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01 December 2023
UN convenes forum on ethical use of AI
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14 November 2023
DOH, UN sign agreement to address malnutrition in the Philippiness
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Press Release
08 November 2023
HCT JOINT PRESS STATEMENT: Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Super Typhoon Haiyan
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Philippines
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in the Philippines.
Data in this section is currently being updated and under review.
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06 April 2021
The United Nations in the Philipines - Get information on Resident Agencies in the country
The UN Country Team (UNCT) in the Philippines consists of eleven resident funds, programmes, and specialized agencies (FAO, IFAD, ILO, IOM, UNDP, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIDO, WFP, and WHO), six project offices (UNAIDS, UNESCO, UN Habitat, UNODC, UNOPS, UN Women), and three secretariat offices (OCHA, UNIC and UNDSS). Standing invitees are ADB, IMF, and the World Bank. The UN assists and supports the Government of the Philippines in its important development, peacebuilding and humanitarian priorities.
Check out their websites for more information:
FAO
ILO
IOM
OCHA
UN-Habitat
UNAIDS
UNDP
UNFPA
UNHCR
UNICEF
UNIDO
UNOPS
WFP
WHO
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08 May 2020
A coordinated response to coronavirus
See how UN resident agencies in the Philippines are responding to COVID-19
FAO
ILO
IOM
OCHA
UN-Habitat
UNAIDS
UNDP
UNFPA
UNHCR
UNICEF
UNIDO
UNOPS
WFP
WHO
The global UN response to COVID-19
On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) characterized the coronavirus (COVID-19) viral disease a pandemic, but it is a pandemic that can be controlled. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who heads the UN agency, said, in his statement, “Let me be clear: describing this as a pandemic does not mean that countries should give up.”
The UN Secretary-General urged all countries to take a comprehensive approach tailored to their circumstances – with containment as the central pillar. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting thousands of people, impacting countries’ health systems and having widespread social and economic effects. The UN entities working on development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, are supporting countries in their preparedness and response plans.
This page convenes sources of information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) regarding the current outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
WHO is working closely with global experts, governments and partners to track the spread and to provide guidance to countries and individuals on measures to protect health and prevent the spread of this outbreak.
Response and Recovery Fund
“COVID-19 is the greatest test that we have faced together since the formation of the United Nations,” said Secretary-General António Guterres. “This human crisis demands coordinated, decisive, inclusive and innovative policy action from the world’s leading economies –and maximum financial and technical support for the poorest and most vulnerable people and countries.”
The United Nations system—and its global network of regional, sub-regional and country offices working for peace, human rights, sustainable development and humanitarian action, will support all governments and partners through the response and recovery.
To that end, the Secretary-General has established a dedicated COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to support efforts in low- and middle-income countries. Its approach underpins the reformed UN with a coordinated multi-agency, multi-sectoral response for priority national and local actions to address the socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. It will count on the country leadership of Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams in swiftly supporting and enabling governments in this crisis, and recovery.To view the latest updates, facts and figures, please visit the UN COVID-19 Multi-Partner Trust Fund Portal.
To stay up to date with the latest information, please visit:
WHO's coronavirus portal
WHO's guidance for countries
UN's coronavirus portal
Latest news on the UN's response
Frequently asked questions
How to protect yourself
Coronavirus situation dashboard
Philippines situation reports
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13 November 2023
DOH, UN sign agreement to address malnutrition in the Philippiness
13 November 2023
The Department of Health (DOH), along with United Nations (UN) agency partners, UNICEF and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and World Bank inked a memorandum of understanding formalizing the partnership in addressing malnutrition in the Philippines.
As part of the broader Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), a four-year project spearheaded by the DOH and co-led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), this agreement adopts a bold multi-sectoral approach to achieve nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions across 235 local government units (LGUs) in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as 40 municipalities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This project aims to increase the utilization of a package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions and improve key behaviors and practices known to reduce stunting. It also enhances the capacity of the DOH and will support the delivery of nutrition and health care services at the primary care and community levels in municipalities known to have a high incidence of poverty and malnutrition.
"Improving the nutritional status of children is crucial for achieving the country's goals of enhancing human capital, strengthening economic recovery, and fostering long-term growth," said Ndiame Diop, World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand.
The partnerships formalized today with UNICEF and UNOPS, as implementing partners, aim to strengthen primary health care and nutrition service delivery. This will be achieved through the provision of healthcare equipment and supplies, basic primary care and nutrition commodities, multisectoral information systems development for localized decision-making, capacity building for frontline healthcare workers, community health navigation, and health and nutrition leadership and governance for local chief executives. Additionally, the partnerships will focus on social behavior change and communication (SBCC), verification of LGU performance and finance systems for the performance-based grants, as well as project measurement and evaluation.
“Good nutrition is a fundamental child’s right. The need for healthy diets, multisectoral services, and practices that protect, promote, and support good nutrition has never been greater. By strengthening national and local systems and improving access to essential services in communities, we can help children not only survive but thrive. UNICEF is committed to supporting efforts to end child stunting, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential," said UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov.
This is also in association with the community-driven development approach of DSWD Kapit-bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), where to date implementing communities have initiated more than 3,000 procurement packages using the community-based procurement system, with over 600 contracts successfully fulfilled. All these efforts are dedicated to improving access to and utilization of clean water, proper sanitation, enhanced hygiene practices (WASH), and access to Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) services.
"When children have better nutrition, they learn better. They can create opportunities to gradually break the cycles of poverty and hunger. By working together in the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project, UNOPS and its partners will reach those furthest behind and help achieve the SDGs”, said UNOPS Philippines Country Manager, Oscar Marenco.
The partnership between the DOH and the UN will enhance the DOH's access to global expertise and resources, thereby expanding its knowledge base and network. Leveraging the UN's global portfolio of programs and initiatives, the DOH will gain a wealth of information and best practices, enabling it to enhance and optimize its public health programs and services.
“The PMNP is a recognition that nutrition is not just a matter of health. The Marcos Administration sets this intervention as part of its foundation for social and economic development by ensuring women and children’s access to the first 1,000 days of services as a critical investment in our country’s human capital. This collaboration between the DOH and the UN is a testament to our shared commitment to building a healthier and better future for the Filipino people, especially women and children," said DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
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Media Contacts
Mario Villamor, (mariovi@unops.org)
Marge Francia, (mfrancia@unicef.org)
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30 October 2023
UNEP honors Quezon City mayor for environmental policy leadership
Quezon City Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte’s commitment to environmental protection can be traced to the aftermath of the worst storm to hit the Philippines in decades.
When Typhoon Ketsana struck in 2009, it unleashed ferocious downpours and floods that submerged roads and forced residents onto their rooftops for refuge. As the floodwaters receded, they left a river of plastic bags, sachets and other litter in their wake.
That sight left a lasting impact on Belmonte, who successfully ran for vice mayor of Quezon City in 2009 before becoming its mayor in 2019.
“I'm a good governance advocate,” Belmonte told the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “Good governance involves good stewardship of the environment.”
Only the second female mayor in the history of Quezon City, home to 3.1 million, Belmonte has pursued a raft of policies to end plastic pollution, counter climate change and green the city.
For her efforts to transform Quezon City into an environmental trailblazer, Belmonte has been named the 2023 Champion of the Earth for Policy Leadership, one of the UN’s highest environmental honours.
“Mayor Josefina Belmonte’s passionate leadership and policy achievements exemplify how local authorities can solve global environmental problems,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “Cities can be the dynamic engines of change we need to overcome the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste – and mayors can help to lead that charge.”
Fighting the throwaway culture
Quezon City was the Philippines’ capital for 27 years until the title returned to Manila in 1976. Today, it is the country’s most populous city and is part of Metro Manila.
Belmonte’s connections to this place run deep. Not only was she born and raised here, but her father, Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, was its ninth mayor.
Despite an early exposure to politics, Belmonte’s interests initially led her elsewhere – including to a career as an archaeologist. But in the end, the call to public service proved too strong.
“If you can be in a position where you can be a source of inspiration to others and become the root of positive change for millions of people, then it is worth it,” she said.
For Belmonte, positive change means prioritizing action on the environment to create a liveable, green and sustainable city.
Under Belmonte’s leadership, Quezon City has focused on reducing plastic pollution and extending the life of plastic products already in circulation.
“Plastic pollution is a major problem in the Philippines, as in many parts of the world, because of the throwaway culture,” Belmonte said. “Plastics clog our drainage systems and end up in the oceans. We know that plastic waste becomes microplastics that can be consumed in the food we eat, the air we breathe and even in the water we drink, which affects our health.”
Globally, humanity’s addiction to short-lived plastic products has created an environmental catastrophe. Around 19 to 23 million tonnes of plastic annually leaks into aquatic ecosystems, polluting lakes, rivers and seas. To stem that flow, experts say the world must fundamentally alter its relationship with plastic by using less of the material, eliminating single-use products, reusing what plastics are produced and finding environmentally friendly alternatives.
Under Belmonte, Quezon City has banned single-use plastic bags, cutlery, straws and containers in hotels, restaurants and fast-food chains for dine-in customers, as well as single-use packaging material.
Since 2021, residents have been able to trade in their recyclables and single-use plastic products for environmental points that can be used to buy food and pay electricity bills under the “Trash to Cashback” scheme. City authorities have even started a “Vote to Tote” programme to turn tarpaulins used in election campaigning into bags.
Still, millions of single-use plastic sachets are thrown away every day in the Philippines, which is a major source of ocean plastics. Though sachets allow households more affordable access to essentials for cooking, hygiene and sanitation, they cannot be recycled effectively, causing serious environmental harm, experts say.
“Sachet culture really gets to me. It really is something that makes me angry because it is there because we are a poor country,” Belmonte said. “Major manufacturers need to do their part and change the way they package products to make them more environmentally friendly.”
To combat plastic pollution, Belmonte launched in 2023 an initiative to help put refill stations for essentials, such as washing-up liquid and liquid detergent, in convenience stores across the city. With products that are often less expensive than their packaged counterparts, the stations have been received positively and will be piloted in over 6,000 stores next year, Belmonte said.
Last year, a historic UN resolution was passed to develop a legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution. Belmonte has been vocal about the need for a “truly ambitious” global instrument.
“Mayors want to be part of the negotiating table because we have very practical experience to bring,” she said. “The real work is at the level of cities. We already know that when change happens at the level of cities, it happens much more rapidly.”
Earning trust
Under Belmonte, Quezon City has also developed an ambitious plan to reduce its carbon emissions by 30 per cent in 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. It has declared a state of climate emergency to unlock spending, amounting to 11–13 per cent of the city’s annual budget, on programmes that mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis.
There are plans to double the number of parks in the city, introduce more electric buses and almost quadruple the network of bike lanes by 2030 to fight pollution. Other green initiatives include promoting urban farming and deploying equipment that allows community farms to transform organic waste into methane gas that can be used for cooking.
Although Belmonte has worked hard to forge her own path, she considers one piece of advice from her father to be priceless: “Always spend time with the people. Especially go to the poor communities, because when you go to the communities and you see how difficult life is for people in the grassroots, you'll never think of abusing power.”
It is advice that has shaped her political approach, helped her to build public trust and contributed to her popularity among voters. She was re-elected mayor in 2022 and regularly scores the highest approval ratings among metro Manila’s mayors.
“People will buy into your vision if you value what they have to say. That is the best way to get all of our environmental issues across,” Belmonte said.
About the UNEP Champions of the Earth
The United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Champions of the Earth honours individuals and organizations whose actions have a transformative impact on the environment. The annual Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour. #EarthChamps
About the #BeatPollution campaign
To fight the pervasive impact of pollution on society, UNEP launched #BeatPollution, a strategy for rapid, large-scale and coordinated action against air, land and water pollution. The strategy highlights the impact of pollution on climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and human health. Through science-based messaging, the campaign showcases how transitioning to a pollution-free planet is vital for future generations.
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28 October 2023
Over 200 mayors meet on SDG acceleration at Philippine Mayors Forum
27 OCTOBER, MANILA—The United Nations (UN) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) convened over 200 local chief executives at the Philippine Mayors Forum to discuss how local government units (LGUs) can help contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The forum was organized to accelerate implementation of the the SDGs at the local government level through the sharing of best practices on sustainable urban development, multi-level governance, and the use of digital technology.
In his keynote speech, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said, “It was an inspired revelation for the UN to recognise that it will need local government assistance. We are talking about global issues here, but we depend on the local government.”
“I welcome this forum which seeks to harness the power of innovation, digital governance, resiliency-building to ensure that the government can better respond to the demands of the times. And when I speak of government, I speak of government at every level,” he added.
DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. also underscored the critical role played by cities: “The road to sustainable development runs through cities.”
UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo González further emphasized the need to coordinate action on the SDGs with LGUs as part of the Philippines’ whole-of-nation approach to development.
“Local governments are closer to the level where actions are more likely to produce measurable results in a more responsive and inclusive process. They are first responders in challenging situations, as well as critical engines in transforming the lives of people,” he said.
Around two-thirds of SDG targets are expected to be met in or by cities and municipalities.
The UN also introduced the recently signed Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework during the forum and discussed how the UN Country Team in the Philippines works with and supports LGUs on SDG localization.
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24 October 2023
Government of the Philippines and the United Nations embark on a new partnership for sustainable development
24 OCTOBER, MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The United Nations and the Philippine Government have signed today in the presence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a landmark document that outlines the UN’s plan to support the country on its sustainable development path and accelerate local progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The UN Philippines Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (CF) is the UN’s blueprint for action from 2024 to 2028, which will mobilize the global knowledge, capacities and resources of 23 UN entities supporting the country in addressing its major national priorities.
The new framework sets the stage for the UN’s shift from traditional development assistance to transformative strategic partnerships for policy and capacity development, knowledge generation and financial resources-leveraging by playing a strong development-enabling role.
“The new cooperation instrument is based on the principle that the magnitude and complexity of today’s development challenges requires collective and integrated responses. For such reason, the UN is mobilizing the best of its capabilities to effectively support the Philippines in its noble aspiration to become an upper middle-income country,” said UN Philippines Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo González.
Co-created with the Philippine Government, the CF identifies three key priorities and outcomes, as well as the activities that need to be done to make this vision of a better future for the Philippines a reality.
First of these priorities is human capital development to ensure that by 2028, the Philippine population is more resilient to crises brought about by economic downturns, climate disasters, and public health risks. With this goal, the UN will work with an expanded range of partners to enhance good governance, accountability and human rights, maintain a healthy environment and improve the quality of and access to social services such as healthcare, education, and social protection. In this context, sustaining peacebuilding investments in the Bangsamoro region and other parts of the country will be critical for SDG acceleration.
The second priority underscored in the CF is sustainable and inclusive economic development and innovation, with the goal that by 2028, all people benefit from a more integrated, innovative, inclusive, and sustainable economy that generates decent work and livelihood opportunities.
Finally, the third key priority is climate action for environmental sustainability and disaster resilience. By investing in a just transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient development and cultivating a culture of sustainability in the management of natural resources and biodiversity, the UN and its partners hope to bolster current efforts to protect and preserve the country’s rich natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations.
The CF is ambitious to match the scope of the challenges we face, but it reflects the UN Country Team’s renewed and revitalized solidarity and commitment to a vision of a future where no one is left behind.
The 2024-2028 CF can be downloaded here [https://philippines.un.org/en/download/145870/250609].
Media contact
Maria Jorica Pamintuan I Public Information Assistant I United Nations Information Centre Manila I Mobile: 0917 8966191 I Email: maria.pamintuan@un.org
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23 October 2023
Pending bills on human rights tackled in UN discussion
23 OCTOBER, MANILA—The United Nations Joint Programme for Human Rights in the Philippines (UNJP) convened today representatives from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Philippine Congress, academe and civil society organizations to strengthen human rights approaches on key pending legislation.
Among the bills discussed include four filed in the Senate covering the protection of human rights defenders (Senate Bill [SB] 2447), the CHR Charter (SB 2440), anti-discrimination (SB 1264), and the establishment of a Forensics Institute (SB 694).
Two bills filed in the House of Representatives were also tackled, concerning the establishment of the National Preventive Mechanism (House Bill [HB] 8780), and a bill on mandatory autopsy (HB 8384).
The roundtable discussion was organized to promote human rights in these proposed laws, particularly their compliance with national and international human rights standards and good practices.
“Parliaments are the guardians of human rights,” said UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo González, adding that members of Congress play a vital role in ensuring that national laws cover the spectrum of citizens’ political, civil, economic, social and cultural rights.
He added, “Legislators also play a crucial oversight role in ensuring government compliance with international human rights obligations and translating them into national legislation and policies.”
CHR Chairperson Richard Paat Palpal-latoc underscored the importance of the discussion, saying, “These bills play an integral role in our shared aspirations for human rights and society.”
“Let us continue to work together on the passage of these bills as doing so will result in impactful outcomes that will change the lives of many for the better,” he said.
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Press Release
01 December 2023
UN convenes forum on ethical use of AI
Recognizing both, the tremendous potential and risks brought about by AI systems, UN in the Philippines initiated the consultative process to assist the Philippines with the assessment of preparedness to utilize AI, using the internationally agreed AI Readiness Assessment Methodology, developed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as part of its implementation of the 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. This comprehensive readiness assessment supports Member States in maximizing the benefits, while mitigating the risks of developing and using AI technologies.
In the Philippines, yesterday’s forum serves as a foundational step in setting up a network of experts that can provide guidance to develop and harness the power of AI for good and ensure that its transformative impact is inclusive and rights-based.
“If we unlock the immense possibilities of AI, we have the responsibility to ensure that these are aligned with the principles of fairness, accountability, transparency, and promoting and respecting human rights and dignity,” said Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, in her virtual address to the forum.
To preface the discussion, UNESCO presented its Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, a document that outlines key values, principles and strategies on AI use, which was adopted by 193 Member States in 2021. UNESCO also shared its Readiness Assessment Methodology, an instrument to help countries understand where they stand on the scale of preparedness to implement AI ethically and responsibly for all their citizens.
This emphasis on ethical frameworks for AI addresses potential and existing issues, including concerns that barriers to accessing the technology intensify social and economic disparities. Algorithms have also been shown to amplify bias and discrimination, facilitate the spread of disinformation, and heighten the risk of data privacy violations, among other safety and security-related challenges.
“AI technology is evolving faster than we can imagine. This is why we must better understand the ethical implications of this revolutionary technology,” said Gustavo Gonzalez, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines. “Today we are setting up a network, a community, to contribute to the conversation on the efficient and responsible use of AI in the Philippines because. If not well-managed, digital innovations can exacerbate existing inequalities.”
At the global level, the UN Secretary-General formed in October 2023 the High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, which will identify key opportunities to leverage AI for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), create a shared understanding of the technology’s risks and challenges, and recommend international governance initiatives.
Recommendations on AI governance will be taken up at the Summit of the Future, a high-level event which will be held in September 2024 where world leaders will discuss existing international commitments and take concrete steps to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.
The National Stakeholders Roundtable on Ethical AI was organized by the United Nations in the Philippines and sponsored by UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOPS.
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Press Release
08 November 2023
HCT JOINT PRESS STATEMENT: Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Super Typhoon Haiyan
We remember the lives that were lost and disrupted and extend our gratitude once again to the Philippine government and humanitarian partners for their support and collaboration, which played a crucial role in efforts to assist those affected by the super typhoon. The response efforts also involved the private sector, civil society, and even the support of overseas workers and foreign militaries, truly embodying a whole-of-society approach under the leadership of national authorities.
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) helped coordinate the assistance provided by international and national partners between November 2013 and August 2014 through these efforts:
about 3.7 million people received food assistance;
2.3 million children were vaccinated to improve their health and nutrition;
110 local government units were provided with improved vaccine cold chain facilities;
1.9 million people were provided with hygiene kits;
over 1.4 million people received cash assistance;
about 1.3 million people were given access to safe water;
about 570,000 households were housed in emergency shelters;
more than 545,000 children received learning materials and benefitted from 285 child-friendly spaces;
350,000 people were provided with latrines;
190,000 children received supplemental feeding;
158,000 households were provided with durable roofing solutions;
more than 152,000 workers were given immediate short-term work to help their families after the onslaught;
103,000 farmers received seeds and tools to revive their source of livelihood;
about 24,000 fishermen were assisted with boat repairs;
over 600 ‘Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children’ (BCPC) with 10,000 members trained on child protection issues; and
about 10,000 officials were given training on disaster safety and protection.
Since then, various partners and organizations have collaborated to expand humanitarian efforts in the Philippines in support of the government-led response, particularly on healthcare, protection, and food security.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has helped effectively address both communicable and non-communicable diseases in affected regions, benefiting approximately 5.8 million people.
On maternal care and reproductive health, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) played a central role in delivering essential services and supplies, as part of a comprehensive plan developed in partnership with the government and other humanitarian partners to provide urgent care and protection to 3.5 million women and girls of childbearing age.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, co-led the Protection Cluster with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to address the protection concerns of Super Typhoon Haiyan internally displaced population, focusing on vulnerable groups such as children, women, the elderly, and indigenous communities. Core relief items were also provided in affected areas.
UNICEF put the needs of children and youth at the center of its response by providing access to safe water, vaccinating children against diseases, providing learners and out-of-school youth with education materials and safe spaces, delivering psychosocial support, and training service providers, among others.
Action Against Hunger’s programs focused on addressing hunger through the provision of emergency food aid, cash grants, and livelihood assistance, while also improving access to safe water and sanitation.
The World Food Programme (WFP) collaborated with the Philippine government and partners to enhance local emergency response capacities, emphasizing the importance of quick, localized responses to ensure food security and nutrition during climate events.
The International Organization for Migration co-led the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster and worked with DSWD to address the most urgent needs of over 5,000 families who lived in displacement sites across 5 areas. Like many others, IOM’s response extended beyond initial response with the deployment of the Displacement Tracking Matrix, staff training on CCCM and Disaster Risk Reduction.
UN-Habitat's response empowered families to build 810 resilient permanent housing in various localities in Region 6 and Tacloban City which have withstood various typhoons until today through the People’s Process while also assisting Tacloban City, Ormoc City and Guiuan municipality in developing their Recovery and Rehabilitation Plans.
After the immediate response efforts, HCT members continued to provide support. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched an early recovery program that focused on restoring livelihoods, restoring local institutions and public services for recovery, and reducing risks for future disasters. The program included rapid employment efforts and cash grants for affected businesses. UNDP also provided climate resilient and gender sensitive evacuation centers, and resilient permanent housing for displaced families.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been working towards the adoption of anticipatory action interventions linked with existing social protection systems and programs to help ensure food security and the protection of agricultural livelihoods among vulnerable communities even before disasters strike.
This focus on pre-emptive response was echoed by Plan International Philippines, which highlighted the necessity of preparing communities for predictable hazards, particularly to ensure inclusivity and child-friendly policies. The organization highlighted the importance of mainstreaming gender transformative actions during emergencies.
Oxfam Pilipinas also called for proactive disaster mitigation and preparedness through collaborative solutions and emphasized the impact of the climate crisis on marginalized communities.
Following the devastation wrought by Super Typhoon Haiyan, the HCT has learned that when humanitarian needs outpace available resources, the significance of prevention, anticipatory action, community engagement, and resilience building becomes clear. This forward-looking approach improves responses to current and future challenges and requires stronger collaboration among organizations to implement long-term strategies. It also aims to decrease dependence on immediate humanitarian aid and empower individuals to address challenges independently, preserving their dignity and self-sufficiency.
To enhance the humanitarian system in the country, the HCT is taking part in the three-year initiative "Enhancing Resilient Communities (ERC),” which aims to leverage Filipino expertise, bridge the gap between humanitarian and development sectors, involve communities in decision-making resilience building, and foster alliances for shared goals to better prepare for future climate change scenarios. The ERC focuses on community engagement, cross-sector partnerships, and learning from community practices to improve disaster relief and response systems to increase climate resilience.
“Today, we commemorate the resilience and strength of the Filipino people, who have rebuilt their lives and communities in the face of adversity. We must continue to learn from the lessons of Haiyan to better prepare for future disasters made even more challenging by climate change. Together with the government, we are committed to investing in disaster risk reduction and innovative solutions such as anticipatory action and to deepening our collaboration in building a more resilient Philippines,” said UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez.
The HCT invites our partners, government, and civil society to recommit to stand ready to serve communities with a steadfast and united response when it is needed. With climate change exacerbating extreme weather events, we stand in solidarity to ensure that our efforts prioritize inclusivity and sustainability, placing the most vulnerable at the forefront of our work so that no one is left behind in disaster response and recovery.
Snapshot of HCT Response to Super Typhoon Haiyan
About the HCT (2023)
The Philippines Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez, ensures that humanitarian action by its members is well coordinated, principled, timely, effective and efficient. The HCT acts in support of and in coordination with national and local authorities with the objective of ensuring that inter-agency humanitarian action alleviates human suffering and protects the lives, livelihoods and dignity of people in need. The HCT members include Humanitarian Coordinator – Chair, FAO, IOM, OCHA, UNDP, UNFPA, UN-HABITAT, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, WHO, Save the Children (co-lead for Education Cluster), Action Against Hunger, ADRA, CFSI (PINGON co-convener), CARE, Oxfam (PINGON convener), Disaster Risk Reduction Network Philippines, Philippine Partnership for Emergency Response and Resilience, UN Civil Society Assembly. Observers include UN Resident Coordinator Office, UNDSS, International Committee of the Red Cross, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Philippine Red Cross, Embassy of Australia, ECHO, Embassy of Japan, Spain/AECID, USAID and PDRF. OCHA provides secretariat support to the HCT.
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Press Release
03 November 2023
Karen Davila named UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines
Ms. Davila, a broadcast journalist, television news anchor, radio presenter, and longstanding advocate for women’s and children's rights, will work to inspire change, and draw attention to the role of women in development and nation building, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
She said: “It is an honour to be UN Women’s first National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines. I will be working with many others who speak out in support of UN Women to help bring about positive change in mindsets, behaviours, and hopefully, in the everyday lives of women and girls.”
Welcoming Ms. Davila’s appointment, Alia El-Yassir, UN Women Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific said: “The Philippines has the right legal frameworks in place to promote women’s empowerment and Karen’s advocacy efforts are critical in changing the mindsets that hold back their implementation so that these frameworks continue to advance the rights of women and girls.”
Karen Davila has been an active advocate for UN Women in the Philippines since 2020. She spearheaded the "Agapay Nanay" initiative, delivering crucial support to nearly 5,000 beneficiaries during Typhoon Ulysses. With a hands-on approach, she mobilized aid for typhoon-affected women in Rizal and Navotas on Luzon Island. She has been an important voice at UN Women events, moderating International Women’s Day celebrations and the Philippine Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards. She was also a key figure in the UN Women Asia-Pacific campaign #WhenWomenLead, promoting women’s leadership in business and corporate settings as well as emphasizing the critical role women play in peacebuilding.
"Gender equality is at the heart of sustainable development, and it needs to be at the centre of everything the UN and its partners do in the Philippines,” said Gustavo González, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines. “I cannot think of anyone better placed than Karen to help us drive women’s empowerment forward decisively!”
As a new National Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, Ms. Davila joins a select group of celebrated personalities in the fields of entertainment, sports and activism, including award-winning actors Anne Hathaway and Nicole Kidman, world-renowned soccer player Marta Vieira da Silva and model and activist Cindy Sirinya Bishop, amongst others.
Goodwill Ambassadors bolster the United Nations' reach and awareness through enhanced visibility, strategic alignment with national objectives, expansive outreach beyond traditional circles, accessible communication on gender equality, and authentic advocacy based on lived experiences.
As a new National Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, Ms. Davila joins a select group of celebrated personalities in the fields of entertainment, sports and activism, including award-winning actors Anne Hathaway and Nicole Kidman, world-renowned soccer player Marta Vieira da Silva and model and activist Cindy Sirinya Bishop, amongst others.
Goodwill Ambassadors bolster the United Nations' reach and awareness through enhanced visibility, strategic alignment with national objectives, expansive outreach beyond traditional circles, accessible communication on gender equality, and authentic advocacy based on lived experiences.
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Press Release
20 October 2023
Forum on Multilateral Responses to Global Challenges: Building Back Together for Peace and Prosperity
At the halfway mark to the 2030 deadline to achieve the SDGs, the world is grappling with a multitude of challenges – political instability, conflicts, poverty, inequality, climate crisis, and global health issues – with progress towards many global targets having stalled, or even backtracked. Many crises confronted exceed the response capacity of any single institution or actor and required multilateral solutions and joint and decisive action.
The European Union and the United Nations continue to forge strong partnership and cooperation – through aligned engagement on policy, programmatic priorities and advocacy – for the realization of SDGs. Commitment to inclusive multilateral engagement, with space for contributions from all countries and communities, is key for addressing global and local challenges – including in the Philippines, a founding member of the United Nations with a long and rich multilateral tradition.
Echoing Our Common Agenda, the Secretary-General's vision for the future of global cooperation, Gustavo González, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, underscored the need for a new generation of multilateralism that is more responsive to evolving global challenges. “We have to admit that the multilateral system is at greater strain now than at any other time since the creation of the United Nations,” he said, adding that “the effectiveness of our multilateral system will be measured by whether it will lead to a safe, healthy, and inclusive world for the present and future generations.”
This vision is shared by key regional actors such as the European Union, which recognize the need to work with partners to achieve common goals: peace, prosperity and security. Luc Véron, European Union Ambassador to the Philippines, highlighted the important multilateral support for the peace process in Mindanao and emphasized that sustainable peace is critical to achieving sustainable development. “More than ever, we need to have a well-functioning, rules-based international order with an effective United Nations at its core,” he said.
The Forum on Multilateral Responses to Global Challenges: Building Back Together for Peace and Prosperity is part of a series of events held in October for UN Month to highlight and strengthen the collaborations between the Unite Nations and partners in government, civil society, private sector and the international community. With the theme "SDGs: A Race We Can Win," which is part of the global campaign, these events aim to amplify the drumbeat of opportunity to achieve the SDGs.
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Press Release
16 August 2023
UN, KOICA call for empowerment of Filipino youth to spur sustainable growth
MANILA, Philippines – In commemoration of International Youth Day, United Nations agencies in the Philippines and the Korea International Cooperation Agency highlight the important role that young people play in society, especially in ushering change.
The United Nations has chosen "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World" as the global theme for International Youth Day 2023. This theme highlights the importance of shifting towards an environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly world, which is not only essential for addressing the global climate crisis, but also crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"Young people are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and other challenges of our society, but they are also the most innovative, resourceful and determined," said Gustavo Gonzalez, United Nations (UN) Philippines Resident Coordinator. "We need to invest in and involve young people. We must give them the tools they need to be leaders in the fight against climate change and other social issues such as adolescent pregnancy that may hinder them from reaching their full potential. They need to be given the opportunity to actively shape their future!"
Gonzalez said it is important to “put the Filipino youth at the front and center of all our efforts. With all of their talent and potential, they are the key to reaching sustainable growth and development.” This is especially true for the Philippines, which is hoping to reap the benefits of the demographic transition towards having a larger productive population. Based on the latest National Demographic and Health Survey, Filipino children and youth (0-24 years of age) comprise 49.5% of the country’s population.
Southern Leyte and Samar are in the Eastern Visayas region, which is among the areas in the Philippines most affected by climate-related disasters and relatively higher rates of poverty. The UN, with the support of KOICA, wants to focus on empowering young girls towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
The Republic of Korea, through KOICA, is currently funding a joint programme implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO) that aims to reduce cases of adolescent pregnancy in the Philippines and ensure that girls are able to stay in school and are able to achieve their full potential.
The partners are working closely with the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the governors of Samar and Southern Leyte, as well as other government agencies in rolling out adolescent-friendly mobile health facilities, building the capacity of community adolescent health service providers, accelerating the integration of comprehensive sexuality education in schools, implementing Youth Leadership and Governance Initiatives, and conducting research on Adolescent Pregnancy and Child, Early, and Forced Marriage.
“With nearly 50% of the population being under the age of 24, the Philippines recognizes that supporting and empowering its youth is the key to achieving national development goals. KOICA is strategically focusing its support in the field of maternal and child health, and notably, in collaboration with 4 UN agencies and the Philippine Government, has been providing $6.4 million in funding for Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy since 2022. This year’s theme is a great reminder to encourage multi-sectoral convergence to strengthen climate resilience and equip the youth with green skills. Through this 4-year joint project, I am hopeful that it can create a huge impact on achieving a better future for Filipino youth who are able to make better choices on their own sexual and reproductive health,” said KOICA Country Director KIM Eunsub.
“Girls must be among the new generation of leaders building our sustainable future, as they are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,” said UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Dr. Leila Joudane.
“As leaders call for a future of green skills among youth, girls must not be excluded. Through our project with KOICA, we can ensure that more girls are able to access opportunities and have better futures,” she added.
UNFPA explained that it's important to prepare young people with knowledge on sexual and reproductive health and rights, especially in the times of heightened risk of climate change related disasters.
KOICA and the UN agencies said the joint programme is a valuable investment for the future of the young people in Samar and Southern Leyte that will empower them to make decisions for their own health, dignity, and well-being. Its multisectoral approach will also serve as a model for the rest of the country.
“One pregnant teenager is too many. If we help address teenage pregnancies, we contribute to ending the intergenerational cycle of poverty. Let’s invest in improving the health and help-seeking behaviors of young people, especially girls. While our government works on improving the quality and accessibility of services, equipping young people with appropriate life skills to make informed decisions should also be our priority,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov.
Before the pandemic, World Bank data showed that the Philippines has the 2nd highest adolescent fertility rate in the ASEAN region. Latest data suggest there are around 14 million single mothers in the Philippines and they face economic and social challenges as adolescent pregnancy can result in dropping out from school.
For more information:
Kristine Sabillo Guerrero | kguerrero@unfpa.org | +639175691449
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