About the Training
A new chapter of hope and resilience is being written. in the vibrant town of Bago, Philippines, In a country prone to typhoons and earthquakes, these communities lose their crops, homes, and even lives. Bago and its Fairtrade producers took their first steps toward empowerment and preparedness through the Fairtrade Producers Emergency Response Project. Designed to equip smallholder producers with essential skills to respond to emergencies, this project is about more than just survival—it’s about ensuring that when the next crisis strikes, these communities will not only endure but emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.
The two-day training was intended to offer immediate relief during crises and to develop a long-term strategy to help producers adapt to climate change and build resilience for the future. The Basic Life Support (BLS) Training was at the core of this initiative, equipping participants with vital life-saving skills.
The Heart of the Project
Driven to provide Fairtrade producers with life-saving emergency skills, along with developing strong partnerships with local authorities and humanitarian agencies for coordinated efforts, utilizing innovative technologies such as early warning systems for enhanced preparedness, and promoting community resilience, the project training session was an early success that set a positive spirit for future collaboration and progress.
The project aims to equip Fairtrade producers with life-saving emergency skills, build strong partnerships with local authorities and humanitarian agencies for seamless coordination, harness innovative technologies like early warning systems for heightened preparedness, and foster community resilience.
Basic Life Support Training: A Pillar of Support for Resilient Communities
The Basic Life Support (BLS) Training, which included six Fairtrade-certified small producer organizations (SPOs), was a highlight of the project. Thirty-two participants (21 women and 11 men) were trained by experts from the Provincial Health Office and Radiant Inc. over two days. The emphasis was on life-saving techniques like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), rescue breathing, and foreign body airway obstruction management.
Along with lectures and demonstrations, the program included thorough hands-on assessments on the second day of the training. The participants ‘ performance was closely assessed after practicing these methods on adult and kid mannequins. Upon qualifying for the exams, the Department of Health Region 6 will officially recognize candidates as Certified Lay Rescuers.
Immediate Impact
The course of action had an immediate and significant impact. Many of the participants, including barangay health workers and emergency responders, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to acquire these essential skills. They acknowledged the importance of these life-saving techniques, not only for their own families but also for their broader communities. As one participant expressed.
“This training has given us the knowledge and confidence to step up in emergencies. We are now equipped to save lives, whether it’s in our families or our communities.”
The training made a real impact on Fairtrade producers, who now have the skills to manage emergencies more confidently. With these new abilities, they’re not just preparing for future disasters—they’re also building stronger, more connected communities that can handle challenges together and support each other.
Building a more resilient future
The initiative extends beyond immediate emergency aid. It is a commitment to developing stronger, more resilient communities capable of overcoming the challenges of climate change and recovering from natural catastrophes in a sustainable way. The initiative extends beyond immediate emergency aid. It is a commitment to developing stronger, more resilient communities capable of overcoming the challenges of climate change and recovering from natural catastrophes in sustainable ways. The Fairtrade Farmers Emergency Response Project is making an ongoing difference in the lives of those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change by equipping farmers with life-saving skills while building connections with critical stakeholders.
With continued assistance and training, these communities are learning to prosper in the face of difficulties rather than just dealing with emergencies. The Fairtrade Producers Emergency Response Project highlights how focused, coordinated actions may empower disadvantaged communities and build a better, more sustainable future for everyone.
