FOLLOWING the December 21 statement of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Canada’s commitment to provide immediate support to relief operations in the Philippines for those affected by Super Typhoon “Odette” (international name ‘Rai’), the Embassy of Canada announces the details of the C$ 3 million (approx. PhP 120 million) in humanitarian assistance to international non-governmental organizations with the following allocations:
- C$1.8 million (PhP 72 million) to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support their response in emergency food assistance and logistics operations, in line with the needs identified in the UN’s Humanitarian Needs and Priorities plan. The allocation seeks to help 530,000 people through the provision of non-perishable nutritious food, emergency cash-for-work in semi-urban and rural areas, multi-purpose cash transfers to cover immediate food needs and support livelihood, and the facilitation of transport and emergency logistics response equipment.
- C$ 700,000 (PhP 28 million) to Oxfam Canada and Plan International Canada, in providing 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.
- C$ 500,000 (PhP 20 million) to the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) via the Canadian Red Cross Society to support the IFRC emergency appeal to boost Philippine Red Cross activities that help address emergency health, shelter and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs of the most vulnerable impacted by the typhoon. The assistance aims to meet the immediate needs of 81,000 of the most vulnerable affected households including women/child-headed households, pregnant or lactating women; families with persons with disability, elderly, those suffering from chronic illnesses, families with children under five years old, families who have not received any or sufficient assistance from the government or other organizations, those who belong to socially vulnerable families and those who lack the resources to meet basic humanitarian needs on their own
“Canada is deeply concerned by the aftermath of this climate change induced catastrophe. We continue to monitor the situation closely and are pleased to be working with Government of the Philippines, Canadian and international humanitarian partners in reaching out to those most affected by “Odette,” Canada’s ambassador to the Philippines Peter MacArthur said.
“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. The Red Cross, Oxfam, Plan International, and the World Food Programme are well-positioned to deliver support, have existing presence on the ground and strong relationships with local authorities, other civil society organizations, and the affected communities,” Ambassador MacArthur explained.
“We are also pleased to hear about the UN’s rapid US$12 million response allocation from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support the response to Super Typhoon ‘Odette.’ Canada has been a leading contributor to the UN’s CERF following an C$88 million 3-year re-commitment made in December 2020.”
Through the Embassy’s Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, Canada has made a quick response funding of an additional C$50,000 (approx. PhP 2 million) to support local relief efforts in the Caraga region, which was particularly hard hit by the storm.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines has also asked its members to donate to relief and recovery efforts led by the private sector.
“Canada stands in solidarity with the people and Government of the Philippines alongside the international community led by the United Nations and civil society humanitarian organizations in collective relief and early recovery work. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this devastating natural calamity. 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,” Ambassador MacArthur said.
For more information, please contact:
Carlo Figueroa
Public Affairs Officer
Embassy of Canada
Email: carlo.figueroa@international.gc.ca
