'Sendong' aid plea raised to $39 M

MANILA, Philippines - The United Nations and its humanitarian partners yesterday launched the second emergency revision of the Humanitarian Action Plan for Mindanao, seeking $39 million to respond to the growing needs of victims of tropical storm “Sendong.”

Jacqui Badcock, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for the Philippines, made the appeal during the launching of the findings of the second phase of the joint multi-cluster rapid assessment of the government and the humanitarian community.

Under the adjusted plan of action, the humanitarian community would give priority assistance to all affected, including those in evacuation centers and transitional sites and those seeking refuge in makeshift shelters and in the homes of relatives in areas where their houses stood prior to the disaster and the host communities themselves.

The special needs of vulnerable groups – women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities – and people in cut-off and underserved, remote areas, some of which are also affected by ongoing conflicts, are also being addressed.

The government-endorsed response plan, under the revised appeal, includes 48 projects in 13 key sectors. The projects were submitted by 13 non-government organizations, 10 UN agencies, and an international organization.  

Badcock said the $39 million is necessary to continue providing vital assistance to more than 300,000 people over six months. The amount represents a $10.6-million increase from the $28.4 million initially requested last December.

Badcock said the first plan of action launched last Dec. 22 raised $9.6 million (or 25 percent), including $3 million disbursed from the Central Emergency Response Fund in support of immediate, life-saving activities, but $30 million is still needed.