The South Korean government has provided a P30 million contribution to the Philippines to provide “critical cash assistance” to typhoon-impacted communities as the country braves through numerous severe weather disturbances this month, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. and Republic of Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol lead a toast during the state luncheon hosted by Malacañang for the visiting South Korean president on Oct. 7, 2024. (Photo courtesy of PPA/Noel Pabalate)
The funding was coursed through the WFP, which together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reached 14,500 households with children under five years old registered in the government’s 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) social assistance program.
“The ROK Government hopes that this assistance will support the recovery of the affected areas and help residents in those areas swiftly return to their daily lives,” the WFP statement said, citing South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa.
According to the WFP, families in the two most affected provinces by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine—Albay and Camarines Sur—will receive P3,000 in cash for two months for their immediate food and other needs.
The cash assistance is expected to complement the food and non-food items provided by the government since the typhoon struck.
“The Republic of Korea’s timely contribution has ensured WFP’s response, in partnership with DSWD, reaches affected communities and households in areas hardest hit by the latest consecutive typhoons within days,” WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman said.
“We are grateful for their timely support, enabling WFP to reach people within days through cash transfers,” he added.
Kristine was the 11th cyclone to hit the Philippines this year, causing widespread flooding across Luzon and Visayas, with the Bicol Region most adversely affected.
Four other typhoons—Leon, Marce, Nika, and Ofel—subsequently hit the country, which led to 10 million affected people and 160 deaths. They also caused billions worth of damages to the agricultural sector and public infrastructure.
In the statement, the WFP underscored its role in augmenting government-led response through logistics, emergency telecommunications support, and damage assessments.
Considered a “key partner” of the Philippines, the WFP said it was among the first to help the government in bringing critical aid to the communities affected.
The DSWD has reached more than 764,500 people in the Bicol region with 152,900 family food packs, with transportation support from WFP.
It also co-designed Government Emergency Communications Systems—Mobile Operations Vehicles for Emergency units with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) “to ensure vital connectivity and support search and rescue efforts.”
The WFP also deployed additional Very Small Aperture Terminal—Low Earth Orbit (VSAT LEO) units to improve data connectivity at evacuation centers.
As Super Typhoon Pepito batters the Bicol region once more, the WFP stressed its readiness to help the areas that would be severely affected.