Leyte Center for Development Inc., (LCDe)
LCDE is a disaster response and development-oriented nongovernment organization (NGO) that extends services to the disaster-stricken communities in Leyte and Samar.
The agency was established in 1986 and was formerly named as the ILAW Resource Center. Its programs included research and socio-economic services. In 1988, it was registered with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) as the Leyte Center for Development and Education (LCDE). In the same year, the agency became an affiliate of the Citizens’ Disaster Response Network (CDRN).
In 1992, the program of LCDE shifted from development education to disaster response and management, and sustainable community development program in response to the changing needs and conditions of the region. Its name was also changed to Leyte Center for Development, Inc.
LCDe has implemented numerous projects on disaster risk reduction (DRR), emergency response and poverty alleviation for more than 30 years. The organization has served at least 300,000 families or 1.3 million people from 73 municipalities since 1988. LCDe has won awards for its development and humanitarian work.
The LCDe focuses on community-based disaster response and sustainable community development. It has partnered with 23 local government units (LGUs) in Samar and Leyte Islands, and receives support for its programs from private corporations and at least seven countries.
LCDe reaped praises in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, helping distribute food, shelter kits, houses, and cash for work to 23,000 families in 11 municipalities, with aid from global groups CARE, Diakonie, World Jewish Relief, Peace Wind, Civic Force, Hope Bridge, and Mercy Relief.
The Philippine National Volunteers Association named the organization the Most Outstanding NGO in Volunteer Work and Leader in 2015.
The Department of National Defense named it in its 2006 National Gawad Kalasag Award as an Exemplary NGO in Disaster Preparedness and Humanitarian Response.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development Office in Eastern Visayas (Region 8) named LCDe its Most Outstanding Partner in the 2003 Salamat Po Award.
On May 2024, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) under the Marcos Jr. government froze the bank accounts of the Leyte Center for Development Inc (LCDe) on fabricated charges of terrorist financing.
LCDe has played a crucial role in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) programs and emergency response in the Eastern Visayas region for 36 years.
Its relief and medical missions, livelihood and early recovery, and disaster risk reduction capacity building services have benefited at least 270,000 families or over 1.35 million individuals from 373 barangays in 41 municipalities in the six (6) provinces of the region. During Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in November 8, 2013, LCDE program areas with Disaster Preparedness Committees had zero (0) casualties because of their preparation and ability to conduct organized evacuations.
"I survived one of the strongest typhoons in the world." Minet Aguisanda-Jerusalem recalls the November day in 2013 when typhoon Haiyan caused havoc in the Philippines. "Everything was destroyed, we only got away with our lives." But Minet is a fighter.
The director of the aid organization, Leyte Center for Development supported 23,000 families with her team. Today she helps communities better prepare for future disasters. Her team supports reforestation, mangrove planting near the coast, and shows communities how to protect their belongings from storms and floods. The aid workers create evacuation plans and pass on their knowledge to dedicated villagers.
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