Canada donates P120-M to NGOs for ‘Odette’-hit areas

MANILA – The Embassy of Canada in the Philippines on Thursday announced that three non-government organizations (NGOs) will receive a total of CAD3 million (PHP120 million) funding to help the Philippines in providing relief and rehabilitation to those affected by Typhoon Odette.

In a statement, the Embassy said the donation came after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s commitment to providing “immediate support to relief operations in the Philippines” for those affected by the typhoon in a statement on Dec. 21, 2021.

The World Food Programme (WFP), it said, will receive PHP72 million to support their efforts in emergency food assistance and logistics operations “in line with the needs identified in the United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Needs and Priorities plan.”

“The allocation seeks to help 530,000 people through the provision of non-perishable nutritious food, emergency cash-for-work in semi-urban and rural areas, multi-purpose cash transfers to cover immediate food needs and support livelihood, and the facilitation of transport and emergency logistics response equipment,” the Embassy said.

It said Oxfam Canada and Plan International Canada will receive PHP28 million for helping provide multi-purpose cash assistance to support basic food and shelter needs, daily potable water including storage and treatment solutions, distribution of menstrual health and hygiene kits, and facilitating access to protection services.

“The assistance aims to meet the needs of approximately 30,250 people in Surigao del Norte and Southern Leyte – two provinces hardest hit by the typhoon – over the course of six months,” the Embassy said.

Meanwhile, it said the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), via the Canadian Red Cross Society, will receive PHP20 million to support the IFRC’s appeal to boost Philippine Red Cross activities on addressing emergency health, shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene needs of the most vulnerable affected by the typhoon.

Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Peter MacArthur said Ottawa is “deeply concerned by the aftermath of this climate change-induced catastrophe” and continues to monitor the situation while working together with the Philippine government.

“Our partners are trusted humanitarian organizations with the networks and track records to ensure that help is given to those who need it the most,” MacArthur said.

He said the UN has allocated USD12 million to support those affected by “Odette” from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

“Canada has been a leading contributor to the UN’s CERF following a CAD88 million three-year re-commitment made in December 2020,” MacArthur said.

He said the Embassy has also given an additional CAD50,000 (around PHP2 million) to support local relief efforts in the Caraga region through its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, he said, has also asked its members to donate for the “relief and recovery efforts led by the private sector.”

“Because of the magnitude of this ongoing crisis, efforts will need to be sustained over the coming weeks and months to help people with their shelter, food, water, and livelihoods. So, we stand ready to work with our partners to extend other assistance that may be needed,” MacArthur said.