By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed its readiness to assist communities affected by the powerful earthquake that struck Mindanao as rescue, relief, and recovery operations continue in the disaster-hit areas.
In a statement shared by the Department of Health (DOH), the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific said that the WHO Philippines Country Office is on standby and prepared to provide support to the government’s response efforts.
WHO is closely coordinating with Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa to help strengthen the government-led response and ensure that essential health services remain available to affected communities.
The WHO official also assured that other United Nations partners, along with various civil society organizations, are prepared to extend assistance as needed to support ongoing humanitarian and recovery efforts.
At the same time, WHO conveyed its condolences to the Philippine government and the Filipino people over the lives lost in the tragedy, as authorities continue to assess the full impact of the disaster and the rising number of casualties.
The organization likewise paid tribute to rescue and recovery teams, healthcare workers, and volunteers who have been working tirelessly to provide aid and critical services to those affected by the earthquake.
WHO emphasized the importance of continued cooperation among government agencies, humanitarian groups, and local communities to accelerate recovery efforts and help affected areas rebuild in the aftermath of the disaster.
ia/xf
