In the northernmost reaches of the Philippines, along its vast coastline, fishers have long enjoyed the bounty of the sea for their sustenance. Mahi Mahi, marlin, mackerel, grouper and octopus: the species abound. While inland, the fertile soil also gives generously, producing fresh fruits and vegetables for its attentive farmers.
Natural resources are abundant across this province of Cagayan, making it one of the most important agricultural areas in the country. Paradoxically, this same location that gifts the region with these treasures is also the location of yearly powerful typhoons that endanger lives and livelihoods.
In 2024 alone, six tropical cyclones barreled through this area of the country and devastated boats, nets, coastal shelters, agricultural fields and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.
By September 2025, the local department of agriculture estimated the damage to fisheries and agriculture in the province at more than US$13.7 million (P807.14 million), the highest across any region in the Philippines.
Many fishers and farmers had not yet rebuilt what they had lost when a new threat emerged two months later: Super Typhoon Fung-Wong (Uwan). This time, the community resolved not to endure the same losses again.
With extreme weather conditions becoming the new normal, the community has understood that their work now goes beyond farming and fishing: it includes protecting their harvests, equipment and infrastructure from typhoons and acting well before one hits.
When the weather forecasts warned of the approaching Super Typhoon Uwan, the fishers of the Sinag Fisherfolk Association in San Juan, Santa Praxedes wasted no time.
They trekked for an hour from their upland homes to reach their coastal village and retrieve their fishing boats. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the local government supported the fishers in evacuating boats from the coast, bringing them inland and then tying them down with ropes and nylon, purchased as part of an unconditional cash transfer from FAO.
Further east in the province in Buguey, 55 members of the Minanga Este Fisherfolk Association coordinated the same feat, moving boats to safer ground.
Meanwhile, women in both communities prepared meals, repacked goods and ensured families had enough provisions ahead of landfall.
This was bayanihan—the Filipino spirit of mutual support in times of need—in its purest form. And it was anticipatory action in practice.
Farmers securing their future
While fishers moved quickly along the coast, farmers inland were also preparing. With support and technical expertise from FAO and the Department of Agriculture, three farmer groups moved stored seeds and fertilizers to safe areas, reinforced livestock shelters and made sure other assets were protected using materials purchased locally through anticipatory cash assistance.
Amor Daluson, president of the Gunglo Dagiti Mannalon ti Portugal farmer group, said they previously had limited means to secure their agricultural assets.
“We did not have much equipment to use, but we were very happy when support from FAO arrived because we now have additional tools to help us take care of our crops and livestock,” he said. “This assistance means food security for the community.”
Cabaleng San Isidro Farmers Agriculture Cooperative chairman Gilbert Respicio emphasized the timeliness of the assistance. “The materials we received enabled us to secure our facilities, livestock, equipment and crops,” he said.
The collective effort protected US$37,000 (P2.15 million) worth of agricultural assets, demonstrating the effectiveness of proper planning and early action. FAO News
Lessons beyond Cagayan
The timely interventions allowed these communities to strengthen not just their agricultural structures but also their confidence in managing risks.
At national level, the Philippine government has now adopted the landmark Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act, institutionalizing anticipatory action as part of the country’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework.
As Super Typhoon Fung Wong finally passed, the boats remained intact, the fishing gear secured and the community ready to return to sea. The farmers, too, have resumed their agricultural activities with renewed fervor.
For the people of Cagayan, resilience is not just a reaction to disaster, it is a commitment to their community and their way of life. Fishers, farmers and their families are proving that with preparation, know-how and bayanihan, communities can weather even the most powerful storms.
This achievement in anticipatory action was made possible with the generous financial support of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the Federal Republic of Germany through FAO’s Special Fund for Emergency and Resilience Activities (SFERA) and the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).
It reflects years of close collaboration between the government of the Philippines and FAO.
The government of Australia has additionally provided funds for livelihood recovery efforts in the Cagayan province. FAO News
FAO News
