Canada commits P70 million as additional assistance to ‘Pablo’ victims

Friday 14th of December 2012

MANILA, Dec. 14 -- Canada announced today that it is providing more than P70 million (Cad$ 1.75million) as additional assistance to victims of typhoon ‘Pablo’ (Bopha) in the Philippines.

This is in addition to its initial contribution of P10 million (Cad$ 250,000) to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to support the Philippine Red Cross in helping approximately 50,000 people affected by the typhoon, a statement from the Canadian Embassy said.

"Canada is responding to the increasing needs of the people of the Philippines as they face the alarming devastation caused by the typhoon," said Minister of International Cooperation Julian Fantino.

"We are helping families survive by providing critical humanitarian assistance,” he added.

Canada’s assistance, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will support the following organizations for urgently needed food, safe drinking water, emergency shelter, and other assistance to approximately 480,000 affected people in the worst-hit areas:

- United Nations World Food Programme will provide access to emergency food assistance to reduce the vulnerability of crisis-affected people, especially women and children. (Cad$ 700,000)

- United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) will provide emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance. (Cad$ 350,000)

- International Organization for Migration will provide emergency shelters and camp support, including coordination and management, for people displaced as a result of the typhoon. (Cad$ 700,000)

The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation to ensure humanitarian needs are met and provide further assistance if required. (Canadian Embassy)