ASSISTNow Newsletter for Q1-2025

AgriSagana CornVention Equips Farmers: Strengthening Supply Chains

Last December 2024, the AgriSagana project, a partnership between Cargill and ASSIST, achieved a major milestone with the handover of retrofitted post-harvest facilities (PHFs) in Cagayan and Quirino provinces. These facilities, powered by solar panels and batteries, were designed to enhance the resilience and productivity of local corn farmers affected by frequent typhoons and weather disturbances. By integrating climate-smart infrastructure, the initiative supported sustainable agricultural practices while improving farmers' livelihoods. The facilities enabled efficient processing and storage of corn seeds, reduced operational costs, and promoted eco-friendly practices, addressing both immediate challenges and the long-term demands of sustainable agriculture.

Additionally, the AgriSagana Cornvention, held in December in the Cagayan Valley Region, empowered 1,218 corn farmers with sustainable farming knowledge. Events in Tuguegarao City and Isabela equipped farmers with skills in Good Agricultural Practices, climate adaptation, corn quality management, and yield improvement strategies. Key collaborators, including local universities, the Agricultural Training Institute, and the Department of Agriculture, provided valuable expertise. This initiative fostered stronger partnerships with agricultural institutions and government agencies, marking significant progress toward long-term agricultural resilience and food security in the Philippines.

Building Resilience: ASSIST's MoD Initiative Engages Communities Across India

On International Disaster Risk Reduction Day, ASSIST participated in an event hosted by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) under the theme "Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future." The event spotlighted the innovative Master of Disaster (MoD) initiative, a gamified approach to disaster preparedness that engaged over 700 attendees, including government officials and educational leaders. Building on this success, FLAME University hosted an interactive MoD session for 40 undergraduate students, led by Dr. Balaji. Aligned with the UN's Sendai Framework, the session covered disaster terminology, classification, and response strategies, equipping students with practical knowledge to address real-world crises, particularly as India faces climate-related challenges.

Further expanding its impact, ASSIST India showcased the MoD initiative on November 23, 2024, at a vibrant event hosted by Women’s Christian College, Chennai, alongside over 25 NGOs. The stall became a hub for collaboration, attracting interest from professors keen to implement MoD in their institutions and engaging students eager to explore internships and partnership opportunities. With active participation from 16+ colleges, these efforts demonstrated ASSIST's commitment to fostering resilience, empowering communities, and preparing future leaders to tackle disaster challenges. Through initiatives like MoD, ASSIST continues to advance sustainability and capacity-building for a safer and more prepared future.

CLEANSE Project Completes 4th Cleanup Campaign in Ho Chi Minh City

On November 21, the CLEANSE Project successfully completed its 4th cleanup campaign, making significant strides in restoring water bodies across Ho Chi Minh City. Since its launch, the project, in collaboration with Grundfos Vietnam and Saigon Xanh, has focused on tackling pollution in canals and rivers by collecting waste, installing garbage buoys, and deploying microbial bombs to improve water quality. Each campaign has mobilized dedicated volunteers and engaged local communities, not only in cleanup efforts but also through awareness activities to emphasize the importance of protecting water resources. These campaigns are part of a larger initiative to clean 20 water bodies and organize 10 awareness events, fostering a sustainable and healthier environment for future generations.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Empowering the Filipino Youth Through the Pro-Digital LOOP Project

Last September 2024, ASSIST Development Solutions (ADS) launched the Baseline Study for the Promoting Digital Literacy for Learning and Optimized Online Protection (Pro-LOOP) project, initiated by ChildFund Philippines. The study, conducted across 10 public elementary schools in DepEd Manila District, gathers insights on digital literacy and online safety challenges. The findings will shape Pro-LOOP’s implementation, improving learning support, teaching methods, and online safety practices. This initiative is a crucial step toward a digitally inclusive future for Filipino youth.

Dive more into ASSIST’s transformative work and discover the impact we’re making in communities—explore our initiatives and stories in our ASSISTNow Newsletter for Q1-2025.

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