UN PH Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator, Ambassadors meet with OCD officials on typhoon response efforts

Manila, 12 December 2024 - The United Nations Philippines Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo González accompanied by high level representatives from Norway, the European Union, USA, Australia, and UK, visited the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Thursday to discuss the country’s typhoon response efforts.

The visit provided the delegation with a firsthand perspective on the OCD’s critical role in coordinating the disaster response to the recent series of tropical cyclones that hit the country.

Representatives toured the OCD Operations Center, a central hub for managing, coordinating, sharing information, and monitoring emergency preparedness, disaster response, and relief operations. This facility is a vital component of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), ensuring a cohesive national approach to disaster management.

González praised the Department of National Defense and the NDRRMC for their leadership in responding to the unprecedented series of six tropical cyclones that impacted the Philippines in just five weeks. These included Typhoons Trami (Kristine), Kong-rey (Leon), Yinxing (Marce), Toraji (Nika), Usagi (Ofel), and Man-yi (Pepito). “Coordination amongst government institutions, the humanitarian country team, private sector and the traditional friends of the Philippines in addressing the recent series of typhoons has been remarkable”, said Gonzalez. “We also confirmed that preparedness and anticipatory action can make a great difference in saving lives and protecting critical assets”, concluded.

The meeting also served as a platform to reaffirm international solidarity and update the OCD team on the ongoing support extended by the United Nations and its partner.

"As a contributor to the Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), Norway channeled support to the Philippines through the UN. We congratulate the humanitarian community for their readiness in addressing such challenges,” Christian Lyster, Norway Ambassador to the Philippines shared.

“The first message is an expression of solidarity, and the second is an appreciation for the strong demonstration of resiliency that I have personally witnessed here since i began my duties last September. The EU is an active supporter of humanitarian and development programs in the country,” Massimo Santoro, EU Ambassador to the Philippines emphasized.

Meanwhile, Ryan Washburn, USAID Mission Director also shared his message.

“I would like to reiterate the hard work that has been done, not only in response to recent storms but also over the past decades in preparing for these natural disasters. The government of the Philippines is an allied partner, and we share a very close relationship.”

Sarah Spencer, First Secretary, Embassy of Australia also highlighted the role of response in times of natural hazards.

“We would like to commend the Philippine government for their extensive response to six typhoons. We are working closely with humanitarian partners to provide early recovery support.”

Noelle Agudelo, Political Advisor of the UK Embassy also shared message of gratitude.

“The UK recognizes the enormous efforts required to respond to the unprecedented series tropical cyclones and is proud of supporting the humanitarian needs and priorities plan.”

Morover, Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro and Director Agnes Palacio represented the OCD, and presented updates on the government’s response and plans for the rehabilitation and recovery of affected communities.

Within the Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) plan launched by the UN, a total of $22.5M has been funded from the HNP funding requirement of 42.2M.

“During these challenging times, the Office of Civil Defense is not just responding to the disasters, but it is also preparing our nation to withstand the test of time,” Asec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, OIC said.

“We believe that resilience does not nearly come with readiness, it’s rise from the hope and unselfish deed that naturally reside with the human spirit. And these hopes and deeds matter because it fuels us, drives us to act and most importantly keeps us united.”

The six consecutive tropical cyclones have affected over 13 million people across the country. At the peak of displacement, over 2.9 million individuals were reported to have left their homes for temporary refuge in evacuation centres, informal settlements or hosted by relatives and friends. More than 200,000 homes have been damaged, including 24,000 destroyed in severely affected provinces, leaving thousands without adequate shelter or forced to live in makeshift structures. It affected more than 168,000 farmers and fisherfolks with an estimated cost of damage to agriculture of over US$125 million (or PHP 7 billion).

For inquiries, contact OCHA Philippines:
Joseph Addawe, Officer-in-Charge/Information Management Officer Email: addawe@un.org
Melissa Correa, Humanitarian Affairs Officer Email: melissa.correa@un.org