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Philippines

In the Philippines, the ICRC works in areas suffering from the consequences of long-running armed conflicts and situations of violence.

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ICRC members on a motorbike distributing essentials

Our work in the Philippines

The ICRC has been working in the Philippines since the Second World War, with a permanent presence established in 1982. Working often in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, we strive to protect the life and dignity of people affected by the protracted armed conflicts in the country.

We promote awareness of and respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) by reminding all parties to the conflict of their obligations under these rules. We work with the authorities to integrate IHL into domestic law and into military systems and processes in order to enhance their compliance with international legal standards.

We also help the authorities ensure that people deprived of their liberty are provided with humane treatment and detention conditions. We support their efforts so that detainees are able to maintain contact with their families through visits or the exchange of messages.

Manila City Jail. Overcrowded cells are favorable to the spread of diseases such as tuberculosis and COVID-19.

The impact of our work - In 2022

13,800

PDLs from 8 places of detention are in better-designed and built facilities because of our financial and technical support to BJMP and BuCor

405,000

calls made by detainees to loved ones using 1,630 donated mobile/Internet load cards

21,800

800 residents of Marawi City boosted their access to sustainable supply of potable water through our support to the Marawi City Water District

110

families in Agusan del Norte received crop seeds and tools and trained on intercropping and contouring techniques

320

families of people who went missing in the 2017 Marawi conflict reached to follow up on their tracing cases

2,560

residents from 8 villages in different areas in Mindanao, including some displaced, improved their water supply system, shelter and hygiene standards through our assistance

2,560

residents from 8 villages in different areas in Mindanao, including some displaced, improved their water supply system, shelter and hygiene standards through our assistance

550

550 people in Agusan del Norte received crop seeds and tools, and trained on intercropping and contouring techniques

100

health facilities that admit patients injured during conflicts received donations of medical equipment and supplies

180

PRC staff and volunteers attended orientations on improving acceptance and access to communities and providing a safer and more secure response

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Stories from the people we serve and our staff

I always fear displacement. I wish everyone who has been displaced can find stability, provide for their families and live with dignity. If we pray wholeheartedly and our deeds are good, we will get through it.

Parida An internally displaced person and beneficiary of the ICRC’s microeconomic initiative programme

I was in disbelief when I first heard that I'd be given a new leg. It felt like a dream. But after arriving at the DJF, the reality of what was happening started to sink in, that my dream of walking on two legs again was about to come true.

Ricardo A patient in the physical rehabilitation programme run by the ICRC and the Davao Jubilee Foundation (DJF)

The world needs more humanitarians, especially where government functions have almost collapsed because of conflict. We need humanitarians who are kind, compassionate and have a lot of empathy.

PJae Maulana Health delegate

Our services in the Philippines

  • Our activities include livelihood assistance, health care and improving access to clean water.

  • International humanitarian law, also known as the rules of war, seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict.

  • We help address the effects of extreme overcrowding in jails.

  • We provide medical items, technical support and physical rehabilitation.

  • Our Restoring Family Links initiative supports people who have missing family members.

  • We work with the PRC’s wide network of staff and volunteers to help people in vulnerable situations.

Open positions

Analysis and Evidence (A&E) Specialist
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FAS Program Adviser
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HR Officer
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EcoSec Field Officer
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Staff Health Assistant
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Contact us

Address

17th floor, NEX Tower, 6786 Ayala Avenue, Makati City 1229, Philippines

Telephone

0917 543 7313 (Globe) OR 0998 960 0114 (Smart)
Write to us

Community Contact Centre

Telephone

0917 543 7313 / 0998 960 0114

Opening Hours:

8am – 5pm
Monday - Friday

Our work with the Philippine Red Cross

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is our primary partner in helping people affected by armed conflicts. We work together to provide the basics of life – food, water, shelter and health care – when there are gaps in the overall response. We enhance the PRC’s capacity to respond safely to emergencies through material and technical assistance, and we support their efforts to promote IHL.

Go to the Red Cross page