Canada provides additional P 20-M aid to Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 4): Canada provides additional P 20-M aid to Mindanao

Canada is providing additional P 20 million in humanitarian assistance for those affected by conflict in Mindanao.

The funding, which amounts to Cad$ 500,000, will be channeled to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to address the humanitarian needs of thousands living in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

“Canada has committed to scaling up interventions that will have the greatest impact, focusing in the areas of strengthening health systems, improving nutrition, and reducing the burden of leading diseases,” Canada’s ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder said in a statement on Thursday.

“The contribution announced today builds on this engagement by supporting efforts to improve the health and well-being of those in greatest need in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao,” he added.

Canada is supporting ICRC operations in Mindanao by providing seeds, tools and fishing equipment to help improve the livelihoods of 59,500 conflict-affected people; and technical assistance to rehabilitate water and sanitation facilities at the community level.

The assistance has helped at least 6,000 people, improved detention facilities for up to 6,000 vulnerable detainees, and provided medical and surgical supplies for hospitals and food and other supplies for up to 84,000 people.

“This additional funding demonstrates Canada’s continuing commitment to build on our strong ties with the Philippines,” Reeder said.

In June, Canada added the Philippines “a country of focus” for international development efforts.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=680235