Robredo: Nina-hit areas get limited foreign aid

Several international organizations were unable to provide assistance to victims of Typhoon Nina due to the lack of request from the national government, Vice President Leni Robredo has said.

“There are international agencies that can help, but many of them need a request from the national government. They cannot move,” Robredo told a press briefing in Naga City on Friday.

She said they are looking for ways to accept assistance from international organizations through direct requests from concerned local governments.

“The United Nations Development Program and European Union (EU) said they are open to exploring the possibility that local governments will make the request,” she said.

Robredo said they are considering other international organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, which could provide assistance even without a request from the national government.

Robredo said assistance from local organizations is not enough to sustain the needs of those affected by the typhoon.

“Many are willing to help, but since there was a declaration that we don’t need it, there are those who are hesitant,” she said.

Nina has affected over 500,000 families and destroyed houses in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Mimaropa ( Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), the Bicol region and Eastern Visayas.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it would need P4.35 billion to fund emergency shelter assistance for some 248,242 households.

President Duterte has criticized the United States and EU, saying they have been using their aid to the Philippines as a leverage to push their interests.

Duterte also dared the US and EU to end its assistance if they would continue to criticize his war against illegal drugs. He said the Philippines could survive without foreign aid.

However, the government accepted donations from China for typhoon victims.