OCHA in 2012 & 2013 Plan and Budget - Philippines

OCHA Philippines was established in May 2007 as a one-staff presence focused on response preparedness for frequent natural disasters, supported by the OCHA Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP). OCHA was gradually strengthened with temporary surge staff members to address the coordination needs that arose from the resurgence of armed conflict between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in August 2008. The onset of Typhoon Ketsana that struck Metro Manila in September 2009 triggered the establishment of the country office. The aftermath of Tropical Storm Washi in December 2011 prompted the time-bound establishment of two additional sub-offices in northern Mindanao. OCHA activities in the Philippines have a dual focus: response to a protracted conflict situation in Mindanao, and, at the national level, preparedness for and response to frequent natural disasters.