After the distribution of vegetable seeds, food, and hygiene kits in October 2016, the ICRC team returned to the same villages to bring farm tools.
The ICRC convoy went through rough terrains to reach the conflict-affected communities in Surigao del Sur.
To reach the villages, the team used different modes of transportation. In the remote town of Marihatag, for example, the farm tools had to be unloaded from the trucks, then transferred to a raft to carry the goods to the other side of the river.
After the team crossed the river, they had to carry the tools from the raft then reloaded on rented motorbikes to finally reach the affected communities.
In the villages, ICRC staff explained our work to protect and assist conflict-affected communities and the purpose of the visit.
Around 900 families received various farm tools to help them prepare their fields for the forthcoming planting season.
A woman from San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, removes weeds from a vegetable plot planted with pechay greens (white Bokchoy). The seeds of five different varieties of vegetables were distributed back in October.
“With these tools, we can now work more productively. We used to borrow tools from our neighbors just to have our farm tilled. The ICRC followed up on our situation since we were displaced in Tandag City until we returned to our homes. We are very thankful for your sincere help,” said Andres Montenegro, 48, of Marihatag, Surigao del Sur.
In September 2015, armed violence displaced hundreds of families in Surigao del Sur. A year later, they returned home but still struggle to meet their basic needs. In December 2016, the ICRC and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) distributed much-needed farm tools to around 900 families. Photos by ICRC/ L.Lagasca
