Japan donates $13 million to Odette victims

MANILA, Philippines — The Japanese government will provide assistance amounting to $13 million to be coursed through international organizations for victims of Typhoon Odette.

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) will receive $5 million for its emergency food and logistics assistance, the Japanese embassy announced yesterday.

Japanese government officials in Rome exchanged a note verbale with representatives of the WFP for the grant on Jan. 19.

Around 26,000 households or approximately 130,000 people in typhoon-hit areas will benefit from the assistance.

Priority will be given to those who remain in evacuation and temporary shelters.

“Japan, in light of the amicable relations with the Philippines, intends to closely coordinate with the Philippines for the earliest recovery of the affected areas,” the embassy said in a statement.

Japanese officials also exchanged notes verbale with representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund on Jan. 20. UNICEF will receive $1.6 million to support residents of Surigao del Norte, including Siargao, Dinagat islands and Southern Leyte.

Access to safe water and sanitation facilities and promotion of health and hygiene practices, including COVID prevention, will be prioritized by UNICEF.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will get $.02 million while the UN High Commissioner for Refugees will receive $.17 million, also for emergency response for victims of the typhoon.