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Celebrating Humanitarian Heroes (Because The World Needs More of Them!)

Iloilo, August 28 2014 — An air of hope and optimism wafted through the Iloilo Provincial Capitol last Tuesday as various humanitarian organizations convened for the World Humanitarian Day with the theme “The World Needs More Humanitarian Heroes.”

The event was created to commemorate the UN headquarters’ bombing in Baghdad, Iraq, that took the lives of 22 aid workers in 2003. And with the influx of humanitarian operations in the Yolanda-ravaged Western Visayas, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) brought the celebration to Region VI for the first time ever. Photo: UN-Habitat/B. dela Cruz.
The event was created to commemorate the UN headquarters’ bombing in Baghdad, Iraq, that took the lives of 22 aid workers in 2003. And with the influx of humanitarian operations in the Yolanda-ravaged Western Visayas, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) brought the celebration to Region VI for the first time ever. Photo: UN-Habitat/B. dela Cruz.

A photo exhibit was held from August 19 to 21 to showcase various Haiyan responses from both local and foreign organizations. From shelter support to medical aid, the unique displays carried stunning and emotive portraits of selflessness and resilience.

UN Habitat highlighted the activities of the ongoing Post-Yolanda Support for Safer Homes and Settlements Project in the region, particularly the application of the People’s Process in community mobilization, shelter assessment and construction. Visitors at the booth were also treated to a live demonstration of the UN Habitat Shelter I scale model which elicited quite a variety of responses from guests.

Other colleagues in the aid community who participated were the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA- Philippines), International Organization for Migration (IOM-Philippines), Save the Children Philippines, World Vision Philippines, Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA-Philippines) the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC-Iloilo), Shelter Cluster Org.-Asia/Pacific, Concern Worldwide, and CARE International. A crowd of more than 200 was estimated to have attended the launch.

Photoexhibit2
Kenga Shandralingam of UN OCHA recognizes the coordinated efforts of humanitarian communities to address the pressing needs of Yolanda survivors in Region VI. Photo: UN-Habitat/B. dela Cruz.
Present during the Western Visayas regional celebration of World Humanitarian Day were Iloilo Provincial Administrator Raul Banas, Capiz Provincial Administrator Atty. Jose Villanueva, OCD Regional Director Rosario Cabrera, UN OCHA Iloilo Sub-office Head Kenga Shandralingam, Vice Governor Raul Tupas, and NEDA Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal. Photo: UN-Habitat/B. dela Cruz.
Present during the Western Visayas regional celebration of World Humanitarian Day were Iloilo Provincial Administrator Raul Banas, Capiz Provincial Administrator Atty. Jose Villanueva, OCD Regional Director Rosario Cabrera, UN OCHA Iloilo Sub-office Head Kenga Shandralingam, Vice Governor Raul Tupas, and NEDA Regional Director Ro-Ann Bacal. Photo: UN-Habitat/B. dela Cruz.
The UN Habitat Booth featured some of the components of the Post-Yolanda Support for Safer Homes and Settlements Project: shelter construction, infrastructure support, and capacity-building of local artisans and communities.) Photo: Blue Motus.
The UN Habitat Booth featured some of the components of the Post-Yolanda Support for Safer Homes and Settlements Project: shelter construction, infrastructure support, and capacity-building of local artisans and communities.) Photo: Blue Motus.
Documentation & Reporting Officer Beryl dela Cruz explains the structural framework of the UN-Habitat corehouse which will be built in various parts of Estancia, Panay, Pontevedra, and Roxas City.) Photo: Blue Motus.
Documentation & Reporting Officer Beryl dela Cruz explains the structural framework of the UN-Habitat corehouse which will be built in various parts of Estancia, Panay, Pontevedra, and Roxas City.) Photo: Blue Motus.
Nine months have passed since the super typhoon Yolanda laid waste to Panay Island and the road to full recovery seems long and for some, bleak. Yet, it is paved with hope, thanks to the legion of humanitarian heroes who come together to tirelessly help the afflicted. The World Humanitarian Day aims to inspire more people helping people and UN Habitat echoes this call. Photo: UN-Habitat/B. dela Cruz.
Nine months have passed since the super typhoon Yolanda laid waste to Panay Island and the road to full recovery seems long and for some, bleak. Yet, it is paved with hope, thanks to the legion of humanitarian heroes who come together to tirelessly help the afflicted. The World Humanitarian Day aims to inspire more people helping people and UN Habitat echoes this call.
Photo: UN-Habitat/B. dela Cruz.
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