TACLOBAN CITY, March 28 (PNA) — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will be sending technical experts to assist the city government here in rehabilitation and recovery efforts.
In his recent visit to this city, UNDP administrator Helen Clark, said sending a team to the country is part of their support to overall development in the country, with focus on assistance for post-typhoon recovery and peace process in Mindanao.
Earlier, UNDP proposed a three-year program and activities backed by Australian government. The UN agency will be sending technical experts to the mayor’s office to support rehabilitation activities.
The visiting official said that with the transition from emergency response to early recovery, the UNDP is looking for ways on how to restore the capacity of the local government in the delivery of basic services.
Helen interacted with displaced families and met city officials led by Mayor Alfred Romualdez.
“I am impressed with what I have seen, I know how deep the scar in people’s heart, a lot of trauma to deal with, my heart goes with everybody, however there is this spirit coming through that Tacloban is going to live and is going to be vibrant and this is very important,” Clark said.
Clark also toured areas where UNDP activities have been carried out such debris clearing and livelihood support.
The official graced the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Balyuan Building, an office space offered by the city government to UN affliated organizations.
“The hub office (Balyuan building) is a very important sign that UNDP and OCHA (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) will have coordinating roles. We want to support the authorities in putting up their plans and place in drawing the map.” Clark added. (PNA)