrastructure is immense, with an estimated cost of Php 4.26 billion. The agricultural sector has experienced significant losses, totaling Php 551.78 million, with an additional Php 6.56 million in damage to irrigation facilities. This financial setback impacts the availability of crops and produce severely affecting the livelihoods of many farmers and their families. Additionally, 2,005 houses have been damaged, with 1,779 partially destroyed and 226 completely ruined, leaving many families without a place to call home.

Given these challenging circumstances, we are working to provide help and resources to those who need it most. Good Neighbors Philippines will be launching an extensive response to aid those affected by the recent typhoon. 

We will be distributing essential goods, including rice bags, to various communities in need. The distribution schedule is as follows:

• On August 6, we will be serving Sitio Ibayo, San Mateo Rizal, benefiting 274 families, and Sitio Bakal, Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, reaching 420 families.
• On August 7 and 8, we will be providing aid to Southville, supporting 836 families, and San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal, assisting 750 families.
• On August 9, essential goods will be distributed to Barangay Pugad, supporting 235 families, and Barangay Tibaguin, Hagonoy, Bulacan, aiding 324 families.
• Finally, on August 10, we will extend our support to 456 families in Sagrada Familia, Hagonoy, Bulacan.

In line with our commitment to holistic community empowerment and transformation, we will also be conducting medical missions to ensure the well-being of our sponsored children and families. The medical mission schedule is as follows:

• August 12: Sagrada Familia
• August 13: Barangay Pugad and Barangay Tibaguin, Hagonoy, Bulacan
• August 14: San Isidro and Southville, Rodriguez, Rizal
• August 15: Sitio Bakal, Bagong Silangan, Quezon City and Sitio Ibayo, San Mateo, Rizal

The aftermath of the typhoon highlighted the importance of preparedness at every level — individual, families, communities, and government. This reinforces our commitment to help communities build back better by investing in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and advocating sustainable land use practices to reduce vulnerability to future disasters.

By offering training and resources, we empower communities to proactively mitigate the impact of natural calamities. Our goal is to foster a culture of preparedness that not only reacts to disasters but anticipates and withstands them.

To our partners, stakeholders, and our good neighbors all over the world, thank you for your generosity and continued support of our disaster preparedness and anticipatory action initiatives. Through our collaborative efforts, we hope to ensure that when the next disaster strikes, communities are not only prepared but capable of bouncing back more quickly and effectively, safeguarding lives and livelihoods in the process.  

Let’s continue to build a sustainable and resilient future for all.