Head of UN food programme pledges full support to storm survivors in the Philippines

The head of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today pledged the agency’s full support to the Government and people of the Philippines as they seek to deal with the effects of the violent storms that devastated parts of the country last month.

“WFP is here to support the Government’s efforts to help the people of the Philippines overcome this calamity. I have no doubt that together, we can,” Executive Director Josette Sheeran said as she began her three-day visit to the country.

The Philippines was battered by two successive storms in September – tropical storm Ketsana (also known as Ondoy) and typhoon Parma – which led to more than 500 deaths and displaced scores of thousands of others, and caused crop damage estimated at over $160 million.

Ms. Sheeran, together with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and WFP’s National Ambassador Against Hunger KC Concepcion, toured some of the hardest hit communities and helped distribute vital food rations.

“I travelled by boat in an area 65 kilometres north of Manila where I saw whole neighbourhoods literally inundated with waist-high stagnant water, and met people who have lost all of their belongings – furniture, clothes, food – and are now receiving vital help from the Philippines Government and humanitarian agencies like WFP,” she said.

As part of the UN’s humanitarian response, WFP is providing food relief and logistics support with helicopters, trucks, boats and telecommunications equipment to reach and connect to isolated areas.

The agency is initially providing critical food to more than 1 million of the 8 million people affected by the floods. It is also coordinating with national authorities to ensure a seamless transition from emergency relief to recovery.

Ms. Sheeran voiced her confidence that the country and its people will overcome this calamity.

“The floods have damaged, homes, businesses and crops, but they have not dampened the great spirit and resilience of the Filipino people.”