Japan donates $800k for UNICEF programs in Marawi

• Source: http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/17/17/japan-donates-800k-for-unicef-programs-in-marawi
• Saturday, August 19, 2017

(ABS-CBN News)

MANILA - The Japanese government extended an $800,000 grant, or roughly P41 million, to the UNICEF to use for its programs in Marawi City.

In a statement, UNICEF Philippines representative Lotta Sylwander welcomed the "generous support."

"UNICEF thanks the government of Japan for the generous support that will enable us to scale up response to the displaced and affected population of Marawi," Sylwander said.

"Access to immunization, nutrition, safe drinking water and clean sanitation is a fundamental human right of children and families we serve.

"Impeded access of these life-saving services poses significant public-health threat and adversely affects the livelihoods and safety of women and children (that) further exacerbates humanitarian crisis and displacement."

Sylwander said the UNICEF draws strength from its partnership with the Japanese government to provide the needs of Filipino children and communities.

According to the UN program, the ongoing conflict in Marawi City has displaced in 359,680 people, more than 200,000 of which are children.

Many of those affected are dealing with scarce household resources, including food and school supplies.

“Taking the strong bilateral ties between Japan and the Philippines into consideration, which have been re-affirmed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Rodrigo Duterte on a number of occasions, Japan is extending this humanitarian grant aid to support the affected population in Mindanao,” the Japanese embassy said in a statement.

The UNICEF's response in the water and sanitation sectors includes distribution of 1,751 hygiene kits and 2,166 water kits, as well as sessions promoting hygiene in the areas of Lanao del Norte, Pantao Ragat, Pantar and Balo-i and Iligan City; and Saguiaran in Lanao del Sur.

Water-storage bladders, jerry cans and water-purification tablets were also provided to those at evacuation centers.

The UNICEF, likewise, provided micronutrient and Vitamin A supplements for children and iron-folic acid tablets for 3,000 pregnant and lactating women.

The UN body also supported the Department of Public Works and Highways of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur, along with other partners, in constructing 198 temporary and semi-permanent toilets and 40 bathing facilities.