WFP Welcomes Support From Germany And Spain For Conflict-Affected People In Mindanao

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed contributions from Germany and Spain of 500,000 Euros (estimated 56.7 million pesos) each to jumpstart WFP operations to support conflict-affected people in Central Mindanao.

As more internally displaced people return to their homes or resettle in other communities following the ceasefire in mid-2009 and peace talks continue, WFP recently shifted its focus from emergency relief activities to programmes designed to support the early recovery of returnee communities.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the German and Spanish governments,” said Mr. Asaka Nyangara, WFP Deputy Country Director and head of operations in Mindanao. “Their donations come at a very critical time of rebuilding and restoring livelihoods in Mindanao,” she said.

In partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), WFP will contribute to the continuing peace-building efforts through assistance to the most vulnerable, particularly in remote and insecure areas of Central Mindanao.

WFP’s Food for Work and Food for Training activities, with support from the European Union through its Food Facility programme, encourage people to become progressively more self-sufficient through the rebuilding and rehabilitation of important community assets, and developing new skills which help them support themselves.

In addition to its return and recovery programmes, WFP also provides nutrition support to vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant and breast-feeding mothers through supplementary feeding and school meals. WFP programmes are implemented in close collaboration with the communities, local government and other local stakeholders.

WFP returned to the Philippines in 2006 to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Mindanao by addressing the food security of vulnerable people in conflict-affected areas.

WFP also supports large-scale natural disaster response of the Government of the Philippines on a case-by-case basis. WFP is currently providing emergency relief and early recovery assistance for flood-affected areas in Luzon. (WFP/PIA9-BST)