Highlights
Using IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), a tool to track displacement, the IOM Office in Cotabato conducted an assessment mission on 17 September to identify the most pressing needs of the internally displaced persons (IDPs). The assessment was shared and discussed with local government partners. The most urgent needs identified are: upgrades of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, the provision of non-food items, emergency shelter assistance, protection and health support.
Working since the onset of the military and paramilitary attacks, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the local government unit (LGUs) of Tandag, have provided household kits such as jerry cans, blankets and sleeping mats.
These household kits are supporting the IDPs to improve their current living conditions while residing inside evacuation sites.Supporting the efforts of the Government of the Philippines and the Mindanao Humanitarian Team, IOM can provide additional non-food items as well as conduct upgrades in the evacuation sites, including the construction of cooking and kitchen counters and latrines. As co-chair of the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) cluster, IOM can also build the capacities of IDP leaders and LGU partners on humanitarian response during natural and human-made emergencies.