Spain, Germany provide 2.47 mln dollars for evacuees in S Philippines

Germany and Spain have shell out 113.4 million pesos (2.47 million U.S. dollars) to support relief operations for people displaced by conflict between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The money, 56.7 million each from Spain and Germany, was channeled to United Nations World Food Program.

Asaka Nyangara, WFP Deputy Country Director and head of operations in Mindanao, said in a statement issued on Friday that they welcomed the contributions from the two countries.

"We are extremely grateful for the support of the German and Spanish governments," Nyangara said, adding, "Their donations come at a very critical time of rebuilding and restoring livelihoods in Mindanao."

The WFP recently shifted its focus from emergency relief activities to programs designed to support the early recovery of returnee communities as more internally displaced people return to their homes following the ceasefire in mid-2009 declared by government and MILF.

Eid Kabalu, an official from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front civil and military affairs division, said they welcomed the support coming from foreign countries.

Along with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, WFP will contribute to the continuing peace-building efforts through assistance to the most vulnerable, particularly in remote and insecure areas of central Mindanao.

WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency, which gave food to 102.1 million people last year in 78 of the poorest countries. In 2009, it aims to feed 105 million people in 74 countries, including the Philippines.

More than 100,000 people remain homeless as a result of armed conflict since 2008. Most of them live in dire conditions in government evacuation centers, at relocation sites or with host families.

Source: Xinhua