PRESS RELEASE
The Government of Canada has announced it is giving Cad$ 500,000 (approx. PhP 20 million) in humanitarian assistance funding for those affected by conflict in Mindanao.
The funding will be channeled to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to address the humanitarian needs of thousands living in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
“Canada has committed to scaling up interventions that will have the greatest impact, focusing in the areas of strengthening health systems, improving nutrition, and reducing the burden of leading diseases,” Canada’s ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder said.
“The contribution announced today builds on this engagement by supporting efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of those in greatest need in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao,” he added.
Canada is supporting ICRC operations in Mindanao by providing seeds, tools and fishing equipment to help improve the livelihoods of 59,500 conflict-affected people; technical assistance to rehabilitate water and sanitation facilities at the community level, benefitting up to 6,000 people; support to improved detention facilities for up to 6,000 vulnerable detainees; medical and surgical supplies for hospitals; and food and other supplies for up to 84,000 people.
“This additional funding demonstrates Canada’s continuing commitment to build on our strong ties with the Philippines,” Ambassador Reeder added.
In June, Canada added the Philippines “a country of focus” for international development efforts.
