Tags: Poverty, Typhoons and Natural Disasters
By Nikka Garriga
MAKATI CITY, METRO MANILA- Mindanao is home to some of the country’s geographical treasures and is one of the country’s major sources of top export products such as banana, cacao, pineapple and canned tuna.
However, the region’s lucrative future remains veiled behind the conflict-ridden nature of this Muslim land which has yet to be resolved.
Aid agencies and local government authorities estimate that nearly 700,000 people still remain vulnerable and in dire need of humanitarian assistance and livelihood support.
United Nations (UN) Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Catherine Bragg has vowed to stand ready and support government-led responses to emergency situations particularly in times of recurring natural disasters that also frequent the region.
“The needs of vulnerable people in Mindanao are complex, and we must address them through a concerted effort. This includes people displaced by natural disasters and armed-conflict, people who have returned home or resettled elsewhere and those living in their homes,” she said.
Among the key gaps identified during Bragg’s five-day visit include health, food security, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, protection monitoring and rehabilitation of basic social infrastructure.
A $37.9-million action plan will be launched by next year which will prioritize protection activities while the UN continues to appeal among the diplomatic community for sustained and increase support in providing the most effective response.
“We have to keep in mind that the needs are not limited to central Mindanao where most of the international humanitarian agencies are currently based. People will continue to need humanitarian aid as long as conflict and violence deprive them of the opportunity to rebuild their lives,” said Bragg.
Meanwhile, Bragg also lauded the government’s effort to closely work with aid agencies for coordinated responses and joint simulations to prepare the country for future natural disasters.
“I would like to emphasize that the Filipinos have shown remarkable resilience in the face of challenges generated by natural disasters and conflict,” she added.
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