CARE International’s work in the Philippines
CARE has worked in the Philippines since 1949, partnering with communities to address poverty, malnutrition, and vulnerability to crises. Early efforts included nationwide school feeding programs to improve child nutrition.
Today, CARE works in a country highly exposed to natural disasters, including typhoons, flooding, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. CARE supports communities affected by repeated crises by combining emergency response with longer-term programs that help families recover and rebuild.
CARE and partners’ work in the Philippines today
CARE works with government agencies, civil society organizations, and local partners to respond to disasters and support communities over time. Our work focuses on:
Crisis response
CARE supports communities affected by disasters by providing food, cash assistance, shelter, and essential supplies. CARE also supports women-led response efforts and works with local partners to reach those most affected.
Health
CARE works with communities to improve access to health services, including support for community health workers. Programs such as the HEAL Hub provide training and tools to strengthen local health services, including mental health and support for non-communicable diseases.
Climate
CARE supports communities to better prepare for and respond to climate-related risks through disaster preparedness and nature-based approaches.
Making the economy work
CARE supports farmers and communities to strengthen livelihoods through agriculture and market access. Programs such as aGAP (Asenso sa Good Agriculture Package) help connect farmers to markets and financial services.
CARE works closely with local partners to ensure programs respond to community needs and priorities.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the centre of CARE’s work in the Philippines and play a critical role in community resilience. CARE prioritizes women’s leadership in humanitarian response, health systems, and livelihoods, and works in partnership with women-led organizations like the National Rural Women’s Coalition at the national and local levels.
CARE supports women and girls to:
- Lead disaster response and recovery in crisis-affected communities
- Strengthen health and wellbeing through initiatives such as the HEAL Hub and NCD LOVE, which support women community health workers to improve primary healthcare and early detection of non-communicable diseases
- Build economic security through agriculture and livelihoods, including programs such as WE EMPOWER, which supports women farmers in value chains, and aGAP, which trains women as agricultural roving agents
- Expand opportunities for young women through youth-focused livelihoods and resilience initiatives in disaster-prone areas
Across programs, CARE works with women community health workers, women farmers, and young women leaders to ensure solutions are locally led, inclusive, and sustainable.
For recent updates on CARE Philippines, see here.
