The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Educo Philippines recently conducted an Impact Analysis and After-Action Review (AAR) for Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Pepito (international name: Man-yi), assessing its effects on fisherfolk communities and evaluating the response of the CERF-Anticipatory Action (CERF-AA) Project.
The Impact Analysis was carried out last February 25 and 27, 2025, with three partner fisherfolk associations in Barangay Cabcab, San Andres, and Barangays Baldoc and Marambong, Pandan, Catanduanes. Facilitated by the FAO with support from Educo Philippines’ Catanduanes team, the assessment utilized focus group discussions (FGDs) with boat owners, boat laborers (known as “sakay” or “tripulante”), and wives of fishers.
The FGDs examined community conditions before, during, and after the CERF-AA intervention, highlighting the anticipatory actions taken by the associations before STS Pepito’s landfall and their post-typhoon recovery efforts. Findings revealed that fisherfolk in Cabcab, San Andres adopted anticipatory strategies, while those in Baldoc and Marambong, Pandan focused on rapid response activities. Participants were divided into four groups: male boat owners, female boat owners, male boat laborers, and female boat laborers. Each discussion lasted two to three hours and provided substantial data and valuable insights into the effectiveness of early action initiatives in protecting fishing boats and gear.
On February 26, 2025, an After-Action Review of the pilot CERF-Anticipatory Action Project took place, bringing together key stakeholders from the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) and representatives from seven municipalities: Baras, Bato, Gigmoto, Pandan, San Andres, San Miguel, and Virac. All these areas benefited from the Multi-Purpose Cash (MPC) assistance provided by the UNFAO. Additionally, five fisherfolk associations in Baras, Gigmoto, Pandan, and San Andres used the funds to procure materials for the protection and safe evacuation of their fishing assets.
The AAR involved a series of workshops, reporting sessions, and in-depth discussions, with Educo staff assisting in facilitation.
The event was attended by key FAO representatives, including Mr. Lionel Dabbadie, FAO Representative in the Philippines (FAOPH); Ms. Catherine Jones, FAO Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer for Asia (FAORAP); and Ms. Ruth Georget, FAO Philippines – CERF-AA Head (FAOPH). Representing Educo Philippines were Mr. John Vincent Dumadangon, Specialist for Humanitarian Action, and Mr. Adan A. Monterde, Area Manager for Catanduanes.
The Impact Analysis and After-Action Review provided critical learnings on the effectiveness of anticipatory action in reducing the storm’s impact on fishing livelihoods, helping to inform and strengthen future disaster preparedness efforts for vulnerable communities.
