Japan will work with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to provide shelter assistance and health services for Filipinos affected by typhoon Odette in Visayas and Mindanao.
The Japan Embassy in the Philippines disclosed on Thursday, Jan. 20, that on Jan. 17, the Government of Japan and the IOM in Geneva, Switzerland exchanged notes verbale for the US$ 4.2-million (P215-million) project to provide shelter, camp coordination and camp management (CCCM), and health response to 'Odette' survivors in Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga Region.
The project will be carried out as part of Japan's P663-million disaster relief assistance to the Philippines.
"Safer environment for the survivors of Odette. Japan and
IOM Philippines agreed to implement US$4.2-million assistance--shelter and health services-- for displaced and vulnerable people. These are basic human needs. Hope this project will help ease the burden of the affected families," Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko said.
According to the ambassador, IOM will receive US$ 4.2 million to fund the provision of shelter repair kits that will be distributed to 2,420 households and the training on Build Back Safer construction techniques for 3,682 community members, including the 2,420 household shelter repair kits beneficiaries.
It will also finance the implementation of the CCCM assistance for 4,000 internally-displaced persons currently taking shelter in 20 evacuation centers; operation of mobile health clinics reaching 90 communities; capacity building for 7,400 individuals, which includes orientation on peer support for 600 community leaders, psychological first aid sessions for 800 government frontliners, and mental health and psychosocial support sessions for 6,000 community members.
Emergency medical equipment for four health facilities and emergency health kits for 200 communities will also be provided under the project.
"This project partnership of the IOM with the Catholic Relief Services and CARE Philippines will indirectly benefit an estimated total of 64,681 individuals," the ambassador said, noting that Japan intends to closely coordinate with the Philippines for the earliest recovery of the affected areas.
On Jan. 14, Japan has announced that it will provide P663-million disaster relief aid to the Philippines to help the survivors of typhoon Odette.
It added that the aid will be coursed through several international organizations for relief activities conducted in the severely-affected areas in the central and southern parts of the country.
READ MORE: Japan donates P663-M disaster relief to PH for 'Odette' survivors