The German Red Cross has been working with the PRC (Philippine Red Cross) on the development of Early Action Protocols in the framework of Anticipatory Action measures since 2017. The Anticipatory Action approach focuses on taking proactive measures based on forecasts, early warnings and risk analysis to reduce the adverse effects of imminent disasters on vulnerable communities.
The PRC has already developed Early Action Protocols for Floods and Typhoon, using forecast information and risk analysis to pre-agreed financing for implementing early actions that prevent losses of life and livelihoods before floods or typhoons strike. Micro-businesses in the Philippines are often heavily affected by flooding, with owners losing their stock to flood waters and revenue due to disruption in sales. As part of their existing Early Action Protocol (EAP) for floods, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) considers temporary relocation of micro-businesses as a potential early action which will support vulnerable micro business owners to temporarily relocate their businesses before the potential flood occurs. The idea of assisting the owners of vulnerable micro businesses before floods first arose during stakeholder consultations in 2019, when the PRC was still primarily focused on rural settings. The PRC is currently conducting feasibility of including this as an early action in the Flood EAP. If it is feasible, the guideline will also include typhoon.
The development of guidelines on anticipatory temporary relocation of vulnerable micro businesses will enhance Philippine Red Cross’ capacity to implement the action in a timely and effective manner.
