WFP Phl celebrates the ‘Heroes Among Us’

MANILA, Philippines - The World Food Program (WFP) Philippines joined organizations and agencies in the country and around the globe in celebration of World Humanitarian Day last Aug. 19 to bring attention to the everyday heroes who risk and dedicate their lives daily to help people in need.

These humanitarian heroes are the first to respond unhesitatingly during disasters, most recently during the last three major emergencies of 2013 – the Zamboanga conflict, the Bohol earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda, where WFP co-led three humanitarian clusters: Logistics, Food and Nutrition Security and Emergency Telecommunications.

Leading WFP Philippines’ Humanitarian Heroes are three of their most seasoned humanitarian workers: Arlene Robles, Fahima Abdulaziz and Jaslin Masbud, who have been in the frontlines for more than five years now, assisting during emergencies and regular operations on disaster preparedness and WFP’s programs in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao. Their stories are amongst countless other Humanitarian Heroes featured at http://worldhumanitarianday.org/aidWorkers/.

“We often hear of stories about what happens during emergencies. It is not every day that we see and hear the stories of the people who are doing all they can to help,” said WFP Philippines representative and country director Praveen Agrawal. “These people, as well as WFP’s partners, are working tirelessly for a future with zero hunger – a future where all can achieve full development potential.”

In total, there are 139 humanitarian heroes working for WFP Philippines at present, both international and national staff, covering all WFP offices and operations in Manila, Cebu and Mindanao.