MARAWI CITY — The Australian government, through its embassy in Manila, partnered with international humanitarian organizations to distribute livelihood projects for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) here, more than a year since the siege took place.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorley led the turnover to the 86 recipients still living in two evacuation sites of the Sarimanok Evacuation in Barangay Poblacion, October 26.
Together with Gorley was the representatives of the Community and Family Services International (CFSI) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), who called the livelihood initiative the “Marawi Recovery Project.”
They distributed motorcycles equipped with sidecars, sewing machines, refrigerators, and coconut grinders.
In her message, Gorley said Australia will remain a “good friend” of the Philippines and a responsive neighbor.
“We stand ready to support the Philippine Government and the Filipino people especially in time of emergencies and disasters. And we recognize the name to provide immediate and longer-term solutions for affected families to stand and be economically independent,” she said.
Gorley said she was delighted with the opportunity to see the Marawi recovery project, and lauded the spirits of the IDPs for their resiliency.
CFSI Executive Director Steven Muncy said the Marawi Recovery Project is funded by the Australian government and is implemented by the CFSI in partnership with the FAO, Task Force Bangon Marawi, and the local government of Marawi City.
“Even during the crisis in Marawi, the Australian government was thinking about the recovery of the people of Marawi, wherein they came with this projects that basically addresses the IDP’s voices especially the need to expand livelihood to other families,” he said.
Sanao Dayaan ,a recipient of a sewing machine, expressed her gratitude to the Australian government. She said the siege destroyed her sari-sari store (variety store), and her family now depends on her income from hand-sewing dresses and pillowcases.
“With the sewing machine, I will no longer have difficulty in sewing dresses and pillowcases. it will be faster and easier,” she said in vernacular. (Irma Boza/PNA)
