UNDP seeks vigilance in ensuring achievement of MDGs

MANILA, Philippines - The United Nations Resident Coordinator and Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) called for vigilance in ensuring the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, saying it should not be derailed despite the challenges the Philippines faces.

“Bearing in mind that these sudden catastrophes bring us farther from reaching our vision of sustained growth, we continue to be firm with our commitment to help the Philippines meet the MDGs by 2015,” said Jacqueline Badcock.

Badcock said the destruction brought by typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” is among the challenges the country is facing.

UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes said the crisis in the Philippines in the aftermath of Ondoy and Pepeng is not over as the country faces months of hard work, relief, recovery and reconstruction ahead.

Holmes appealed once again to donors to support relief and recovery efforts.

The UN secured financial commitments amounting to nearly $19 million out of the $74-million flash appeal it issued for the storm victims.