THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA PROVIDES PHP 30 MILLION IN AID FOR TYPHOON-AFFECTED FAMILIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Severe tropical storm Kristine, the 11th cyclone to hit the Philippines this year, caused widespread flooding across Luzon and Visayas, with the Bicol Region most adversely affected. Alongside four subsequent typhoons-locally named Leon, Marce, Nika, and Ofel-Kristine affected 10 million people and caused 160 deaths.

"The ROK Government hopes that this assistance will support the recovery of the affected areas and help residents in those areas swiftly return to their daily lives," said His Excellency Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines. This contribution has enabled WFP and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to reach 14,500 households with children under 5 registered in the Government's 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) social assistance programme.

Families in two of the most impacted provinces, Albay and Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region, will receive PHP 3,300 (US$57 per month) in cash for two months to cover their immediate food and other urgent needs. The cash complements food and non-food items provided by the Government since the onset of the emergency.

"The Republic of Korea's timely contribution has ensured WFP's response, in partnership with DSWD, reaches affected communities and households in areas hardest hit by the latest consecutive typhoons within days. We are grateful for their timely support, enabling WFP to reach people within days through cash transfers," said WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Regis Chapman.

WFP complements the government-led response through logistics, emergency telecommunications support, and damage assessments. As a key partner of the Philippines, WFP was among the first to support their response at the storm's onset. The DSWD has reached more than 764,500 people in the Bicol Region with 152,900 family food packs, with transportation support from WFP.

To ensure vital connectivity and support search and rescue efforts, the Department of Information and Communications Technology deployed Government Emergency Communications Systems-Mobile Operations Vehicles for Emergency units co-designed with the WFP. Additionally, WFP deployed additional VSAT LEO (Very Small Aperture Terminal-Low Earth Orbit) units to improve data connectivity at evacuation centres.

In addition to five successive cyclones, WFP is preparing for another potential super typhoon, Pepito, which may affect the areas impacted by the recent storms.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organisation, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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