The Government of Japan donates US$1.6 million to UNICEF Philippines to help children affected by Typhoon Rai, locally known as Typhoon Odette. The Category 5 typhoon entered the Philippines on 14 December, making nine landfalls and bringing torrential rains, violent winds, floods, and storm surges. The typhoon resulted in death and injuries, left thousands of families homeless, and interrupted the delivery of essential services. An estimated 1 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance in the worst affected areas including CARAGA Region in Mindanao and Region VIll (Eastern Visayas) in the Visayas.
UNICEF Philippines welcomes the new funding as it calls on donors to fill the US$11.48 million needed to reach some of the most affected children. UNICEF has so far sent life-saving supplies such as water purification tablets, hygiene kits, jerrycans, tents, water storage units, school supplies and nutrition commodities that form part of its emergency stockpile.
“We thank the people of Japan for their unwavering support to Filipino children and their families. Their generous contribution will enable UNICEF to reach the affected children and families as they start rebuilding their lives,” UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov says.
The Government of Japan is one of UNICEF Philippines’ most active and long-standing partners. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan gave UNICEF US$730,000 to deliver essential supplies, training, and information awareness efforts. This was followed by US$3.9 million to support COVID-19 immunization with cold chain improvements and capacity building of health staff on cold chain management. Japan has also been instrumental in helping children recover after emergencies and conflict by sending assistance to children affected by the Marawi conflict, supporting children disengaged from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and expanding early learning and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) coverage for Bangsamoro children.
“Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko is grateful to UNICEF for adding this endeavor in its compendium of development cooperation, to always ensure every child is safe and their basic necessities are provided. With long-standing decades of cooperation tested through time amid challenging situations, especially in the Philippines, Japan and UNICEF fulfill their promise to work for children and their families who are affected by Typhoon Rai/Odette. Japan’s US$1.6 million assistance may not be enough, but hopes to help bring back the smiles on the affected children. Rest assured that strong ties will remain constant between Japan and the Philippines.”
Japan’s assistance for children affected by Typhoon Rai/Odette stands to benefit around 51,000 people and will focus on WASH interventions. These include increasing access to safe water and sanitation facilities (latrines, handwashing facilities), distributing water and hygiene supplies, and promoting health and hygiene practices, including COVID-19 infection, prevention and control (IPC).