PH gets add'l P70-M Covid-19 aid from Canada

THE CANADIAN government is providing an additional 1.9 million Canadian dollars (approximately PHP70.2 million) to its pandemic assistance to the Philippines on top of the 1.18 million Canadian dollars (about PHP44.5 million) it announced last June 10.

The additional funding brings to more than 3 million Canadian dollars (approximately PHP114.7 million) Ottawa's support to Manila's fight against the coronavirus disease 2019.

“Canada continues to contribute to international efforts to address the ongoing pandemic by providing urgent and necessary funding, including to support those who are most vulnerable. As the Covid-19 health crisis evolves, we recognize that for many people -- particularly women and children -- the pandemic may have significant and lasting adverse effects on their health, prosperity and opportunities," Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Peter MacArthur said Tuesday.

"We are committed to supporting our partners in the Government of the Philippines in their life-saving work,” he added.

Canada is adding 1.9 million Canadian dollars to the existing Enhance Mother/Newborn/Child Health in Remote Areas through Health Care and Community Engagement (EMBRACE) project implemented by Adventist Development and Relief Agency Canada (ADRA).

This additional assistance will support activities such as information dissemination on Covid-19, training of front-line healthcare workers on clinical management and contact tracing and provision of sexual and reproductive health services including counseling and psychosocial support.

It will also equip temporary health facilities with portable toilets, shower areas and handwashing facilities including procurement of personal protective equipment, testing kits, disinfectants, sanitation tents and beds among others.

“Canada’s humanitarian assistance is in line with its Feminist International Assistance Policy, which addresses the specific needs and priorities of people in vulnerable situations, particularly women and girls,” MacArthur said. (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)