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Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman addresses the diplomats and representatives of international and local humanitarian organizations during the launch of the ‘Revised Typhoon Bopha/Pablo Response – An Action Plan for Recovery.’ Seated (from left) are Mr. Snehal Soneji, representative of the Philippine International Non-Governmental Organization Network (PINGON), Ms. Octavia Borthwick, Minister-Counsellor, Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Philippines, Ms. Luiza Carvalho, and Mr. David Carden, Head, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Philippines.
Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman addresses the diplomats and representatives of international and local humanitarian organizations during the launch of the ‘Revised Typhoon Bopha/Pablo Response – An Action Plan for Recovery.’ Seated (from left) are Mr. Snehal Soneji, representative of the Philippine International Non-Governmental Organization Network (PINGON), Ms. Octavia Borthwick, Minister-Counsellor, Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Philippines, Ms. Luiza Carvalho, and Mr. David Carden, Head, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Philippines.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Philippines, Ms. Luiza Carvalho, launched on January 25, the “Revised Typhoon Bopha/Pablo Response – An Action Plan for Recovery,” at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Manila.

The revised action plan seeks US$76 million to help families affected by typhoon Pablo, which struck Southern Mindanao on December 4 to 7, 2012, causing massive destruction to houses, public infrastructure and agricultural lands. The amount represents a 17 per cent increase from the $65 million requested on 10 December at the onset of the disaster. To date, $27 million has been contributed towards the appeal, leaving a funding gap of $48 million.

Secretary Soliman underscored the importance of implementing disaster risk reduction and preparedness activities at the community level. She also expressed her thanks to the international community on behalf of the Filipino people. “The Philippine Government welcomes the solidarity of the global community through the support given in the Typhoon Pablo Action Plan.”

Likewise, Secretary Soliman stated the government’s aim to have zero casualties in the event of disasters. “Together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), we are mapping out a 50-year horizon of areas vulnerable to flashfloods and landslides which is crucial to the rehabilitation and recovery plan for typhoon ‘Pablo’ victims,” the Secretary said.

Meanwhile, United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Philippines, Ms. Luiza Carvalho also thanked donors for their generous support. However, she stressed that, “the funding and resources we have at present are not commensurate with the needs that we must meet.”

Secretary Soliman joins hands with the representatives of the donor countries namely USA, Japan, Australia, Spain and the Philippines, signifying their unity and solidarity in helping the victims of typhoon ‘Pablo’ rebuild their lives.
Secretary Soliman joins hands with the representatives of the donor countries namely USA, Japan, Australia, Spain and the Philippines, signifying their unity and solidarity in helping the victims of typhoon ‘Pablo’ rebuild their lives.

The revised response plan outlines how the humanitarian community, in support of the Philippine Government’s response efforts, will continue to provide life-saving assistance and recovery support to more than 920,000 people in Mindanao, over the coming six months. Major humanitarian needs include shelter, early recovery and livelihoods, food security and agriculture, water, sanitation, and hygiene.

During the open forum which followed the launching of the revised recovery plan, Secretary Soliman explained that “the security of the volunteers from international humanitarian organizations are assured as long as they register so we know where they are and what they are doing. “

Secretary Soliman and Ms. Carvalho presented plaques of appreciation to the representatives of the donor countries, such as Japan, Spain, USA, Australia, Canada and the European Union for their generous support to the victims of typhoon ‘Pablo.’ ###