The government of Australia has donated P42.7 million (AUD1.1 million) for children of war-damaged Marawi City to help the Philippine government as it continuously exerts efforts for the whole rehabilitation of the Islamic City that was attacked by ISIS-inspired Maute group in May 2017.
Australian Embassy said in a statement that the amount would be for emergency school meals to support Marawi students’ education and development.
It added that the funding would able to feed 50,000 students affected by the crisis in Marawi City for six months, as the government believes education is playing a key role in community-building.
“Education plays an important role in community-building. We’re pleased these emergency school meals will support students’ education and development,” Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely said in a statement.
The Australian envoy said that the Philippines, being Australia’s “good friend and neighbor,” is committed to providing humanitarian assistance when necessary.
“Through our partnership with the Department of Education and Task Force Bangon Marawi, we are supporting people affected by the Marawi crisis,” Gorely said.
Apart from the school meals, Australia will also provide food assistance for 23,000 households and 8,100 laborers and farmers in the war-ravaged Marawi City for additional support that will contribute to peace and stability in the area.
Stephen Gluning, WFP Representative, and Country Director said that Australia’s support of emergency school meals will enable students to continue their studies while being nourished.
“We are grateful for our strategic partnership with the Australian Government which allowed us to immediately respond to the Marawi crisis through rice that was prepositioned at the onset of the emergency,” Stephen Gluning, WFP Representative, and Country Director said.
“We are grateful for our strategic partnership with the Australian Government which allowed us to immediately respond to the Marawi crisis through rice that was prepositioned at the onset of the emergency,” said Stephen Gluning, WFP Representative and Country Director.
Earlier, the government also provided $20 million worth of assistance over four years to Marawi civilians. The given fund was an addition to the emergency food and other supplies worth $920,000 that she announced last 2017 of June.