On December 12, 2024, a high-level UN delegation visited the Office of Civil Defense in Manila to discuss the Philippines’ response to a series of six tropical cyclones. The meeting highlighted the cooperation between the government and international partners in addressing disaster management and recovery efforts. The OCD remains committed to building resilience across affected communities and has secured partial funding to support ongoing humanitarian initiatives.
On December 12, 2024, Gustavo González, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Philippines, led a high-level delegation from Norway, the European Union, the USA, Australia, and the UK on a visit to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Manila. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the nation’s response efforts following a significant series of tropical cyclones that recently affected the country.
During the visit, representatives engaged with the OCD Operations Center, which plays a crucial role in disaster management by coordinating information sharing, monitoring emergency preparedness, and overseeing relief operations. González commended the efforts of the Department of National Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), noting their exemplary coordination during the response to these unprecedented weather events, which included six typhoons within five weeks.
The delegation celebrated the preparedness and proactive measures undertaken in collaboration with government entities, humanitarian teams, and private partners. Ambassador Christian Lyster of Norway and EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro acknowledged the concerted efforts displayed during this challenging period, including the EU’s ongoing support for humanitarian initiatives in the Philippines.
Moreover, USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn, Australian Embassy First Secretary Sarah Spencer, and UK Embassy Political Advisor Noelle Agudelo expressed their nations’ support for the Philippines in disaster response and recovery efforts. Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro and Director Agnes Palacio from the OCD updated the delegation on rehabilitation strategies for the affected regions.
Despite the calamities, which displaced over 2.9 million people and affected 13 million citizens, the OCD emphasized its commitment not only to respond to disasters but also to enhance national resilience against future crises. The UN launched a Humanitarian Needs and Priorities plan with a funding requirement of $42.2 million, of which $22.5 million has already been secured to aid recovery efforts.
The visit to the Office of Civil Defense by UN representatives is positioned within the context of the Philippines’ recent experience with an unprecedented series of six tropical cyclones that caused extensive damage, notably affecting millions of individuals and displacing nearly three million. The response required intricate coordination among various agencies to ensure effective disaster management. The engagement of international partners underscores the collaborative effort needed for humanitarian relief and recovery in the wake of natural disasters in the Philippines.
In conclusion, the meeting led by UN officials with the OCD centered on the imperative coordination and international solidarity following the typhoons that ravaged the Philippines. Both the government and international partners acknowledged the necessity for preparedness and action, emphasizing resilience as a product of hope and collective effort. The substantial support mobilised highlights the commitment to aid and rehabilitate affected communities in a time of crisis.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
