UN exec 'impressed' with gov't rehab planning

MANILA, Philippines — United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) chief Helen Clark praised the government's plans for rehabilitation from Supertyphoon Yolanda.

"The plans look good to me ... I am impressed by the planning that I see," Clark, who is the third highest official of the United Nations, said in a press conference on Thursday.

She said, however, that the real challenge lies in carrying out programs and projects as the efforts transition from the humanitarian phase to the recovery stage.

"There is national leadership, there are measures in place. The challenge is in implementation," she added.

Clark, a former prime minister of New Zealand, said she will relay this observation in her meeting with President Benigno Aquino III, scheduled during her three-day visit in the country.

The UNDP head flew to Yolanda-ravaged Tacloban City on Wednesday to personally see the agency's efforts in the area.

She said the government should ensure that rebuilding communities and restoring livelihood in disaster areas should be inclusive and sustainable.

The effects of climate change should also be considered as government helps people in affected areas to be more climate resilient.

"Climage change is not something that will hurt people someday, but it is hurting people now," Clark said.