The Australian delegation headed by Amb. Tweddell announced their provision of additional assistance to the recovery and reconstruction activities in areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda during their visit to the DSWD operation center in Tacloban City, Leyte.

During the visit, Sec. Soliman oriented the Australian delegation on the Department’s disaster response and recovery efforts.

According to Amb. Tweddell, the additional package of assistance includes Php 162 million to provide livelihood for approximately 450,000 individuals, and Php 121 million for the construction of 75 classrooms and day care centers.

The amount of Php 40 million will be allotted for the multi-hazard mapping, improved land use planning and building codes, and establishing of early warning systems and emergency response teams in 336 communities in Leyte and Eastern Samar.

Meanwhile, Php 40 million will be used to bring in Australian technical experts to support the planning, implementation, and coordination of recovery and reconstruction activities.

Australia will also provide Php 808 million for the construction of 500 classrooms in Yolanda-affected areas as part of the Basic Education Sector Transformation (BEST) program.

“This assistance demonstrates the depth of the friendship between our two countries,” Ambassador Tweddell expressed. “We will continue to coordinate our assistance with the Philippine Government and other actors to ensure that it is reaching those who need it most.”

Another Php 40 million will be provided to UN agencies to restock prepositioned supplies disbursed during 2013 disasters, including dignity kits given to pregnant and breastfeeding women which contain additional items such as bath towel, malong, undergarments, alcohol, slippers and potty. These will provide pregnant and breastfeeding mothers a higher level of protection against diseases and infection due to their and their babies’ delicate condition. Other supplies include rice and high energy biscuits.

Sec. Soliman and the Australian delegation also conducted an ocular inspection of Motocross Bunkhouses in Brgy. Caibaan, Tacloban City housing 516 families, and the permanent shelter site at Brgy. Pago, Tanauan, Leyte. ###