Summary of Wings CRS – Mabalacat Pampanga Philippines Emergency Feeding Mission (April 2020 – February 2021)
Purpose:
The Wings CRS Emergency Feeding Mission in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines, aimed to mitigate imminent starvation for 450 at-risk families in the Mabalacat Dau barangay. Without swift intervention, many faced the tragic potential for loss of life due to pre-existing poverty-related nutritional deficiencies, worsened by strict lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the pandemic, daily earnings ranged from $7 to $11 USD, while the minimum cost of maintaining two daily meals for a family was $18 USD.
Key Objectives:
- Deliver essential food supplies.
- Ensure consistent access to basic nutrition for vulnerable populations.
- Build partnerships for effective outreach.
- Follow health protocols to ensure safe distribution.
Major Events and Accomplishments:
- Launch of Rice Distribution (April 2020):
- Provided rice to families severely affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
- Launch of Milk Distribution (June 2020):
- Distributed milk to address the urgent needs of over 300 infants under age 3 who lacked milk due to their mothers’ inability to breastfeed, caused by prolonged poverty.
- Health and Safety Measures:
- Strict adherence to PPE, social distancing, and sanitation protocols.
- Sustainability Efforts (January – February 2021):
- Shifted focus to community recovery through livelihood training and agricultural support.
Outcome:
The mission provided life-saving rice and milk to support 450 families, stabilizing households until the 10-month lockdowns ceased and families could return to work to provide for their families. Wings CRS intends to return to Mabalacat Dau to construct a Wings CRS Community Life Centre and homes for homeless families, strengthening the Mabalacat Dau community’s resilience against future catastrophic threats.
The Wings CRS Emergency Feeding Mission exemplified coordinated relief in times of crisis, serving as a model for future efforts through timely aid and strategic partnerships.
Mahalo, and may God bless us in this mission to save more lives!