On December 12, 2024, UN officials met with the Office of Civil Defense in the Philippines to assess response efforts to recent tropical cyclones. The delegation acknowledged the critical role of coordination among various entities in managing disasters, highlighted the ongoing support from international partners, and emphasized the importance of preparedness and resilience in humanitarian efforts.
Manila, December 12, 2024 – The United Nations Philippines Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Gustavo González, along with distinguished representatives from Norway, the European Union, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, visited the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to assess the ongoing typhoon response efforts. This engagement provided an opportunity to understand the OCD’s critical function in orchestrating disaster response following a series of tropical cyclones that recently impacted the Philippines.
During their visit to the OCD Operations Center, the delegation learned of its integral role in emergency management, including coordinating relief operations and preparedness planning. Mr. González commended the Department of National Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for their effective leadership during a challenging period marked by six tropical cyclones in just five weeks. He noted, “Coordination amongst government institutions, the humanitarian country team, private sector and the traditional friends of the Philippines in addressing the recent series of typhoons has been remarkable.”
The meeting underscored a commitment to international solidarity, with officials updating the OCD team on ongoing support from the United Nations and its partners. Norway’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Mr. Christian Lyster, remarked, “As a contributor to the Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), Norway channeled support to the Philippines through the UN. We congratulate the humanitarian community for their readiness in addressing such challenges.” Meanwhile, the EU Ambassador, Mr. Massimo Santoro, expressed appreciation for the resilience shown by the Filipino people and the EU’s support of humanitarian and development programs.
USAID Mission Director, Mr. Ryan Washburn, acknowledged the collaborative efforts in disaster response over the years, stating, “The government of the Philippines is an allied partner, and we share a very close relationship.” Such sentiments were echoed by Ms. Sarah Spencer of the Australian Embassy, who praised the Philippine government’s extensive response efforts.
The OCD representatives, Assistant Secretary Mr. Raffy Alejandro and Director Ms. Agnes Palacio, provided updates on the government’s ongoing recovery plans for affected communities. Within the framework of the Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) plan, the UN has allocated $22.5 million towards a total funding requirement of $42.2 million. Asec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, expressed pride in the OCD’s work, emphasizing that preparedness is vital for building resilience in the face of challenges.
The series of cyclones profoundly affected more than 13 million individuals, displacing approximately 2.9 million people at the height of the crisis. Over 200,000 homes suffered damage, with significant agricultural losses estimated at over $125 million.
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The recent visit by UN officials to the Office of Civil Defense in the Philippines was prompted by a catastrophic weather event, where a series of six tropical cyclones struck the country within a short span of five weeks. This led to significant humanitarian challenges, affecting millions of individuals and necessitating a coordinated response from various sectors, including government and international aid organizations. The collaboration among these entities is vital to managing disaster response and supporting recovery efforts in impacted communities.
In summary, the UN delegation’s visit to the OCD highlighted the essential role of coordinated disaster response efforts following the impact of six tropical cyclones in the Philippines. The continued support from international partners reinforces the commitment to rehabilitation and resilience. Notably, the ongoing focus on preparedness is underscored as integral to mitigating the impacts of such natural disasters in the future.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
