Image: Taken during Typhoon Rai, Philippines, 2021.
Coastal communities in the Philippines are facing an environmental and humanitarian crisis after an oil tanker sunk in stormy weather off the coast of Manila Bay. The oil spill from the tanker has led to fishing bans, devastating local communities which are heavily dependent on fishing for both their livelihoods and their own food consumption. CARE International UK and our partners are assisting the most vulnerable groups affected by the spill, distributing cash to ensure families can meet their basic needs such as food, water and healthcare.
The spill, which has been exacerbated by heavy rainfall and strong winds from typhoons, now covers up to 84 square kilometres of Manila Bay and has had severe environmental impacts. Over 162,000 people are affected, many of whom have no alternative sources of income to fishing and need emergency food supplies, clean water, sanitation, health services and livelihoods support. It has also caused extensive damage to marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds which are vital for biodiversity.
Rapid funding kickstarts CARE's humanitarian response
CARE International UK has partnered with Action Against Hunger and a local partner in the Philippines to deliver cash assistance through the START Fund. The START Fund provides early and rapid funding to ensure organisations working in humanitarian contexts can quickly mobilise resources to deliver support, ensuring communities are not left waiting for the help they need. The project will support over 5,300 people across two provinces, with cash distributions to support those left without access to food or income, and community engagement activities to communicate the risks of the oil spill to health, the environment and livelihoods.
CARE International UK’s commitment to vulnerable communities worldwide
The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance globally is at unprecedented levels. Timely and effective humanitarian action such as our response in the Philippines lays the groundwork for longer-term recovery and resilience-building. By addressing immediate needs and laying the foundation for sustainable development, humanitarian efforts support communities’ ability to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of crises. This is we have prioritised humanitarian response in our 2023-2026 Strategy and will continue to build on our extensive experience working with vulnerable communities around the world.
