Since 2009, DIB has partnered with its Philippine partner organization ALTERPLAN to make civil society itself, the driving force in disaster prevention. They thus help locals in vulnerable areas of the Philippines to strengthen their ability to improve their own situation.
In the Philippines, slums are often prioritized when making
improvements. Municipal administrations lack capacity and money, and they can therefore neither involve the residents nor identify and meet the needs that are in the slums. And this is exactly where the project distinguishes between DIB, ALTERPLAN and the civilian population themselves: They examine the conditions in the slum, including the access to water, hygiene conditions, opportunities for education and access to health care - all something that is often a deficiency in the slum. The problematic conditions in the slum are thus specified, and on this basis improvement proposals are prepared for the local plans. Residents can now submit specific project proposals when negotiating with the municipal administration about future local plans.
Several city councils have expressed enthusiasm for the project as it contributes with knowledge and data and they can therefore put in where the need is greatest. It has already shown effects in municipal budgets for the coming years, in which citizen service and better infrastructure will be given higher priority.
Thanks to
DIB vil gerne takke alle, der har gjort dette projekt muligt. Først og fremmest en stor tak til fotograf Jørgen Nielsen for hans engagement og vedholdenhed under fotograferingerne. Det gælder også alle de filippinere, der har talt
med os, og som har ladet sig fotografere. Derudover vil DIB gerne takke vores mangeårige samarbejdspartner ALTERPLAN for deres engagerede arbejde for bedre vilkår for udsatte i den filippinske slum.
Finally, it should be said that Slum Blues would not have come into being without the support of CISU - Civil Society in Development.