After the powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Maasim, Sarangani on June 8, people across southern Philippines found themselves without homes, belongings or food. Sixty-five individuals lost their lives, 1,447 were injured and more than 736,000 found themselves homeless. Critical infrastructure was also damaged, including 884 public facilities, 130 roads, and 47 bridges, making access to remote communities extremely difficult.
Dignity Food packages and drinking water lined up for distribution
HHRD Relief is Both Mental and Physical
Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) launched emergency relief efforts, delivering Dignity Food Survival Packages containing essential food and clean drinking water. In addition, Psychological First Aid assessments were conducted to help connect survivors to mental health resources.
Learn more about HHRD’s aid in the Philippines: Philippines Relief
This is a new and unique project component, based on an understanding that people need more than just tangible relief in the aftermath of an emergency. As necessary as a meal and bottled water are to survival, the trauma of the earthquake must also be addressed.
“When you think about mental health, all that comes to mind is Western practice,” one participant said. “It is nice to know there is Quranic teaching and Islamic guidance as well.”
After speaking with survivors and giving them resources to combat depression and anxiety, HHRD teams distributed 200 food packages, each containing 5 kilos of rice, 6.6 liters of water, and assorted groceries.
Handing out Dignity Packages to earthquake survivors
The distribution team was told to brace for aftershocks, but did not experience any effects of the earthquake themselves.
For families who have lost homes, livelihoods, and access to basic services, receiving food and water was not the only relief they found that day. The support of donors and volunteers is an important part of the project. Not only can survivors feed their families, but they have been made aware that people around the world care.
Life Before Rebuilding
In disasters of this scale, every act of support carries weight.
HHRD’s work in the Philippines continues, driven by the belief that humanitarian aid must protect both life and dignity, and that even small contributions can create meaningful impact for families rebuilding after crisis.
