Germany, Spain support WFP project in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - The United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) welcomed contributions from Germany and Spain of 500,000 euros (estimated P56.7 million) 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 programs designed to support the early recovery of returnee communities.

 “We are extremely grateful for the support of the German and Spanish governments,” said 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.”

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 program, 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 programs, WFP also provides nutrition support to vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant and breast-feeding mothers through supplementary feeding and school meals. WFP programs 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 on a case-by-case basis. WFP is currently providing emergency relief and early recovery assistance for flood-affected areas in Luzon.