19 November 2013 - The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) organized a briefing for members and donors on their operations in the Philippines in connection with Typhoon Yolanda  on November 15 in Geneva.

Mr. Michael Veltman, IFRC Acting Secretary General, Ms. Christine South Senior Official of the IFRC Disaster and Crisis Management Division, and Mr. Regiz Savioz, Deputy Head of Operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (ICRC) updated the group on the IFRC Emergency Appeal. While in Manila, the Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) former Senator Richard Gordon conducted the briefing together with Mr. Al Panico, IFRC Asia Pacific, Head of Operations briefed the group on their on-the-ground operations.

In his statement, Charge d’ Affaires Denis Y. Lepatan conveyed the appreciation of the Philippine Government to the IFRC, ICRC and the international humanitarian community for their overwhelming and spontaneous outpouring of sympathy and support in the aftermath of the most powerful typhoon to make landfall. He highlighted the government’s efforts and the contributions made by the PRC for their assistance in the relief and rehabilitation efforts for the victims. END.