San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines – Last December 18-19, Lingap Pangkabataan, Incorporated [Lingap] hosted a Training-Workshop on Humanitarian Response Strategy for its six staff members and 12 representatives from its Board, member churches, community and children partners. The two-day workshop aimed to strengthen collaboration and build capacity to deliver effective, ethical disaster action grounded in humanitarian principles and local perspectives, and form a Lingap Humanitarian, Emergency Action and Response for Transformation [HEART] team.
The first day focused on the history and guiding values of humanitarian action. Facilitator Mike Mercado of the Center for Disaster Preparedness traced humanitarianism’s origins from 19th century missionary outreach to modern global aid networks. Participants learned how events like world wars gradually professionalized humanitarian response.
Mercado explained humanitarianism rests on principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Aid must be given based solely on alleviating suffering, not political affiliations. Workers cannot take sides or seek to force religious conversions. Assistance should strengthen local capacity, not foster dependence.
“We realized good intentions aren’t enough,” shared one of the participants. “Aid must empower communities to become more resilient over the long term.”
The workshop introduced globally recognized Core Humanitarian Standards, which promote greater accountability to disaster-affected populations based on their input and feedback.
The training revealed that we often make assumptions instead of consulting people on the ground. Communities must shape priorities, not outside organizations.
Presentations highlighted how power imbalances and lack of coordination among humanitarian actors can undermine ethical delivery of aid. Kuya Mike called for partnerships between international and local groups to close gaps while reinforcing community self-reliance, a concept known as localization.
“I learned that relief which disempowers local capacity can actually increase risk over time,” explained LPI Board Treasurer Saturnino Garvida. “Upholding dignity means working with people, not just giving handouts.”
Lingap recalled one sobering example during the Typhoon Yolanda aftermath. Well-intentioned donors provided affected fishing community with a modern fiberglass boat. But unfamiliar with local conditions, these donors didn’t realize traditional wooden boats were more suited to the area’s fishing environment. Local even doubt the safety of these vessels and in case these were broken, how they can repair them. The “modern” new vessels sat unused, eventually becoming a flowerpot.
This illustrated the critical need for contextual understanding. Participants left the intensive first day better grasping the principles guiding what is truly equitable, ethical humanitarian action.
“In our relief work, compassion must link with practical caring that respects rights and culture,” emphasized Ms. Ana Liza Cortez, Lingap Board member. “Spiritual duty manifests through principles.”
Equipped with strengthened grasp of humanitarian principles, participants proceeded to the workshop’s second day. Part 2 of the workshop offered tangible examples of humanitarian standards in practice from relief organizations like the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, World Vision Development Foundation and the Philippine Relief and Development Services, Inc. Participants also shared their group/organization’s experiences and programs in terms of disaster response. Participants appreciated sharing on incorporating community feedback and addressing systemic vulnerabilities before the next disaster happens.
By workshop’s close, enthusiasm was palpable as participants identified key steps to strengthen Lingap’s humanitarian action applying lessons learned. Recommendations included preparing risk-informed, resilience-focused programs owned by the local partners including the children, not outsider organizations. Participants pledged to advocate for policy changes and establish systems addressing root causes of further suffering including strengthening of documentation, monitoring and evaluation systems.
Lingap must continue to build evidence and capacity for youth participation, protection and leadership. Children’s needs should inform all phases of humanitarian action.
“Though storms will still come, we now have tools to deliver relief that protects dignity while building resilience,” added Ms. Cortez, summing up the energy and commitments generated. “Working together, equipped with these humanitarian foundations, we can uplift communities for the long haul.”
For decades, LPI has aided Filipino children and families through poverty and disasters. Using a timeline, Ate Cathy explained the different humanitarian situations when Lingap worked and facilitated response, early recovery and rehabilitation among its community partners. Trainings like this reaffirm the organization’s dedication to principled partnerships that empower vulnerable groups to withstand crises.
Humanitarian values must remain steadfast even as changing climate, technology and conflicts alter the emergency relief landscape. By internalizing principles of humanity and accountability, frontline workers can respond efficiently while prioritizing those in greatest need. In crisis after crisis, upholding the essence of ethical action matters most.