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OUR MISSION:
Health Assistance
Uplifting the health and well-being of families affected by natural calamities in the Philippines through empowered, community-based healthcare.
OUR VISION:
Network Development
A network of resilient communities with self-sustaining healthcare that prioritizes holistic well-being as a catalyst for sustainable economic progress.
REBUILDING LIVES, RESTORING HOPE
Lending a Hand to Indigent Families Living in Calamity Zones in the Philippines
The Philippines, one of Asia's poorest nations, faces many challenges due to its vulnerable location. A staggering 18.1% of the 112 million Filipinos live below the poverty line. Additionally, the country bears the unfortunate burden of being exposed to a high frequency of typhoons, monsoonal floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. These natural disasters have earned the country the top position on the United Nations’ World Risk Index (WRI). Consequently, the communities we assist are also plagued by extreme poverty and have encountered numerous setbacks due to these calamities. Sadly, their limited resources and lack of political capital have impeded the recovery of vital medical, public health, and educational services. This one-two punch means without outside help, their chances for recovery are next to nil.
Going Beyond Humanitarian Aid
At HAND-Philippines, our goal is to help communities recover and thrive after natural calamities by prioritizing the health and well-being of their constituents. We focus on delivering community-based healthcare through Rural Health Units (RHUs, which are village-level health stations) by involving community members, local health workers, and civic organizations in planning, delivering, and managing their healthcare programs. We prioritize repairing and rehabilitating RHUs and community childcare centers that natural calamities have destroyed. We provide technical expertise, financial support, essential equipment, medications, and supplies. We work with a team of US-based medical professionals through medical missions and telehealth consultations. Additionally, we organize under-five feeding programs and community childcare services, which address childhood malnutrition and enable mothers of young children to participate in economic activities, thereby supplementing family income. Education is also important to us, as we support early childhood education. Our comprehensive programs empower these communities, enhance healthcare infrastructure, and promote long-term recovery and development.
Inspired by the Bayanihan Spirit
Bayanihan is a concept deeply rooted in Filipino culture and tradition. It refers to the spirit of communal unity, cooperation, and helping one another in need. Derived from the word "Bayani," meaning hero, the essence of Bayanihan embodies the principles of mutual aid during adversity and holistic support for the community. This ethos revolves around the core values of generosity, compassion, and unity, fostering a profound sense of solidarity and social cohesion within the community. It was the Bayanihan Spirit that inspired a small group of doctors and nurses in Maine and California to form HAND-Philippines in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. It is the same Spirit that drives our officers, staff, and volunteers today to dedicate their time, talent, and resources to better the lives of people half a world away.
You can make a difference today!
Join us in transforming the lives of vulnerable communities in the Philippines. Your donation to HAND-Philippines enables us to provide sustainable healthcare, empowering those affected by calamities and catalyzing economic development and resiliency.
