Canada to provide more aid for 'Sendong' victims

MANILA, Philippines - Canada will provide additional support for victims of tropical storm “Sendong,” completing the full disbursement of funds, the Canadian embassy said yesterday.

“Canada is continuing to help the people of the Philippines, who are still in need of emergency humanitarian assistance due to the effects of tropical storm ‘Sendong’ and the resulting flashfloods,” said Minister of International Cooperation Beverley Oda.

“The situation remains critical and Canada is committed to helping our friends in the Philippines,” Oda added.

Canada earlier announced a contribution of up to Cad$1.25 million (about P53 million) to support emergency relief efforts. 

Through the Canadian International Development Agency, Canada is building on its original support to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) by providing funding to allow it to assist people living in emergency and makeshift shelters and those trying to return to their homes.

“We remain ready to assist the Philippines in times of difficulty,” said Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornley. “Disasters of this nature are sometimes unpredictable, but Canada’s support and friendship remain constant.”

Canada’s assistance to victims of Sendong that devastated Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities last December, supports the projects of IOM, the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and Red Crescent Societies, World Food Program (WFP), and Oxfam Canada.

The IFRC is supporting the Philippine Red Cross in providing ready-to-eat meals to 5,750 people, food items to 89,805 people (17,961 families) and non-food emergency relief items to 53,050 others (31,323 families), as well distributing hygiene kits to some 4,500 families. The assistance amounts to Cad$200,000.

The WFP will provide Cad$422,500 in emergency food assistance to 230,000 people, including the distribution of high-energy food to 15,000 children under five affected by the floods.

The IOM will support 23,500 families with emergency shelter repair kits; provide non-food items to 47,100 affected families; repair and upgrade 15 emergency evacuation centers; coordinate camp management services for the affected population in 49 camps and evacuation centers; and set up and manage transitory sites to provide better temporary shelter solutions to the displaced families awaiting relocation. The assistance amounts to Cad$377,500.