EU envoy, UNDP director turn over 2 evac centers

CEBU, Philippines - European Union Ambassador Franz Jessen and United Nations Development Programme Country Director Titon Mitra on Tuesday turned over two Community Evacuation Centers (CECs) to the towns of Cabucgayan and Biliran in Biliran province.

Jessen, who was in his first visit to the province, lauded the UNDP’s accomplishment. “The EU values the partnership with the government, both at the national and local levels, and with UNDP particularly in helping disaster-affected communities get back on their feet.”

Jessen also commended the Philippine government for “remarkable and impressive progress in the recovery and rehabilitation efforts after the Yolanda devastation.

The CECs are part of UNDP’s Project Recovery in Yolanda-affected areas, which is funded by the EU. Each CEC, which can accommodate 250 persons, is designed to withstand a 300-kph wind velocity and has water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, with solar panels and a generator set.

The UNDP had earlier put up two CECs in Naval, Biliran and Ormoc City in Leyte.

Mitra said there is still much to do in disaster preparedness. “This is a time for shared responsibility in building resilience to the new normal of a world affected by rapid climate change. The recovery process must continue apace.” —(FREEMAN)