Norwegian FM calls for more int’l aid to PH

Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende: Appeal for more international aid. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende on Thursday called on the international community to sustain support for typhoon-stricken villages, saying a bigger investment was needed to rebuild homes, facilities and livelihood.

Brende noted that less than half of the United Nations’ $791-million flash appeal for aid has so far been filled.

On Wednesday, Brende announced an additional pledge of $8 million in assistance for relief efforts for victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda,” raising Norway’s total aid to the Philippines to nearly $45 million. Norway is now the third-largest international donor to the effort, next to the United Kingdom and the United States.

“I’m appealing also to my colleagues in Europe and other colleagues that they will follow on this additional pledge so we can reach a much higher number than [42 percent of the aid appeal],” Brende told reporters.

“My impression is that there is a need for a lot of investment to build back these [communities], that is why we came up with additional funding. And I’m appealing to my colleagues to also continue to support the government of the Philippines,” said the minister, who wrapped up his three-day Philippine visit yesterday.

Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario at the Department of Foreign Affairs Thursday morning, Brende underscored the importance of continued donor support as the government eases into early recovery after the emergency phase two months since the disaster.

“I think there is a commitment from the international society [that] when you’re there in the emergency phase, you also have to be there when the UN is now appealing for building back these societies,” Brende said.

The foreign minister, who has seen other major disasters during his time as secretary general of the Norwegian Red Cross, visited typhoon-hit Tacloban City on Wednesday and noted the need to urgently provide shelter to the displaced and livelihood to those struggling to earn a living.

“I would say that, after being present in Haiti, after being present in Pakistan and other places around the world, what we have seen overall has been a very committed coordination. Nothing is perfect but the important thing is that we will now also support these people at the early recovery phase,” Brende told reporters.

He said his government would consider allocating the additional $8 million in funds to supply fresh equipment to local fishermen who had lost their boats and fishing gear.

Brende said Norway would also look at supporting the construction of climate-resilient housing for residents whose homes were completely destroyed.

“I think we’re now definitely moving from the emergency phase to early recovery. And for me, it is also important that this is used as an opportunity to build back better because we know that this is an area that is very prone to natural disasters,” said Brende.

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