Joint UN and OIC humanitarian mission commits to strengthen partnership with Philippine Government

(Manila, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Geneva, 20 June 2013): A humanitarian partnership mission to the Philippines, led jointly by the Government of the Philippines, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines is ending its five-day visit today.

The mission provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the humanitarian situation in the Philippines, the role of the humanitarian multilateral system in supporting national and local efforts to respond to humanitarian needs, and demonstrated the importance of humanitarian preparedness for recurring natural disasters.

“Disaster preparedness is a top priority of the Government,” commented Undersecretary Eduardo del Rosario, Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. “Our greatest challenge is to provide shelter for those left without a home in the aftermath of Typhoon Bopha and we would like to be a model for others to follow by building back better.”

The mission also visited communities who benefit from programmes under the national government’s framework for peace and development in conflict-affected areas. The effects of disaster and conflict on women are often more profound and in the case of children these effects are carried to the next generation. “Addressing the needs of the most vulnerable, especially vulnerable women and children is crucial in our response efforts,” said Mr. Rashid Khalikov, UNOCHA Director. “The international community has to be supportive and generous to enable the Government ensure that affected people will feel the dividends of peace by providing hope and realisation for a better future.”

Members of the mission were able to witness first-hand the humanitarian effects and devastation brought about by Typhoon Bopha, the deadliest global storm of 2012 and of 40 years of conflict. They agreed that the Philippines is an excellent example of a Government tackling huge devastation through strong leadership and collaboration, and that the value of the cooperation by the Government with UN agencies and their partners is an investment in building resilience.

The visit provided the mission an opportunity to meet with the affected communities and discuss their needs. “We will continue to collaborate with the Government of the Philippines and partners to build the resilience of vulnerable communities who face recurring disaster,” said Ms. Luiza Carvalho, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines. “We already have a good foundation and will work to build on this through further strengthening ties with the OIC.”

This is the third OIC partnership mission organised by UNOCHA.