CECI - Centre for International Studies and Cooperation

Published purpose

Typhoon Haiyan (also known as Yolanda) struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013, and was one of the worst storms in recorded history. Almost 15 million people were impacted and over 6,000 died. An estimated one million people were pushed into poverty. While victims received humanitarian relief (including from Canada) in the immediate aftermath, the Government of the Philippines has identified ongoing needs for economic reconstruction and the restoration of lost assets and livelihoods. With Canada’s support, CECI is advancing the sustainable long-term economic recovery of 7,500 households in Leyte, Samar and Eastern Samar provinces. Project activities include: (1) providing training and other assistance for resilient agriculture and fisheries; (2) building disaster risk reduction planning capacity of communities and government officials; (3) assessing and addressing potential skills gaps for employment in the region; and (4) facilitating the development of new and existing micro, small and medium sized enterprises, and strengthening their financial and business management skills. CECI is working with a Filipino partner organization, the Centre for Emergency Aid and Rehabilitation (CONCERN), to implement the project. Funding for this project is sourced from the Government of Canada's $85.6 million Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund, which matched donations by Canadians in response to the typhoon.