In line with the severe flooding in Luzon and Visayas regions due to the monsoon rains last August 6-8, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) as mobilized logistics and food support to complement the Philippine Government’s emergency relief efforts which they work closely with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). With the total of 52.5 metric tons of high-energy biscuits that was delivered by the WFP it will benefit 262,500 flood-affected individuals from the National Capital Region, Region III, and Region IV-A. This high-energy biscuits were distributed by DSWD.
Up to date, the 39.5 metric tons of high-energy biscuits were distributed to Regions III and IV-A which the government has identified as the most flood-affected benefits more than 197,500 people in that area. While in the National Capital Region, which includes the areas of Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Paranaque and Quezon City, the remaining 13 metric tons of high-energy biscuits were distributed to more than 65,000 flood-affected people within the area.
The high-energy biscuits delivered by WFP are wheat-based biscuits fortified with vitamins and minerals. They are often distributed during the first few days of an emergency, when people have limited access to cooking facilities. Aside from the biscuits, WFP is contracting trucks to help transport DSWD relief supplies to affected communities in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
“WFP is saddened by the humanitarian impact of the non-stop rains over the last week in the Philippines, and we would like reiterate our solidarity with the Philippine Government during times of emergencies. We stand ready to offer our full support to augment government efforts when needed,” said WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Stephen Anderson.
Aside from partnering with DSWD, WFP will be partnering with Department of Health (DOH) in distribution of nutritious ready-to-use supplementary food to about77,000 flood-affected children (aged 6 to 36 months) in Luzon in the coming days.
