The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has disbursed another 10 billion yen or roughly P4.7 billion under its Post Disaster Standby Loan 2 (PDSL 2) assistance to the Philippines, to support recovery from typhoons that hit the country in the last quarter of 2020.
JICA said in a statement yesterday that the second disbursement follows the declaration of the Philippine government of a state of calamity in Luzon due to recent typhoons Quinta, Rolly and Ulysses that caused widespread devastation, destruction and damage to infrastructure and agriculture, disrupting lives and economic activities.
“As a friend and trusted partner of the Philippines, JICA stands by Filipinos whose lives were disrupted because of the recent natural disasters. Through the JICA post-disaster assistance, we hope that vulnerable sectors affected will find relief and support to recover their livelihood and income through the spirit of ‘bayanihan’ in these difficult times,” Azukizawa Eigo, JICA Philippines chief representative, said.
The JICA disbursement forms part of the 50 billion yen loan extended on September 15, 2020 to the Philippines ensuring contingency funds are available for the country’s response to the financial demands of post-disaster recovery in case of natural disasters and public health threats.
“As partners for inclusive development, JICA is supporting the Philippines with available financial resources to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and health crisis. We’re making it clear that we’re in this together and that JICA will support development partners who need our assistance,” Azukizawa said.
JICA said an earlier 10 billion yen was disbursed to the Philippines to support response and recovery efforts from the pandemic following the extension of the state of calamity throughout the Philippines due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
In addition to PDSL 2, JICA has supported the Philippines with a 50 billion yen COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan signed on July 1, 2020 and released on August 14.
In 2013, JICA provided PDSL to the Philippines’ recovery from Typhoon Yolanda, helping families recover lost income and rebuild their lives.
JICA is the executing agency of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA), which handles technical cooperation, ODA loans and investment, and grant aid, as well as cooperation volunteers and disaster relief programs. (A Celis)
