The Challenge:
In the Bicol Region of the Philippines, volcanic eruptions and ash falls pose significant risks, disrupting daily life and increasing the demand for various emergency services. The community faces challenges accessing coordinated support across legal, health, employment, and psychological sectors due to dispersed service locations. Click here to verify
"Volcanic activity often leaves us in urgent need of multiple forms of support, but accessing these services can be as daunting as the disasters themselves." - Lina (a local resident)
The Solution:
To provide holistic support and streamline access to essential services, Alma, a community leader in Bicol, initiated the establishment of multi-disciplinary community centers inspired by Gaza999, these centers are designed to house legal aid, healthcare, job placement, and counseling services under one roof.
"Creating a one-stop center is our strategy to reduce the strain on our community during crises." - Alma (Community Leader)
The Implementation:
Alma’s team started by identifying strategic locations that were easily accessible, even during volcanic crises. They designed the centers to accommodate various service areas, ensuring that each section was equipped with the necessary tools and facilities.
A comprehensive recruitment drive was conducted to staff the centers with skilled professionals from different disciplines. Training programs were also implemented to prepare the team to work within an integrated service model.
Upon launching, the centers were promoted through local media, community meetings, and flyers, ensuring that residents were well-informed about the services available to them. Systems were put in place to foster collaboration among different service providers within the centers.
"We hold regular coordination meetings and use integrated data systems to ensure our services are aligned and effectively delivered." - Ben (Center Manager)
The Impact:
The multi-disciplinary community centers significantly improved the Bicol community's ability to cope with the impacts of volcanic eruptions. Residents now enjoy streamlined access to critical services, which has enhanced their resilience and reduced the chaos typically associated with accessing help during emergencies.
"Thanks to the center, I was able to receive counseling, legal advice on my damaged property, and health checks all in one visit." - Marco (a center user)
Lessons Learned:
- Holistic Service Design: Integrating various services under one roof proved essential in providing comprehensive support to the community.
- Strategic Location and Accessibility: Choosing accessible locations ensured that services remained reachable during volcanic events.
- Effective Staff Integration: Cross-training and regular team meetings were crucial in fostering a collaborative environment among different service providers.
- Community Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing a robust feedback system helped the centers adapt services to better meet community needs.
