Typhoon Hayian (Yolanda) hit one of the poorest parts of the Philippines, first landing in Guiuan, where 60% of people lived below the poverty line before the super storm. Restoring livelihoods quickly will be critical to stop people falling deeper into poverty. Helping people diversify their sources of income, and to add value to what they produce will also build their resilience against future shocks.

Typhoon Hayian (Yolanda) hit one of the poorest parts of the Philippines, first landing in Guiuan, where 60% of people lived below the poverty line before the super storm. Restoring livelihoods quickly will be critical to stop people falling deeper into poverty. Helping people diversify their sources of income, and to add value to what they produce will also build their resilience against future shocks.

Through UNDP's support to the recovery of the Visayas, 25,000 vulnerable people have secured temporary jobs clearing debris – almost half are women. In line with government policy, the workers earn a minimum wage. They are selected in coordination with local authorities and community leaders to ensure that the job opportunities are available to those that need it most. They are paid weekly, and each person is employed for at least 15 days.

598 vulnerable people (200 women) are currently enrolled in the skills training programme focused on carpentry, masonry, electrical and plumbing. This will enable them to develop the skills and competencies to rebuild, repair and eventually rehabilitate their own shelters, and other damaged community infrastructures.