NGOs to evaluate Yolanda recovery and rehabilitation efforts

Almost a year since Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck the country, the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), with the support of the Peace & Equity Foundation and Christian Aid, is set to assess and integrate the efforts of the government and of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the recovery and rehabilitation of Yolanda-affected areas through a two-day workshop and forum. Dubbed as “Yolanda, a Year After: Clearing the Road to Rehabilitation and Recovery”, the event will be held on November 3-4, 2014 in Ateneo de Manila University.

With the aim to promote the role and involvement of civil society in the country’s disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA) efforts, the event serves as an opportunity for the member networks of CODE-NGO and other CSOs to assess and reflect on the gains and challenges of Yolanda recovery and rehabilitation (YRR) programs.

Focusing on the most recent assessment, milestones, and challenges of YRR programs, the first day of the event will feature key member-networks of CODE-NGO in Visayas and Palawan. The assessment shall cover six provinces affected by Yolanda namely Leyte, Eastern Samar, Iloilo, Capiz, Cebu and Palawan.  The assessment will also include Bohol which was hit by a 7.2 earthquake right before Yolanda struck Visayas. l. A workshop consolidating the recommendations of the CSOs for a more responsive YRR will also be initiated.

The second day of the event, on the other hand, targets to create a venue for the CSOs, the public sector, and other stakeholders to convene and discuss about the current status of YRR programs. It will also cover an evaluation of the country’s state of disaster preparedness, which will solely be based on the implementation of the Philippine Disaster Risk Management Law. The dialogue shall lead to the development of solutions for faster and more efficient implementation of the said law.

Key persons from the government will participate in the event to present updates and respond to issues related to YRR: ASec. Gina dela Cruz of the Office of Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Recovery for updates on the Comprehensive Yolanda Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan; Sec. Dinky Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for ensuring social services in times of disaster; Mr. Froilan Kampitan of the National Housing Authority for resettlement programs in Yolanda-affected areas; and Sec. Butch Abad of the Department of Budget and Management for budget transparency and accountability in YRR programs.

This workshop-forum is part of CODE-NGO’s annual Social Development Celebration (SDC). With the theme “From South to North and From Bottom Up: CSOs Shaping Peace and Resilience”, SDC 2014 will be conducted on December 3-5, 2014 at SMX Convention Centre, SM Lanang, Davao City.

For interested individuals, you may confirm your participation through Ms. Ivy Panganiban at ipanganiban@code-ngo.org or 0916-7622970. You may also contact Kath Montenegro at mmontenegro@code-ngo.org or mobile 0917- 6031218.

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