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ARTICLE : Integrated CSR: Corporate Social Responsibility For Who

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By Gen Dela Cruz

Corporate social responsibility or CSR is encouraged as companies’ fair share of contribution in efforts towards social welfare. It is essentially seen as something one-way, that is; benefitting only those who are direct beneficiaries of the CSR programs. This is a common oversimplification of the nature of CSR, and frankly, CSR can offer a lot more than that. CSR done thoughtfully and meticulously can serve as a win-win for the firm and the beneficiaries. The upsides to taking CSR seriously are plentiful and among them include benefits to the society, employee morale, public image and many others, therefore, there is a case to be made that firms might want to put more thought and effort into their CSR programs.

In “The Marketing of Employee Volunteerism” by Peloza (2009), he discussed different ways on how firms heighten their investments in CSRs and how it yields a positive impact not only to the communities being served but also for the volunteers and the company as well. First, companies that present commitment to the causes they select, exert effort into participating in their own projects. Whenever they engage in volunteer work, people develop a deeper understanding of their advocacies which is the essence of CSR. Aside from this, the social impact of a company’s CSR volunteer program often leads to higher returns from their investment. Firms are expected to “receive increased rewards from the market” as a sign of support from those who also stand by their cause. It is a good mechanism that generates strong public trust and builds up a good image for the company. Moreover, companies that integrate their employees into CSR programs, appear to be “more desirable to potential employees  and report lower turnover costs.” This is because the employees are motivated by their ego, altruism, and organizational citizenship. Volunteer work is far different from the everyday mundaneness of the office life. Given participation in company CSR projects, employees are given the chance to engage with other people in their company outside of the workplace setting. Boosting their morale, they are given the opportunity to meet new people, represent their company, and satisfy their craving for new learning and social interaction. It also enhances the employees’ capacity for social exchange as they recognize the organizational citizenship among themselves, creating a mindset of working voluntarily for others.

Moreover, Peloza suggests that in order to craft an effective CSR program, firms must align it to their business model. He proposes that “firms can increase the value, and ultimately the competitive advantage, of their philanthropic investments through increased alignment between the charitable cause and business strategy; a more long-term partnership focus; and providing ‘in-kind donations’ such as equipment, expertise, and employee volunteers rather than more cash donations.” CSR programs that are in the same field where their business operates, allows a better communicative relationship between the company and the community. Given these, companies are encouraged to integrate their employees in their CSR programs through intra-organizational volunteerism wherein “an employer who develops the volunteer opportunity (including the selection of the charity partner) offers these opportunities to its employees.”

Companies that reach out to those in the grassroots and implement programs that are also in line with their businesses, create a nourishing process of development. It is suitable for the companies and communities to engage in long-term partnerships to form a more fruitful alliance geared towards sustainable development. Integrating employees into CSR activities is an ingenious way not only for companies fortifying public trust but also for the general public to gain consciousness of social realities.

It is clear that CSR is not just for the beneficiaries, nor is it just for the firms or employees. Under the right circumstances and direction, CSR can be for everyone involved. There is something positive to take away and to give on all sides and that is what is sometimes left out of the common conversation on corporate social responsibility.


Reference

Peloza, John, et al. “The Marketing of Employee Volunteerism.” Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 85, 2009, pp. 371–386. JSTOR, JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/40294847

ARTICLE:Facts on CSR in the Philippines

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By Gen Dela Cruz

Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR, aims to pioneer social change through an effective evaluation and implementation of projects aligned with the business’ operations and strategies. Beyond this, benevolent CSR programs are seen as beaming lights of hope as its objective is to help others with marginalized advocacies or those in vulnerable communities where social services are weak. It serves as an avenue where companies engage with their clients or even their personnel on a personal level, outside a corporate setting. In a developing country such as the Philippines, there is an incessant call to give aid to those who need it the most. Given the state of the country where there is a lack of support for social services, growing inflation rate for basic necessities, and underdevelopment, businesses must not be oblivious to the plight of our society. With the resources accumulated by companies, charitable CSR projects make a great impact on communities, giving them an opportunity to better themselves.

The first step to effective CSR is to analyze and reflect if the company is conscious of social realities. Corporate Social Responsibility does not require only external intervention. It can also be done in a company’s internal management. Ensuring the wellness of one’s labor force and adhering to fair and just labor practices also answer the call of social responsibility. Moreover, it is crucial that a company assesses the social impact of its business operations, whether it is on the environment or on society. When it comes to external intervention, it is important to take into account where the company’s competencies and abilities meet society’s needs to ensure maximum impact. This will be the ultimate starting point of all CSR endeavors as they strengthen public trust through intervention in vulnerable, underprivileged communities.

 

When and where do we begin?

 

There is an opportunity to associate a company’s CSR programs to focus on proactive projects that advocate for a holistic sustainable development to give the underprivileged an opportunity for social mobility and a better quality of life. The Philippines is currently faced with a plethora of challenges, among these are:

 

1.     Environment

 

In a country that ranks 3rd highest in terms of vulnerability to climate change and 4th most disaster-prone country in the world, the Philippines stands defenseless against the wrath of the environment that has already washed away lives of many Filipinos such as in 2015 when Typhoon Haiyan hit Leyte and took at least 6,000 lives.

 

2.     Health

 

There are also problems in health as for the growing HIV infection rate with 11,103 new reported cases in 2017 (DOH) and the significant rise in the suicide rate wherein at least six individuals commit suicide every day. In poverty-stricken areas, hunger and malnutrition remain to be the pressing problem among children. For the Philippines, general and even mental health which has become consequential concerns.

 

3.     Education

 

Despite the ability to produce quality and driven student, Filipino public schools are in deep need of classrooms and supplies to support their schooling. Because of the growing population and poverty, more and more children fail to grab the opportunity of going to school, which is why scholarships and donations are one of the main things that underprivileged people look forward to.

 

4.     Other sectors

 

Aside from the aforementioned, there is a myriad of sectors where help would be appreciated such as landless farmers who were slighted by the poor implementation of agrarian reform, indigenous people who are being harassed out of their ancestral lands, orphans, out-of-school youth, internally displaced people who came from conflict areas in Mindanao and many others. There is no shortage of sectors, areas, fields or regions that could use extra assistance.

With everything society is facing, the pressure to address these key issues and to aid these marginalized sectors is tremendous and although it will be a long arduous process, society has to act with urgency and attentiveness. Now is the best time to take part in helping others. If not now, then when?

 

Improving Corporate Social Responsibility

 

Given the ever-changing context of society, it is imperative that we craft a deeper understanding of CSR. Corporate Social Responsibility is usually thought of as outside intervention by a company; as philanthropic, but there is an argument to be made that CSR should become more developmental than philanthropic. Increasingly complex social issues have brought about the need to move past donation and philanthropy, and into CSR becoming an ethos of a business itself. This means that in line with the terms “social responsibility” companies should make sure that all their endeavors are socially responsible and that all their practices and work environment also promote social justice. When it comes to actual Corporate Social Responsibility projects, new CSR implementers should take the vast complexity of social issues into account and create dynamic, long lasting and sustainable solutions for the communities and sectors they engage.


References

Acuna, Melo. “Growing Number of Young Filipinos Committing Suicide.” UCANews, The Union of Catholic Asian News, 12 Mar. 2018, www.ucanews.com/news/growing-number-of-young-filipinos-committing-suicide/81759

Flores, Hele. “Climate Change Vulnerability: Philippines Ranks 3rd.” The Philippine Star, 21 Mar. 2018, www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/03/21/1798866/climate-change-vulnerability-philippines-ranks-3rd

Lapeña, Carmela. “SPECIAL REPORT: Suicide and the Pinoy Youth.” GMA News Online, 17 July 2015, www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/healthandwellness/524070/special-report-suicide-and-the-pinoy-youth/story/

Mogato, Manuel, and Michael Perry. “Philippines Has Highest HIV Infection Growth Rate in Asia-Pacific: U.N.” Reuters, 1 Aug. 2017, www.reuters.com/article/us-health-aids-philippines/philippines-has-highest-hiv-infection-growth-rate-in-asia-pacific-u-n-idUSKBN1AH3CW

Montenegrogma, Bea. “Philippines 4th Most Disaster-Prone Country in the World – UN Report.” GMA News Online, GMA News Online, 25 Nov. 2015, www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/weather/545760/philippines-4th-most-disaster-prone-country-in-the-world-un-report/story/

Regencia, Ted. “Philippines: HIV Cases up 3,147 Percent in 10 Years.” Israeli–Palestinian Conflict | Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, 19 Feb. 2018, www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/02/philippines-hiv-cases-3147-percent-10-years-180219090618348.html

ESSILOR MANUFACTURING PHILIPPINES INC. won CSR Creative Award at CCI Business Awards 2018

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By Patrick Martinet (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/essilor-manufacturing-philippines-inc-corporate-social-martinet/)

During the “Business Awards Night Ceremony” June 7th, 2018 organized by CCI France-Philippines, Essilor Manufacturing Philippines Inc (EMPI) was recognized for its Corporate Social Responsibility actions by France-Philippines United Action through their Executive Director, Ms. Elodie Turpin.

This Special Price and Award, recognizes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) actions conducted in 2017 to contribute to eradicate uncorrected poor vision and “improving lives by improving sight.”

This 2018 Business Awards Night organized for the 30th anniversary of CCI France-Philippines has honored innovative actions across all industries as well as social contributions through their commitment to community and environment’s sustainability. This special award given to EMPI is in effect a recognition for all the actions done by Essilor companies in the Philippines.

Patrick Martinet, EMPI Managing Director, informed that among the 7.4 billion people around the world who need to protect and preserve their vision, if only from the harmful effects of the sun, more than 4.6 billion of them really need vision correction to improve their sight (due to myopia, presbyopia,, etc. ). But only 2.1 billion have access, leaving room for a large population of 2.5 billion people with uncorrected vision problems.

This is the reason why Essilor decided to eradicate uncorrected poor vision. So a broad program was launched through Essilor Vision Foundation and supported by the group’s different entities in more than 100 countries worldwide.

In 2017, around 20,000 people benefited from EMPI’s visual screening, about 40 % have needed vision correction, and destitute people as well as school children were awarded eyeglasses.

All these actions have been made possible with the strong support of local opticians and full involvement of many EMPI’s employees who are proud to contribute to the Essilor Group Mission.

Pernod Ricard Philippines conducts Responsib’All day in Taal Lake, Batangas

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June 7 2018, Pernod Ricard’s Responsib’All day sees its 18,500 employees spending a whole day away from their daily tasks to engage in over 100 local community projects. Pernod Ricard is one of the world’s leading wines and spirits companies.

For this 8th edition, the group chose to focus on SDG6 “clean water and sanitation” and SDG15 “life on land”. In line with Pernod Ricard’s commitment against plastic pollution, this year, 40 projects are dedicated to clean water where employees clean lakes, rivers and beaches, in various countries around the globe including the Philippines.

On this special day, Pernod Ricard Philippines spent the day cleaning Taal Lake and sharing convivialité with the local communities.

The purpose of the environmental activity, specifically the Taal Lake Coastal Cleanup was to increase awareness among communities and citizens on SDG 6 “Clean Water and Sanitation” , engage citizens to remove trash and debris from beaches and waterways, to identify the sources of the litter, and to change the behaviors that cause pollution, and provide assistance to the local fishing communities by providing technology and equipment to measure water viability.

Participants were divided into 5 groups with including Pernod Ricard employees and DENR representatives. Each group was assigned to clean a specific area previously identified by the implementing partners and given an hour and a half to complete the waste collection. The collected wastes were segregated and sorted per category by each participating group. All groups reconvened for the data analysis of the waste collected from the clean up.

Pusod Inc. provided a waste data checklist for the participants. The waste data collection and monitoring was supervised by representatives from the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR).

The company also donated aquaculture kits to Taal Lake fisherfolk to help them assess water conditions for fish growth and water vitality.

This project was organized in partnership with France-Philippines United Action Foundation, the Bato-Balani Foundation and in cooperation with the local government of Taal, the Taal Lake Conservation Center or Pusod Inc.

Team David’s Salon races for FPUA

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Remember, last February, Team David’s Salon participated in the Tigasin Ronda Norte, a 600 km bike course from Manila-Pasig to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Upon completion the team received Php 100,000 which they chose to donate to the France-Philippines United Action Foundation.

This course was actually just a warm-up for the team who is about to compete in the biggest challenge of their life. 3000 miles, 12 states, four rivers, three major mountains ranges, is what Team David’s Salon will be cycling through in taking part of Race Across America (RAAM). The race will start in Oceanside, California on June 17. The team has 9 days to reach the finish line in Annapolis, Maryland.

Impossible, you think? Nothing is for this first mixed relay team to represent Southeast Asia and the Philippines in the world’s toughest and longest time trial race. Team David’s Salon, is comprised of two males and two female cyclists: Guillaume D’Aboville, a Frenchman living in the Philippines for more than three decades, Colin and Carmela Pearson, a Filipino-British couple, and Vanessa Bandoy Hans, a young French-Filipina. They are strongly supported by David’s Salon, Inc., Fuji Haya Electric, and LS Korea.

 

More than just a test of strength, endurance, and team dynamics, team David’s Salon want to raise both awareness and funds for a cause. They chose to support France-Philippines United Action Foundation and our projects to help typhoon Haiyan’s victims. Even though it has been almost four years since its landfall, many are still living in extremely precarious conditions. Currently, FPUA is focused on building its third rehabilitation village in Bogo City, Northern Cebu which will benefit 46 families. The Foundation is committed to continue its mission to build resilient communities and provide safe, decent living for all. In line with this, FPUA also developed Health and Child Welfare programs for the communities.

 

We are so excited to follow them on their bikes! Stay tuned for more updates! Don’t forget to check our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/frenchunitedaction/?fref=ts

Follow Team David’s Salon on their website, click  https://raceacrossamerica2017ph.wordpress.com/home/  or on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/raam2017tds/?fref=ts

To support the team and the Foundation you may contact us through email at:

elodie.turpin0@ccifrance-philippines.org

 

Team David’s Salon races for FPUA

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Remember, last February, Team David’s Salon participated in the Tigasin Ronda Norte, a 600 km bike course from Manila-Pasig to Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. Upon completion the team received Php 100,000 which they chose to donate to the France-Philippines United Action Foundation.

This course was actually just a warm-up for the team who is about to compete in the biggest challenge of their life. 3000 miles, 12 states, four rivers, three major mountains ranges, is what Team David’s Salon will be cycling through in taking part of Race Across America (RAAM). The race will start in Oceanside, California on June 17. The team has 9 days to reach the finish line in Annapolis, Maryland.

Impossible, you think? Nothing is for this first mixed relay team to represent Southeast Asia and the Philippines in the world’s toughest and longest time trial race. Team David’s Salon, is comprised of two males and two female cyclists: Guillaume D’Aboville, a Frenchman living in the Philippines for more than three decades, Colin and Carmela Pearson, a Filipino-British couple, and Vanessa Bandoy Hans, a young French-Filipina. They are strongly supported by David’s Salon, Inc., Fuji Haya Electric, and LS Korea.

 

More than just a test of strength, endurance, and team dynamics, team David’s Salon want to raise both awareness and funds for a cause. They chose to support France-Philippines United Action Foundation and our projects to help typhoon Haiyan’s victims. Even though it has been almost four years since its landfall, many are still living in extremely precarious conditions. Currently, FPUA is focused on building its third rehabilitation village in Bogo City, Northern Cebu which will benefit 46 families. The Foundation is committed to continue its mission to build resilient communities and provide safe, decent living for all. In line with this, FPUA also developed Health and Child Welfare programs for the communities.

 

We are so excited to follow them on their bikes! Stay tuned for more updates! Don’t forget to check our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/frenchunitedaction/?fref=ts

Follow Team David’s Salon on their website, click  https://raceacrossamerica2017ph.wordpress.com/home/  or on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/raam2017tds/?fref=ts

To support the team and the Foundation you may contact us through email at:

elodie.turpin0@ccifrance-philippines.org

 

Updates: Construction on site 3 is closed to completion

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The rehabilitation site being built in barangay Cayang in Bogo city in northern Cebu is the third project of France-Philippines United Action Foundation. This project is part of a bigger program named “Building back better” which aimed to offer safe and resilient homes to communities affected and vulnerable to natural disasters.

As of end of January 2017, 6 units are already completed and 40 units are all at different level of construction. Some units have primers and are ready for topcoat, others are ready for painting when the days get dry and some are partially painted. There are also units ready for installation of roofing.

The rainy weather in Cebu in December 2016 and this January 2017 delayed the construction. As the roads were slippery and the field muddy, the construction moved slowly during this period.

The summer season about to start in the Philippines will be able to give the final kick to the construction of the remaining 40 units.The construction of the units should be completed by the first semester of 2017.

 

FP-UA is welcoming donations for the site development. In order for the beneficiary families to be able to move in, the Foundation needs funds to provide them with essential and basic needs such as electricity, water, and a set of simple furniture (bed, tables and chairs).

To raise the necessary funds, the Foundation is giving companies or organizations the opportunity to be part of our “Sponsor a Family” program. With a donation of Php 150 000, you will be able to allow one family to move to a safe and new home. The houses have been specially designed by a local architect and is unique at FPUA. The Hyperbolic Paraboloid House Design allow the houses to withstand up to intensity 8 earthquakes and 275-300 kilometer-per-hour winds.

Once completed, the village will also serve as a refuge for the surrounding communities like our two first site which were used as evacuation centers during the previous typhoons.

We would like to thank all our donors; companies, organizations, individual donors; who are contributing to improve lives of typhoon Haiyan victims by taking part of our project.

If you are interested to contribute to the “Sponsor a Family Program” and help victims of typhoon Haiyan to rebuild their lives in safe and secure houses, you may contact elodie.turpin@ccifrance-philippines.org.

Team David’s Salon raised Php 100,000 for FPUA

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This week-end, Team David’s Salon participated to the Ronda Norte 600, the first ride for a cause by Northern Cement Corporation organized by Trisports Solutions Inc.

On Sunday morning, the 6-woman/man team successfully completed the 600 km between Manila (Pasig) and Ilocos Norte (Pagudpud). They chose to donate the Php 100,000 raised, to support the France-Philippines United Action Foundation.

 

On the left: Team David’s Salon entering Laoag city in Ilocos Sur, on Sunday morning,On the right: Team is snacking at the last checkpoint before the finish line.

Team David’s Salon arrives at Pagudpud at 11:00am and concludes their TRN600 journey!

Thank you Team David’s Salon for choosing FP-UA Foundation, we look forward to follow you this June!

Stand by for more updates on the race !

 

 

 

 

Updates: more than 70% completion for the construction of houses on Site 3

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The houses being built on FP-UA’s Site 3 in Bogo City, barangay Cayang, north of Cebu Island, are getting closed to completion.

According to our NGO partner, Habitat for Humanity Philippines, as of end of November 2016, 2 units were already completed since the month of July 2016 and 44 units were all ongoing construction at various levels. The construction project is now at 73% accomplishment.

The construction of the units should be completed by the first quarter of 2017.

FP-UA is now welcoming donations for the site development. In order for the beneficiary families to be able to move in, the Foundation needs funds to provide them with essential and basic needs such as electricity, water, and a set of simple furniture (bed, tables and chairs).

To raise the necessary funds, the Foundation is offering companies or organizations to be part of our “Sponsor a Family” program. With a donation of Php 150 000, the companies or organizations will be able to allow one family to move to a disaster and earthquake resistant home. Once completed, the village will also serve as a refuge for the surrounding communities.

31 beneficiary families still need your help. The companies sponsoring our project will have their names and logos included in all our marketing collaterals and communication to the Filipino-French community about the project. The companies would also receive a photo of the sponsored family in front of their new house at the inauguration.

We would like to thank all our donors; companies, organizations, individual donors; who are contributing to improve lives of typhoon Haiyan victims by taking part of our project.

If you are interested to contribute to the “Sponsor a Family Program” and help victims of typhoon Haiyan to rebuild their lives in safe and secure houses, you may contact elodie.turpin@ccifrance-philippines.org.

Meet our Beneficiaries

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Last November 14, the French photographer Arthur Perset visited the villages of FP-UA in Cebu. He met some of the future beneficiaries of the site currently being built in Bogo City and listened to their stories. He also talked to the current beneficiaries of our very first village, the “French Village” in barangay Agujo in Daanbantayan where 76 families now live. Here are their stories.

Future beneficiary families from barangay Sambag in Bogo City

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Maximino from barangay Sambag in Bogo City in front of his current house. Barangay Sambag is a slum next to the sea. He has been selected to be relocated in the FP-UA relocation site

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Maximino and his dog inside his current homes.

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Richard, Nenette and their child Hyacint in front of their house in barangay Sambag. They have also been selected as one of the beneficiary families to be relocated to the FP-UA village.

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A home in barangay Sambag. This barangay has been identified for the selection of beneficiary families because of the poor conditions in which people live in there and its proximity to the sea. It is a “no-build zone” and a very dangerous area in times of typhoons.

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Another home in barangay Sambag, Bogo City.

 

Ongoing constructions in barangay Cayang in Bogo where the Foundation’s relocation project is located

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Future home being built

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Ongoing constructions. Once completed, the village will be composed of 46 homes as well as a multi-purpose center.

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Workers onsite.

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Workers on site

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A worker on site.

 

Visit to the first rehabilitation village of FP-UA in Daanbantayan Municipality, also in the north of Cebu Island

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Menita and her children in their new house.

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Menita and her children in front of their new house in barangay Agujo in Daanbantayan

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Arlene and Nanay, two neighbours in the French Village in Daanbantayan.

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Neighbours chat in front of their houses in barangaya Agujo, Daanbantayan.

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Kids of the French village

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A mum and her kid in the French village.

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Ms Cuyos taking a stroll with her kid through the village.

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The French village in Daanbantayan. This village was inaugurated in November 2015.

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On the left side, the family Cuyos and on the right side, the family Fortunato.

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Analene visits her former village, which was very close to the sea.

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Analene visits her former village, which was very close to the sea.

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This is one of the homes in her former village.

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The village was very close to the sea. Most of the beneficiaries lost their homes there during typhoon Haiyan because of the storm surges.

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Analene in front of her former house.

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A street vendor parcours the French village, where Analene and her family have been relocated, looking for clients.

We would like to thank Arthur Perset for taking and sharing these photos.