Marawi rehabilitation plan discussed as part of ASEAN forum

AS PART of the 50^th founding anniversary celebration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Philippine national government agencies involved in the “Task Force Bangon Marawi” held a forum yesterday to discuss the recovery and rehabilitation strategy to uplift the condition of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the still ongoing armed conflict against the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group. Last month, the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) provided relief items and equipment to the IDPs through the Malaysian government’s air force. Social Welfare Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo, the vice chair for disaster response, thanked those who have helped in the relief efforts in Marawi City, including ASEAN member-states for upholding the One ASEAN, One Response declaration. Speaking in Filipino, Ms. Taguiwalo said, “Now more than ever we have to continue working together so we can help the people of Marawi recover.”

WFP-JAPAN FUND
Meanwhile, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced yesterday that around 38,000 Marawi IDPs will receive food assistance through a $1.2-million contribution from the Government of Japan. “This enables us to sustain ongoing relief and recovery assistance in the area,” said Mats Persson, WFP Country Director ad interim. The WFP currently co-chairs the Food Security Cluster of the humanitarian response coordinated by the National Response Pillar of the Philippine Government that operates in Iligan City.