Philippines, 2019). Thousands remain displaced even today (Protection Cluster Philippines, 2018). These families have lost more than just their homes; they have lost their livelihoods and access to basic human needs such as health care and education. Many are also struggling with mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, as children lose vital years of schooling and face malnutrition and hunger amid food insecurity (International Committee of the Red Cross, 2017). With little to turn to, families find themselves in survival mode, which only exacerbates their poverty. What complicates displacement further is that it locks populations into cycles of poverty. Without sufficient support, families often spend generations trying to get back on their feet (n.d. Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies). In Marawi, displaced families are now facing the appalling scenario of being deprived of their temporary shelters as leases are set to expire, leaving many in abject poverty (SES Journal, 2023). The toll is long-term, not only on the parents who lost their jobs, but their children and grandchildren as well, who will bear the scars of this crisis.It’s a cruel reality, and voices like Atom Araullo’s become ever so important. The stories of displaced families and refugees, both in the Philippines and abroad, have been at the forefront of the career of Atom Araullo as a journalist and humanitarian advocate. Through his work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and by reporting through platforms such as “The Atom Araullo Specials,” he has been able to shed light on the human side of these crises, garnering public and policymakers attention (Sorilla, 2022). Atom Araullo, an advocate for poverty reduction supporting refugees, including those displaced by the Marawi violence, highlights how humanitarian efforts contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty. 

Many of Araullo’s documentaries center on communities on the margins, where poverty and displacement are inseparable from the fabric of daily life. His storytelling isn’t about numbers or policies; it’s about what it’s like for people touched by conflict, disaster and systemic neglect. In his features—one, for example, where he documented the aftermath of the Marawi Siege; another, on internally displaced persons (IDPs) in conflict areas in various parts of Mindanao—Araullo highlights the deep psychological, economic, and social cost of being displaced. His reports make visible those who are otherwise rendered invisible. By elevating the voices of survivors, Araullo moves the conversation past charity and toward sustainable solutions. His work, for instance, exposed the shortage of long-term housing, livelihood programs, and psychosocial support for the displaced households of Marawi. Buildings will rise again, Araullo points out, the infrastructure rebuilt, but no amount of dredging of silted rivers, no number of donated homes can make up for what’s lost in displacement—dignity, community, hope. In addition, the humanitarian work spearheaded by Araullo and similar advocates has helped reframe how the public perceived displacement. Displaced persons are far too often seen as passive aid recipients. What the TV stations missed, though, and the media in general, this is their narrative and Araullo challenges it, saying: No, these people are resilient, they've proven that, they're capable, they're able, they just need support and they would be able to get their lives back on track if given that support. This change of viewpoint is vital for dismantling the stigma around poverty and displacement, the least to say the kind of pay to affect kinder and better policy making. 

But awareness alone is not enough, which is where advocates like Araullo come in, exerting pressure on governments and international agencies to provide tangible support. For example, the Marawi crisis has exposed shortcomings in the design and implementation of recovery and rehabilitation programs. And though billions are pledged for reconstruction, many displaced families remain in limbo, unable to go home or build permanent livelihoods. These advocacy efforts help keep the issue in the public eye, preventing it from fading into obscurity now that media attention has moved away from it. Humanitarian advocates also emphasize the need for an intersectional approach to dealing with displacement and poverty. Women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities are often disproportionately affected by situations of forced migration. In Marawi, for example, it is women-headed households who, especially, have faced barriers to finding income-generating opportunities, vulnerable as a result to exploitation. In the meantime, displaced child are dealing with broken education and the trauma of violence and instability, with the added danger of a lost generation if actions are not up to par. Above all, displacement is seldom a temporary condition. For most families, what begins as a temporary dislocation turns into a long-term crisis that stretches across years or decades. This “chronic displacement” has serious implications for long-term development and peace-building.  

But without access to stable housing, education and livelihoods, displaced people often find themselves stuck in informal economies, where they face the threat of exploitation and deepening marginalization. At the core of Araullo’s advocacy is a call for empathy and solidarity. His work challenges viewers to accept that displacement is not only a humanitarian crisis—it’s a human rights crisis. All people have the right to safety, dignity, and peace. Advocates help cultivate a collective responsibility to address the root causes of poverty and conflict by connecting the public with people affected by displacement. Policy solutions, as humanitarian actors such as Araullo advocate, therefore have to be multilevel. They must build in investment in peacebuilding and conflict resolution to help prevent future displacement and improvements in governance and accountability to ensure aid is delivered to those who need it most, and the establishment of social safety nets to support recovery. National governments, local authorities, civil society, and international organizations must work together, addressing the root causes of displacement and creating environments in which displaced populations can thrive. But there has been some positive movement in recent years.  

That said, never I will hijack the government efforts of rebuilding Marawi, cooperation between the Philippine government and humanitarian groups like ACTED is crucial to successfully rebuilding the city. But there are obstacles which still need to be overcome, especially related to inclusivity and being there for those most in need. Bridging these gaps will require continued advocacy, storytelling and policy engagement. In the end, the Marawi crisis stands as a painful reminder of the destructive link between displacement and poverty. It also underscores the strength of impacted communities and the ability of advocacy to compel action. Atom Araullo’s work as a journalist and now as a humanitarian demonstrates how the amplification of marginalized voices can raise public awareness and galvanize action to combat these complex issues. The lessons learned from Marawi extend well beyond the Philippines. Displaced people everywhere, whether in Syria, South Sudan, or Myanmar, are struggling equally. Only together can we make sure that no one is left behind, that displaced people are empowered to restore their livelihoods and escape from intergenerational cycles of poverty. That behind every statistic is a story, a family, and a future worth fighting for, as Atom Araullo often underscores. His work has given us a reminder that if displacement poses formidable challenges, it also presents an opportunity—an opportunity for solidarity, for systemic change, for building more inclusive and resilient societies.  

From society’s perspective, Araullo’s work is aligned with conflict theory. It emphasizes how certain societal structures often prefer dominant groups such as the wealthy, while marginalizing others. He advocates the wealthy to fight and move for the poor, to bring balance to the unbalance in our society. Advocating that the ones with power, be able to use it for the good and benefit of all who are affected. Atom has been significant not just in his works but as an inspiration to others. He gave me the drive to write this academic essay to further expound on his works and why he chooses to contribute to de-escalating the issue. And this field, SDG1 aligns with my work as a Humanities and Social Sciences student. He renewed my perspective on SDG1, giving me a deeper understanding and providing deeper insight on the social issue.  

Araullo is known for his fearless reporting on social and political issues, always prioritizing factual accuracy and ethical journalism. He exemplifies honesty by uncovering hidden injustices and bringing truth to light, even when it is inconvenient or dangerous. His documentaries often highlight the struggles of marginalized communities, from disaster survivors to oppressed workers. By amplifying their voices, he shows deep concern for their well-being, encouraging viewers to understand and act on these issues. Through his work, he sheds light on inequality, human rights violations, and environmental concerns. His investigative approach supports CLVE’s call for responsible citizenship and advocacy for the underprivileged.–Covering conflict zones and controversial topics requires immense bravery. Araullo’s dedication to revealing difficult truths encourages the value of standing up for what is right despite risks.–Journalism is a form of public service, and Araullo’s work aligns with the idea of serving the common good. He uses his platform to educate, inform, and inspire action, demonstrating responsibility toward society 

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