The United Nations in the Philippines said Wednesday it mobilized P1.4 billion through 150 COVID-19 rapid-response activities being implemented by 20 UN agencies throughout the country.
Gustavo Gonzalez, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator in the Philippines, said in a statement the world body moved swiftly to support the government-led efforts to contain COVID-19 and limit its socioeconomic impact.
“Our support combines the reorientation of existing interventions to cope with the crisis, the implementation of timely impact assessments as well as technical assistance and in-kind support to national, regional and community partners," Gonzalez said.
Acting Economic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua said the government acknowledged the UN’s immediate support to the COVID-19 response in the Philippines.
"We recognize these contributions in the health sector through humanitarian initiatives that target the most vulnerable, on top of multi-sectoral programs and activities that aim to assist the Philippines’ recovery from the pandemic. With the help of organizations like the UN, we are hopeful that the country can be more resilient in facing future crises,” said Chua.
The UN’s P1.4-billion rapid COVID-19 investment consists of in-kind support and technical assistance. Sixty percent of the activities are being implemented nationwide, while 20 percent are focused on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, followed by the National Capital Region and other regions.