Food for work helps 6,000 families in Zambo city

MANILA, Philippines – Residents of Zamboanga City affected by fighting between government soldiers and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were left with absolutely nothing in the aftermath of the battle. 

According to residents of Barangay Mampang, food was so scarce that no one was willing to sell food. 

To address this immediate concern, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) initiated a Food For Work program in Zamboanga City. The program gives survivors the opportunity to get needed food and restore their human dignity. In exchange for rice, the beneficiaries were asked to do their part to rehabilitate their communities.

The WFP also conducted seminars on livelihood projects and oriented residents on ways they can rebuild their damaged barangays, such as by planting mangroves along unused areas in three coastal barangays. 

Hunger in conflict

The Zamboanga City military battle left thousands of families displaced. Their farms were destroyed and left to rot as the armed struggle went on for two weeks in September 2013. 

The conflict had immediate consequences on the health of surviving women and children. Some 276 children were found to be malnourished according to a report in November 2013.  

Food security

The WFP’s initiative was able to help 6,000 families. As of April 3, 2014 these families were able to cover 502 hectares with almost 5 million mangroves.

The most damaged places are now sources of mangrove propagules by the local government unit. The fishing industry was also revived to serve the needs of the locals.  

From just one sack of rice to last them each day, residents now worry less when it comes to feeding their families. – Rappler.com