WFP committed to early recovery for Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - As more internally displaced persons in Central Mindanao return home or resettle in other communities, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) is tailoring its assistance in a more targeted way to reach the most vulnerable internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees and assist them in rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.

“Contrary to recent media reports, WFP is not ending its support to conflict-affected populations in Mindanao. Rather, we are stepping up targeted food support to returning communities to help them become progressively self sufficient,” said Stephen Anderson, WFP Country Director and Representative.

“Through programs such as food-for-work and food-for-training, WFP assists people to rebuild, rehabilitate assets and develop relevant livelihood skills,” he added.

In collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other partners, WFP is currently supporting the voluntary return of the IDPs through an initial food package upon return or resettlement and through programs that help rebuild the returnee communities and enhance their self-reliance, and complement the work of other agencies.

WFP also continues to provide nutrition support to vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant and nursing mothers, through its work in maternal and child health and nutrition and through school meals.

WFP returned to the Philippines in 2006 to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Mindanao by addressing the food security needs of vulnerable people in conflict affected areas. WFP also supports large-scale natural disaster response of the government on a case-by-case basis and is currently providing emergency relief and early recovery assistance for flood-affected areas in Luzon.