Together We Stand

[ 85 ] classification of safe and unsafe zones in determining the location of subprojects identified by communities. In areas hit by Yolanda, there has been an increasing proportion of CDD subprojects focusing on basic access infrastruc- ture and environmental protection and conservation (for example sea wall, drainage and flood control). Most of the subprojects built by communities, using a CDD approach under a predecessor government programme to KC-NCDDP, survived the devastation of Yolanda. Most of them were still standing and some needed only minor repairs. Given the strength and scale of Yolanda, which could be considered the ‘new normal’, KC-NCDDP adopts more resilient designs and standards of subprojects. As of 31 December 2015, KC-NCDDP subprojects reached 14,331, of which 91 per cent are in areas affected by typhoon Yolanda. ADB has supported 68 per cent of these subprojects or a total of 9,709, comprising 3,221 completed subprojects (33 per cent); 2,332 ongoing (24 per cent); and 4,156 that are approved but have not started construction (43 per cent). Most of these subprojects are access infrastructure (access roads, footpaths, small bridges or footbridges); basic social services (classrooms, health centres, day-care centres, water system); and community production, economic support and common service facilities (post-harvest facilities, irrigation). Under KC-NCDDP, with support from multiple stakehold- ers, communities can access the resources and help they need. They can plan and efficiently use the community grants for their priority needs, with adequate support from national and local governments, community-based volunteers and other stakeholders. Communities are able to maintain the standards for transparency and handling of funds. While the Philippines recovers from the aftermath of Yolanda, the country remains one of the world’s most natural-hazard- prone countries: nearly 60 per cent of the total land area is exposed to multiple hazards such as floods, earthquakes, tsuna- mis, landslides and volcanic eruptions; the country experiences about 20 typhoons yearly; and about 74 per cent of the popu- lation is vulnerable to disasters. Thus, the country’s future is certainly replete with risks and, hopefully not, disasters. Yet we are also certain that with the seeds sown by KC-NCDDP through CDD in training and empowering communities, and in building their confidence and strengthening their spirit of volunteerism, they are better prepared in the face of natural disasters. And while we believe in the human spirit and its capacity to rise above adversity, people are made stronger and better with the thought that they are not alone; they are an entire community working towards a single purpose — the better- ment of their quality of life — for their families, partnered with a government that supports, guides and empowers them through CDD. In the words of a beneficiary, CDD can be summed up in these simple words: “The community was protected. Those who worked in physical labour were able to earn. The people became united. The volunteers learned manage- ment. We got knowledge.” This is building resilience. Image: Department of Social Welfare and Development A 50 linear-metre flood control with footbridge subproject, built under KC-NCDDP, reduces the risk of flooding in a school in Biliran Province T ogether W e S tand