Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo and Australian Ambassador Amanda Gorely will inaugurate a new Australian-funded warehouse at the DSWD National Relief Operations Center in Pasay City today,  November 29.

The Australian Government has provided a grant of A$3million (PHP104.2 million) to the DSWD for the construction of the warehouse and the  prepositioning of non-food relief supplies. It is also continues to give technical assistance to DSWD on institutionalizing policies and systems on disaster response.

An Australian Civil Corps specialist is working with DSWD national and field offices to review and enhance the Department’s disaster response strategy and operations plans.

As part of its aid program in the Philippines, the Australian Government has contributed A$81.56 million  (PhP3.26 billion) since 2006 to support the humanitarian efforts of the Philippine Government in response to several disasters. It has also supported building disaster preparedness and resilience of communities and systems through up to A$34 million (PhP1.2 billion) projects across the country.

Australia’s development assistance to the Philippines is focused on economic growth, education, peace and stability, governance, and where necessary, humanitarian assistance.

Sec. Taguiwalo said that the partnership with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on improving government’s disaster management through the construction of a warehouse and other refurbishments is much appreciated.

“The Philippine Government cannot do the important work of responding to the needs of disaster victims alone. We need the help of all sectors to ensure that we can deliver prompt response every time a disaster occurs. With the construction of the additional warehouse, the DSWD will be able to increase its family food pack production, as well as ensure and maintain the quality of the relief supplies.”

For her part, Ambassador Gorely said that Australia has been a partner of the DSWD over many years.

“I would like to acknowledge the leadership of Secretary Taguiwalo and DSWD on disaster and humanitarian response coordination under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. DSWD has a very important role in the Philippine government system to deliver timely and effective emergency response to Filipinos in need. This warehouse is part of a larger program to build capacity for quick response and relief in emergency situations,” said the Ambassador. ###