Unicef ends mission for Zamboanga siege victims

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has ended its mission of providing assistance to more than 120,000 residents here displaced by the standoff between government security forces and members of the Moro National Liberation Front in 2013.

UNICEF country representative Lotta Sylwander on Thursday led a ceremony at the UNICEF field office here marking the end of their two-year humanitarian response for the internally displaced persons.

Sylwander assured the local government, the agencies involved in the rehabilitation and the children of their continued support.

“You have not seen the last of us yet,” Sylwander said during the ceremony held at the Centro Latino Convention Hall.

UNICEF implemented programs to improve nutrition, child protection, water and sanitation, leadership, adolescent and reproductive health in partnership with the local government and civil society groups.

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar thanked the UNICEF team for their efforts to uplift lives of the residents and protect the rights of the children.

Salazar thanked Sylwander and UNICEF Cotabato field office chief Rebecca Pankhurst for inspiring her to fight for children’s rights.

She presented Sylwander and the UNICEF team with a plaque of appreciation and a vinta sail as tokens of gratitude from the city government and the people.