The United Nations (UN) in the Philippines has mobilized around P1.4 billion to support efforts in the country’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response, the agency said in a statement yesterday.
The UN said that the amount was coursed through 150 COVID-19 rapid-response activities being implemented by 20 UN agencies throughout the country.
“In the Philippines, the UN has moved swiftly to support the government-led effort to contain COVID-19 and limit its socioeconomic impact,” said Gustavo Gonzalez, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in the Philippines.
The UN said 60 percent of the COVID-19 response activities are being implemented nationwide, while 20 percent are focused on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, followed by the National Capital Region and other regions.
“The Philippines acknowledges the UN’s immediate support to the COVID-19 response in the Philippines. We recognize these contributions in the health sector through humanitarian initiatives that target the most vulnerable, on top of multi-sectoral programs and activities that aim to assist the Philippines’ recovery from the pandemic,” Karl Kendrick Chua, National Economic and Development Authority acting secretary, said in the statement sent by the UN.
“With the help of organizations like the UN, we are hopeful that the country can be more resilient in facing future crises,” he added.
The UN in the Philippines is currently revising its program of cooperation, aiming for the adoption of a “UN Socioeconomic and Peacebuilding Framework for COVID-19 Recovery in the Philippines,” to support and reinforce efforts in the country to recover and stay firmly on the path toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the agency said. – Angela Celis
