Together we can do more

CBM-Asia South East Regional Director Rainer Guetler shares updates regarding the future direction of CBM Philippines. He also talks about the Post-Emergency Response Implementation Programme (PERIP) in the Philippines.

Dear Partners and Friends,

Welcome to the maiden edition of our newsletter ‘Insights’. The date for the launch of the newsletter coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. CBM, as a Disability Inclusive Development Organisation, is committed to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities and actively promotes the commemoration of this day, which is celebrated upon initiative of the United Nations since 1992. CBM is working jointly with the United Nations, in particular with World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are applied and that disability relevant action is included in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (MDGs).

CBM and partners are working closely together to implement the Philippine Country Plan (2017-2021). The Plan specifies strategies to further develop Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID), an area of work, which is vibrantly active in the Philippines. Initiatives in Inclusive Eye Health, Ear and Hearing Care, Inclusive Livelihood, and Inclusive Education are complementing and supporting these Community Programmes and are highlighting good practice for future integration into national programmes as envisaged by the Philippine Government.

The theme of this year’s day of Persons with Disabilities - ‘Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all’, is very relevant in this context. For CBM and partners, Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) as well as disaster preparedness and in case when disasters strikes, emergency response form integral pillars of CBM’s CBID work in the Philippines. Incidentally, our typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan post emergency implementation plan came to completion in 2017. In these three years, together with our partners, CBM could meaningfully contribute to overcoming the effects of the typhoon and we could build up expertise in DIDRR as well as being prepared to respond to future disasters, if necessary.

At our recent partners meeting, held from 13 to 15 November, we had meaningful exchanges through sharing and planning sessions. We are working actively to design the cornerstones of our joint future work. The fact that our office will transition into a CBM Country Office by mid-2018 will allow us even greater focus in advancing the implementation of CRPD and MDGs in the Philippines.

I wish you interesting readings of articles in this newsletter from CBM staff and partners and that these may inspire you for your own work.

As we are preparing for the holidays and for year-end, I wish you a successful conclusion of 2017 activities, well-deserved rest, and meaningful celebrations with your loved ones, as to whether we can start together refreshed in 2018.

Truly yours,

Rainer Guetler
Regional Director CBM-ASE

 

This article is part of CBM Philippines' Newsletter - 'Insights'. To subscribe, go to our Facebook page and click the Newsletter button.