Canada providing humanitarian assistance to the Philippines

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Canada’s support will address immediate needs of thousands of conflict-affected families in the Philippines

June 28, 2014 – Today, Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr., on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced $800,000 in new humanitarian assistance funding to the International Organization of Migration (IOM) for a project that will address the immediate needs of thousands of conflict-affected families on Mindanao Island in the Philippines.

“Canada’s relations with the Philippines are strong, and we continue to build on those strong ties in assisting the Filipino people,” said Senator Enverga. “Canada’s support will ensure that conflict-affected families in the region will have access to improved temporary shelter conditions, access to safe drinking water, improved access to sanitation and hygiene facilities, as well as improved nutrition.”

Despite a recent peace agreement signed in March 2014 between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the effects of decades of ongoing conflict continue on Mindanao Island where thousands of displaced families live in dire conditions. Congested evacuation centres are increasing health risks, malnutrition and protection concerns. Mindanao has also been struck by three natural disasters over a span of 11 months: Typhoon Bopha/Pablo, December 2012; the Bohol earthquake, October 2013; and Typhoon Haiyan, November 2013.

The new funding announced today will support IOM’s efforts to support the conflict-affected women and children by improving the coordination and management of camps for more than 25,000 internally displaced people in 10 evacuation centres and four temporary shelters, as well as improving conditions at temporary shelters by providing privacy partitions for approximately 4,000 families in evacuation centres.

“Canada’s generous contribution of $800,000 to IOM for its humanitarian relief in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao is helping thousands of vulnerable people,” said Marco Boasso, IOM Chief of Mission in the Philippines. “Canada’s donation will pay for camp management in evacuation centres for displaced persons and transitional shelter for people leaving the centres and returning home. It will also support the Bangsamoro Peace Process. The IOM Mission in the Philippines is grateful for the generous support of the Canadian government.”

IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration and provides humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, be they refugees, displaced persons or other uprooted people. Canada has a long-standing relationship and strong partnership with IOM.

Senator Enverga announced the new funding at a Filipino cultural event, the Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show, in Toronto which raises funds to relieve poverty in the Philippines. The event is organized by the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation.

Quick Facts

• Mindanao is the second-largest and southernmost major island in the Philippines.
• Conflict in Zamboanga City has displaced more than 120,000 people since September 2013.
• In December 2012, Typhoon Bopha left 2,000 people dead and affected 6.2 million people. On October 15, 2013, the Bohol earthquake killed more than 220 people and affected 3.2 million others. Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013, caused more than 6,000 deaths and affected 14 million people.
• In addition to this support for humanitarian assistance in the Mindanao region, Canada is playing a leading role in the global response to the impact of Typhoon Haiyan by providing significant humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of the people affected.