14 March 2014 - United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos commended the Philippines in her Briefing for Member States in Geneva on March 7, for the significant progress after the devastation wrought by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), which she saw first-hand during her last visit to the Philippines.

Undersecretary General Amos drew particular attention to the early signs of recovery which were visible everywhere, with women and men continuing to make every effort to rebuild their lives. She stated that even as she saw the progress, much remains to be done. Millions of people still require urgent assistance to rebuild their lives and livelihoods, and the need ensure that the gains attained thus far are not rolled back.

She stressed that it is crucial for the international humanitarian community to help the Government and people build back safer so that the next massive storm does not bring the terrible levels of devastation that we saw with Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), noting that typhoon season in the Philippines is about to commence.

Minister Noralyn Jubaira-Baja, Charge d’ Affaires, a.i., of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations, informed the Member States and humanitarian donor community that the Philippines is now in the early recovery, reconstruction and development phase, with a particular focus on livelihood and agriculture. She reiterated the Philippine Government’s commitment to “Build Back Better” and safer, and work in close cooperation with the international humanitarian community and the private sector to carry out the massive rehabilitation effort in 171 municipalities and cities affected by Yolanda/Haiyan.

Minister Baja closed by reiterating the heartfelt gratitude of the Philippines and the Filipino people to the international humanitarian community for their untiring and continued solidarity in times of great need. END