CADIS ASIA-PACIFIC CONFERENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES STARTS

Twenty-two (22) participants from India, Taiwan, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Italy and the USA gathered in Cebu City, Philippines, for the conference organised by CADIS International on resource mobilisation in the Asia-Pacific region.

During the first day, the programme was presented, followed by a session on ‘The Power of Resilience: Personal and Community Strategies’ by CADIS International Director, Fr. Aris Miranda, MI. Through a review of the most recent 2023 studies conducted by EM-DAT (Emergency Events Database), the area of the world most affected by natural disasters is Asia, and the Philippines ranks first among the 15 countries in the world at the highest risk of natural and other disasters. 

Due to globalisation and worldwide interconnectedness, crises that begin in one country or region can spread to other regions of the world. At the individual level, multiple crises can not only jeopardise livelihoods and future opportunities but also have a significant impact on (mental) health. During the coronavirus pandemic, for instance, psychosocial and economic stress increased worldwide. Hence, the importance of disaster preparedness, both for the government and the population. For this reason, CADIS International believed that - ‘If the poor and disaster-vulnerable communities that CADIS is assisting are transformed into empowered and eCon-resilient communities, then development in these communities will occur’. (Theory of Change)

To get into the spirit of the conference, during the second session the Visayas Primary Healthcare Services (VPHCS) organisation, CADIS partner in the Philippines for the project “Promoting Disaster Resilient Communities in Cebu” invited some beneficiaries of the women's empowerment programme. The women shared their experience of precariousness and insecurity, which, thanks to the current project, has been alleviated through the formation of community groups led by the women themselves. This was a new awareness for them as they realised the importance of cooperation in the community and increased their skills, despite the difficulties and precariousness both economically and socially. 

In the afternoon session, the various CADIS Thailand, CADIS Australia, CADIS Taiwan, CTF India and CTF Philippines shared their best practices of resource mobilisation and completed and ongoing activities. 

At the end of the day, an interesting contribution from the United States sharing the new frontiers of fundraising. The official presentation of the contest to create the logo, anthem and prayer for CADIS International's 10th anniversary was also presented. (guidelines HERE).