Japan commits $3.5 M more for UNDP’s Yolanda work

MANILA, Philippines - Japan and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) yesterday signed a memorandum of cooperation for additional support for Typhoon Yolanda recovery efforts in the Visayas.

The Japanese government has committed an additional $3.5 million (about P157 million) to support UNDP’s Yolanda recovery and livelihood restoration activities and to strengthen local government systems and services.

Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe and UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator for the Philippines Luiza Carvalho signed the memorandum of cooperation, witnessed by UNDP Administrator Helen Clark.

The Japanese government “is committed to help rebuild the affected communities as they remain determined to recover in the face of immense obstacles and personal tragedy,” Urabe said.

With the additional $3.5 million, Japan’s assistance to UNDP’s Yolanda response now amounts to $7 million. As of March 24, the fund from various donors for UNDP’s Yolanda response had reached $11.5 million.

The Japanese government is UNDP’s largest partner in its Yolanda recovery program.

“The challenge now is to not only build back, but to build back stronger and more sustainably. This is why the Japanese contribution toward strengthening governance is particularly vital in supporting local authorities in their work to build safer and more resilient communities,” Clark said.