The MYM honoree I want in a super typhoon

Dear Champion,

Right now , there is another Category 5 super typhoon called Uwan hitting the Philippines. In recent months, back-to-back storms and earthquakes have caused destruction and instability across the country, leaving communities struggling to recover.

In times like these, it’s ARK partner leaders like Mayor Malou Respicio of Reina Mercedes, Isabela whom I want at the helm leading me and the people to safety and, post-storm, to recovery.

Why? Mayor Malou sincerely cares for her people. She wants ALL of them to have their own food source so that no matter what happens– even during super typhoons– they will be secure. Last year five typhoons hit Reina in under eight weeks. She said that because of Feed Back, people had food before, during, and after.

This year is her third consecutive year of partnership, and to date 14 out of 20 Reina barangays have graduated or are doing Feed Back! This is 70% penetration of Feed Back, one of the highest in any municipality.

Second, Mayor Malou trusts and supports her barangay kapitans. She believes in their ability to lead and makes sure that they know she has their back.

Yang, our Senior Engagement Manager who is leading Wave 11, shared that despite her busy schedule, Mayor Malou joined the ARK team for an ARK Kapihan or gathering with hesistant community leaders of a semi-urban barangay. She listened intently, helped the council see the vision behind Feed Back and the future we're building together in Reina Mercedes. While she acknowledged the real challenge of having very limited planting space, Mayor Malou believed in them. Her encouragement assured the council that even in small spaces, they can prove to themselves that they can produce their own food.

Third, Mayor Malou dreams big and wants Reina Mercedes to be the land of opportunity and community. She is partnering with ARK to pilot market connections that provide more income for the families - from compost, open-pollinated seeds, and vegetables! She wants to bring in industry that will draw new people and keep families together in Reina Mercedes.

Lastly, we honor Mayor Malou to show our gratitude. As the head of ARK, I am deeply deeply grateful for her trust in the team and the love and care she shares with them when they are on the field in Reina.

She ensures everything is ready for every ARK Team engagement with the barangays, whether it’s a council meeting or an in-person learning journey. The team never has to worry because Mayor Malou has consistently delivered since the very first wave she partnered with us.

To our Champions, help Reina Mercedes and other partners bounce back from this typhoon.

Your bid rebuilds communities for good

To Mayor Malou, mabuhay ka! Thank you for leading your people especially during hard and dangerous times, for being an example for others, and for inspiring us to no end.

Agmayanak unay,

Ayesha

P.S. See how our partners prepped for the storm: