MANILA, Aug. 5 (PIA) — Canada’s ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder recently visited Eastern Samar to monitor projects funded by Canada for those affected by typhoon Ruby (Hagupit), which hit the province last year.
Making his first visit to Eastern Samar, Ambassador Reeder led the ceremonial turn-over of more than 60 shelter units to those affected by typhoon Ruby (Hagupit) which hit the province last year. Joining him in the ceremonial turn-over is Dolores Mayor Emiliana Villacarillo. Construction of these temporarily shelter units started in March and was completed in May.
The shelter units are part of the humanitarian assistance project funded by the Government of Canada and implemented by the Canadian non-governmental organization Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI) and its local partner Center for Emergency Aid and Rehabilitation, Inc (CONCERN). This project will help meet the needs of 3,000 typhoon-affected families in Eastern Samar. The Ambassador also visited livelihood projects including an egg production facility and support to eastern Samar fishers that will generate income and employment for those adversely affected by Typhoon Ruby.
Aside from building temporary shelters, affected residents, especially women, farmers, and fisher folk in Dolores, Oras, Can-Avid, and Taft in Eastern Samar were also provided small cash grants to restart lost livelihoods. Communities were also trained to develop local disaster plans to help them prepare for and mitigate possible effects of future calamities.
Canada contributed Cad$ 5 million (approx. PhP 180 million) in response to typhoon Ruby, making it the largest bilateral donor in the context of this natural disaster.
