Canada wrapped up its disaster-response mission to the typhoon-ravaged Visayas region this week, but vowed to provide the Philippines the long-term support it needs to help the country recover from the massive destruction wrought by the storm.
Canada’s decision to pull out its humanitarian workers, mainly deployed on Panay Island, was made after the Philippine government confirmed that their requirements for the relief phase have been met, Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder said Thursday.
Remaining members of the 300-strong Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), made up of Canadian diplomats and army and navy personnel, will be returning to Canada soon, he said.
But even after the Canadian team leaves, Reeder assured long-term help from the Canadian government will continue.
“People are here for the long haul,” Reeder said in his first meeting with reporters since assuming as Canada’s top envoy to Manila last month. “Governments remain and Canada is here and we are committed to help you in the future.”
“We live in a disaster-prone world. You’ve got a million-plus refugees from Syria with a huge appeal from the United Nations, but that doesn’t mean we are going to forget the Philippines either.”
Nearly two months since the record-breaking storm smashed into the Central Philippines, local governments and civilian partners in affected areas are now ready to attend to the remaining needs of the population, he said.
The next task ahead, he said, is to prepare for the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase, where Canada “will continue to play a role.”
“People don’t just abandon (others) and go out somewhere else. We are very cognizant of your needs and our government has been very clear that we will continue to support,” Reeder said.
Canada was among several nations that quickly responded to international calls for help in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda, which wrecked towns and villages in its path.
Canada has provided about $20 million worth of humanitarian aid while private donations by Canadians to registered charities has reached over $40 million.
While most nations focused on assisting Tacloban in Leyte, Canada has shifted aid to Panay Island, which is also a hard-hit area.
Its disaster response team helped clear over 130 kilometers of damaged roads in the island to help hasten the delivery of food, water and other basic necessities to survivors in remote areas.
Canada also provided 520,000 liters of clean water, repaired bridges and generators at hospitals and provided medical aid. — JDS, GMA News
