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Stories From The Field

Adelaide Principe, UNHCR ERT

Adelaide Principe, UNHCR ERT

Adelaide "Gigi" Principe is an inspirational UNHCR team member who recently undertook her 37th field mission - this time to the Philippines after the 2009 cyclones.

Gigi, when did you join UNHCR and what is your role?

In 2010, I reached 30 years of service with UNHCR and my specialisation is in establishing new field offices and accommodation in emergency situations. I can really say that my career has been meaningful, challenging and rewarding.

You recently went to the Philippines, your home country. Can you tell us what UNHCR does there and what the situation is like right now?

In 2009 the Emergency Response Team (ERTeam) was dispatched to Manila to respond to massive displacement after four major cyclones. In March 2010, upon the request of the government, UNHCR established a presence in Cotabato, on the southern island of Mindanao, to help the affected people. This region is a conflict area where UNHCR activities include protection assessment and monitoring, implementing long-term solutions of return and reintegration, and also providing shelter and other types of assistance.

What was your role in this latest emergency?

At first, I was deployed as an Admin and Programme Officer for the Emergency Response to the national disaster in Manila. I established the office of the ERTeam and recruited local staff. After that, I shuttled between Manila and Cotabato every week to help establish our presence in the south, identify new premises, supervise the renovation work and recruit local staff. The field office is now fully operational.

What is the situation of internally displaced people in Cotabato?

There has been displacement in Cotabato for many years due to the recurring nature of the conflict. According to recent estimates, around 100,000 people remain internally displaced across the Mindanao provinces. They want to return home but their chances are really remote at the moment due to several factors, including the lack of security and their need for support to restart their lives.

What did you find the most rewarding about your last mission?

To work with my people in my own country was a very rewarding experience.

What did you find the most challenging?

In many field operations the degree of hardship and the suffering is severe and almost unbearable. I was convinced that the media reports had exaggerated the scale of the destruction and despair.  But when I arrived back in my country after 35 years, what I witnessed was beyond my imagination. It made me realise that I am so lucky to have a family, a meaningful job and a roof over my head. I wish I could have done even more. I keep on praying for these people.

Are there any ongoing issues?

Internally displaced persons have strong hopes that UNHCR will find a lasting solution to their situation. In the short term, material assistance like shelter and non-food items is really needed, but we also need more staff on the ground to help. Unfortunately, the provision of this assistance can be delayed due to limited funding.